A Ranch Resort
Ceremony, cocktails, dinner
Five o'clock
Fabulous but fun, this floor-length racerback silk dress—paired with a cashmere wrap to combat the night air and comfy flats for the pebbly terrain-has an easy elegance that's at home on the range. Dress, about $368, Ella Moss Black Label, neimanmarcus.com. Wrap, White + Warren, whiteandwarren.com. Necklace, Rachel Leigh, rachelleigh.com. Bangles, Amrita Singh, shopamritasingh.com. Sandals, Ann Taylor LOFT, anntaylorloft.com.
The Bride's Home
Ceremony and backyard barbecue
One o'clock
Get dressed to grill: A colorful cotton shift in an eye-popping pattern looks as cool as it feels; low, strappy sandals and a sweet wicker clutch are picnic-perfect accessories. Dress, about $228, Trina Turk, 212-206-7383. Clutch, Kate Spade, katespade.com.
Wedding Mass
Two o'clock
An Elegant Banquet Hall
Buffet reception
Five o'clock
With timing this staggered, versatility is vital. A ladylike cocktail dress (paired with high-heeled slingbacks) and a small, soft bag look demure in church but shimmer after dark. About $305, Plenty Frock by Tracy Reese, anthropologie.com. Gold chain handbag, Lorelei, loreleinyc.com. Bracelet, Inspired Silver.
A Trendy Hotel
Ceremony and brunch
Noon
Sophisticated but fun, this ensemble—bib-front cotton tunic frock, graphic purse, sandals with flower power—stands up to the most chichi surroundings. Dress, about $220, BCBG Max Azria, bcbg.com. Clutch, Lambertson Truex, 212-750-4895. Sandals, Giuseppe Zanotti Design, myglassslipper.com.
A Downtown Loft
Ceremony and black-tie dinner
Seven o'clock
When your trendiest friends throw a blowout in a sleek space, rise to the occasion with a fashion-foward bubble dress; sparkly detailing at the neckline means you don't have to fuss with jewelry. Dress, about $650, Badgley Mischka Platinum, saksfifthavenue.com. Clutch, Badgley Mischka, badgleymischka.com. Shoes, Hollywould, hollywould.com.
A Tropical Resort
Ceremony and poolside tapas party
Six o'clock
There's no better excuse to go bright than an island wedding: This floaty silk floral number, paired with a gold-tone clutch (we also suggest gold sandals), is glam and easy to pack. About $460, Nanette Lepore, 212-219-8365. Metallic clutch, Jalda, jaldastyle.com. Bracelet, Inspired Silver.
A Grand Cathedral
Nuptial High Mass
Six o'clock
A Big-City Ballroom
Black-tie reception
Eight o'clock
Almost everyone is bound to wear black for such an elegant urban wedding, so stand out in a long jewel-toned silk stunner set off with a feather jacket, a statement necklace and silver stilettos. Dress, about $175, Banana Republic, bananarepublic.com. Jacket, Cassin, 212-564-0946. Necklace, Roberta Chiarella, robertachiarella.com.
A Golf & Tennis Club
Ceremony, dinner, dancing
Six o'clock
This ruffled knit works in lots of swanky settings—and looks great on the dance floor. To let the dress dominate, pick pared-down accessories like a mini snakeskin clutch and strappy heels. Dress, about $280, BCBG Max Azria, bcbg.com. Clutch, Lambertson True, 212-750-4895. Shoes, Stuart Weitzman, stuartweitzman.com.
