I'm Attending 7 Weddings in 2022—This Is What I’m Wearing to Each One

From the "I dos" exchanged during the ceremony to the cake served at the reception, I’ve loved weddings for as long as I can remember. And while my invitations used to be tied to my parents', I’m officially at the age where everyone I know is getting married, and my fridge can’t seem to hold any more save-the-dates. With COVID halting many celebrations over the past few years, I’m now finding myself getting invited to more events than I ever have before. In fact, I'm attending seven weddings in 2022, each with a different theme, dress code, and aesthetic.

The catch, of course, is that I hate to wear the same formal dress twice. I feel like weddings are my chance to let my fashion personality shine, and since formal balls à la Bridgerton aren’t really a thing anymore, these ceremonies and receptions are the one opportunity to get my elegance on. The other catch, however, is that I’m not exactly made of money, so keeping my outfit budget low (we’re talking under-$200-per-look-and-less-if I can-help-it low) is essential.

Here’s what I’m wearing to all seven of my 2022 weddings.

The Classic Country Club Wedding

With my first celebration of 2022 being a traditional country club ballroom event in my Florida hometown, I figure this will be my most traditional wedding guest look. With a cocktail dress code and spring temperatures in the 80s, balancing the classic with the seasonal is essential. 

The Dress: Lulus Make a Move Black Satin Floral Jacquard Strapless Midi Dress

The metallic floral pattern of this Lulus midi has just the right amount of shine but isn’t your standard formal spring sundress. I love how the side slit keeps it from feeling too stuffy while the neckline means I won’t have to wear a bra—a true win for comfort and warm Florida nights. And since the dress is pretty busy on its own, I can keep the accessories minimal (and low cost) with some small studs and soft coral nail polish. 

The Beachy Brunch Wedding

My second wedding of 2022 is another springtime affair in Florida, and it just so happens to take place the week after my first wedding, but who am I to turn down free drinks and the chance to don another dress? Since this daytime Sunday event has more of a laid-back vibe (with a casual dress code), I want to be ultra-relaxed but still feel cute enough to capture the moment on my Instagram stories.

The Dress: STYLEWORD Women's V Neck Floral Spaghetti Strap

I love a classic, re-wearable sundress, especially when it’s on Amazon Prime and under $30. I figure the little knee-length number in a bright aqua hue will pair perfectly with a floppy sun hat, woven circular bag, and plenty of SPF 50. 

The Formal Ballroom Wedding

My first formal wedding of the year—and the first one outside of my home state of Florida—is pretty much your classic upscale wedding: It takes place in the evening, there’s a church ceremony and a hotel ballroom reception, and the dress code is "summertime formal," which means bright floor-length dresses and show-stopping accessories are all fair game. 

The Dress: Love and Beyond Marigold Maxi Dress

Since this is a summer wedding, a sleeveless halter gown will keep me cool and help me avoid any telltale sweat stains. In order to lean into the seasonal aesthetic, this bright yellow—which isn’t a standard wedding color—will totally fit the bill. Another halter perk: I don’t have to bother with a necklace and instead, can throw on some gold hoops and bangles I already own to make the yellow gown feel even cheerier. 

The Trendy Miami Wedding

One of my last warm-weather weddings involves a trip to Miami for a festive celebration. Since the bride’s family is from Puerto Rico, she wants an aesthetic that feels cultural, warm, and absolutely full of salsa dancing. The formal dress code encourages guests to embrace the Miami vibes and have fun with their fashion, so I set out to create a look conducive to Latin music shimmies. 

The Dress: Revelry Evie Midi Dress

I’ve loved Revelry gowns for years, and while the company typically caters to bridesmaids, most of their styles double as A-plus guest dresses. I knew I wanted a look that was covered in ruffles, but since Miami summers are as hot as they come, I didn’t want to deal with uncomfortable bra straps, shapewear, or accessories—all things that can be avoided with this rust-colored midi. 

The Innovative Modern Wedding

Heading into fall is one of the most exciting weddings I’ve ever been invited to, mostly because I have no idea what it entails. The industrial venue is modern and luxurious with a ton of exposed brick and unique shimmering accents (doesn’t everyone Google venues before attending events?!). And considering that the formal invitation tells guests to "expect the unexpected," I want a look that mirrors the eccentricity and mystery of the day.  

The Dress: Ieena For Mac Duggal One-Shoulder Long Sleeve Satin High/Low Gown

I had the hardest time finding a dress for this one-of-a-kind event, but when I came across this magnificent Mac Duggal gown, I had to have it, even if it would be my fashion splurge of the wedding season. The yellow-green hue and asymmetrical design are effortlessly unique and since the dress has so much going on, all I need is a pair of statement earrings to pull the entire ensemble together.

The Glitzy Castle Wedding

When one of my most glamorous friends said "yes," I knew her day would be especially fairytale-worthy even before she chose a castle venue and black-tie dress code. With floor-length dresses being a requirement and barefoot dancing against the venue rules, I knew I had to pull out all the stops—and best heel accessories— to shine at this special event. 

The Dress: Windsor Juliet Formal High Slit Dress

Satin has been huge these past few years, and I’m still firmly in the honeymoon phase with the luxe fabric. I didn’t want to overdo it this year, but a shimmering gown in a romantic hue just felt essential at a fairytale-inspired wedding. To elevate the look even more, I’ll incorporate a sparkling belt, shimmering drop earrings, and a faux fur coat to keep me warm in the cool fall breeze. You say extra, I say essential.

The Whimsical Holiday Wedding

The most wonderful time of the year calls for my only winter wedding and the last of my seven love-filled celebrations. The event, which takes place in a three-story event space outside of Los Angeles, promises seasonal treats, holiday tunes, and somehow even snow. For my final wedding, I want to turn heads while showcasing my festive spirit.

The Dress: Windsor Quinn Sequin Scroll Puff Sleeve Dress

Most people think red or gold when faced with a holiday dress code, but for me, green is always the best bet. Not only is it flattering on lots of skin tones, but fewer people wear it so it’s easier to stand out. This shimmering dark green gown paired with red earrings, lips, and nails will accomplish that Christmas ornament feel without looking too much like a costume. All that’s missing is a fluffy white shrug and a few flying reindeer.