Having attended my share of weddings in the last several years, I don’t believe in strict rules for the big day (gift or money? pay attention to speeches or stay glued to the bar?)—but when it comes to attire, I have a few thoughts.

Here are my top 3 wedding day no-no’s:

1) Don’t wear your skankiest dress
This should be reserved for the bachelorette (or your next Saturday night) but not for a wedding. Do you really want to be chatting with you creepy uncle showing this much cleavage?

Sarah Owen (sister) arrives at Lily Allen's wedding

2) Avoid white
No matter how informal the ‘do, skip that white frock you’ve been dying to wear. It’s the brides day and this colour should be reserved solely for her.

Pippa Middleton in ivory bridesmaid dress at Royal Wedding

3) Do as you’re told
If the bride and groom have a request—from nutty themed weddings to wearing a formal hat, do it. It may not be your favourite idea, but it is clearly an important part of their planning. If you’re not interested, politely decline the invite.

The PM's wife, Sarah Cameron arrives at the Royal Wedding sans hat

If you’re on the hunt for cute (and affordable!) cocktail dresses, check out a few of our favs here.