What to Wear to a Christening, Ruby or Golden Wedding Anniversary
Christenings, naming days and wedding anniversaries are some of the loveliest family occasions of all. They're joyful, often in a church or a beautiful venue, with lots of photographs, so you want to look elegant without feeling over the top. Here's what I'd wear.
Christenings & naming days
What should I wear to a christening?
A christening is usually a daytime event, often in church followed by lunch or a garden party. Aim for smart and pretty, rather than evening glamour. Think of it as a step below a wedding.
- Length: knee, midi or ballerina length is perfect.
- Shoulders and arms: for a church service, choose a sleeve or bring a jacket or coat.
- Colours: soft blues, florals, pastels and pretty prints all feel right. Avoid all-white so you don't clash with the baby's gown.
- Comfort: you'll be holding babies, chasing toddlers and standing for photographs, so choose a dress you can move in.
My Suzannah in Pale Blue is a lovely choice, with a concealed button placket so there's no gaping when you're cuddling a baby, and a waist-cinching sash. For a print, the Blue Artist print is elegant and photographs beautifully.
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“Beautiful dress and material and packaged lovely for transport. When I put it on a hanger, no creases.”
For the family
What should a grandmother or godmother wear to a christening?
If you're the grandmother or godmother, you'll be in lots of the photographs, so choose something that feels special and makes you feel confident. A beautiful print brings a lovely softness to family pictures, and pockets are always useful for tissues and a dummy or two!
The Always Zip Pocket in Helena Rose has a fresh white ground with soft greens and pinks, and deep pockets. For a winter christening, add a swing coat like the Cliveden, which sits beautifully over a dress.
Forty years together
What should I wear for a ruby wedding anniversary?
A ruby wedding celebrates 40 years of marriage, and it's the perfect excuse to wear red. If you're the one celebrating, this is your moment, so wear something that makes you feel wonderful.
For an evening party, the Ruby Red Sequin Swing Dress is pure celebration. For a lunch or a smaller gathering, my Grace in Red Satin is elegant and timeless, and the Confident in Red Tahitian Rose is a joyful printed option.
If you're a guest, you don't need to wear red. Let the couple shine, and choose a complementary colour or a print with a touch of red in it.
Fifty golden years
What should I wear for a golden wedding anniversary?
A golden wedding marks 50 years, an extraordinary milestone. Gold, cream and champagne are the traditional colours, and brocade and sequins feel especially celebratory.
My Signature in Gold and Cream Brocade is one of my most-loved dresses for exactly these occasions. It has real presence without being flashy. The Confident Swing in Gold Brocade and the Coco in Gold Sequin are perfect for a party.
★★★★★
“It's been a long time since I've tried on a dress with the wow factor that this dress had, I felt like it fit me in all the right places. If you're in any doubt then book a try on with Katya, she knew instantly what would flatter my figure and was so welcoming.”
Deborah T.
Signature Gold Brocade Maxi Shirt Dress
And for 25 years
What about a silver wedding anniversary?
For a silver wedding (25 years), silver, grey, soft blue and ivory are all lovely. The Soft Silver Sequin Swing Gown is made for a big celebration.
My top tips
How do I look and feel my best at a family celebration?
- Choose a dress you can sit, eat, dance and hug in.
- A defined waist and a flattering sleeve always photograph beautifully.
- Bring a beautiful coat or wrap for church and outdoor photos.
- If you're the guest of honour, go for it. It's your day too.
Find your dress for the celebration
Come and try on dresses in my London showroom, or browse my eventwear online.
Book a visitShop eventwearLove, Katya x
Katya Wildman is a London fashion designer and former costume designer and stylist for television and the red carpet. For more than 20 years she has designed flattering occasion dresses for real women, made in London, and she welcomes customers to her showroom in Tottenham Hale to try on dresses in person.
