What To Wear as A Wedding Planer

As a wedding planner, I have the unique challenge of needing to be on my feet, organized, and photo-ready at all times. Balancing functionality with style isn’t just a preference—it’s a necessity. Here’s how I navigate my wardrobe to handle everything from the frenzy of setting up to the final dance of the night.

Wedding Planner Attire Guide: Stylish Outfit Ideas for Every Event | Pins and Petals
Wedding Planner Attire Guide: Stylish Outfit Ideas for Every Event | Pins and Petals

The Strategy Behind the Style

For most weddings, black is my go-to color. It’s perfect for hiding sweat and dirt (let’s be real, event days can get messy!), and it helps me stand out just enough from the guests. However, wearing a black suit or dress isn’t always appropriate, especially for daytime events, outdoor celebrations in the heat, or more casual settings. For these, I opt for lighter colors and fabrics that still maintain a professional and stylish look

Dresses: My Go-To Closet Staple

I’m a dress person at heart, but the lack of pockets in most dresses can be a dealbreaker on busy days. For events where I can’t lug around my hip bag, I need reliable pockets for essentials like my phone and walkie-talkie. Sometimes, this practical need means choosing pants over a dress, which leads me to one of my wardrobe staples: J.Crew’s work pants. They’re perfect for pairing with a matching blazer when I need to kick my outfit up a notch.

Wedding Planner Attire Guide: Stylish Outfit Ideas for Every Event | Pins and Petals

Representing the Brand

It’s crucial that I represent the style and grace of the luxury weddings I plan. My outfit isn’t just clothing; it’s a reflection of my brand. If I can’t put together a stylish outfit, how can I be trusted to design an entire wedding? That’s why for high-end events, my wardrobe needs to scream luxury, competence, and meticulous attention to detail.

Casual Meetings and Social Events

When it’s time to dial down the formality, I love to have fun with my attire. One of my favorite pieces is a custom pearl denim jacket. It’s perfect for less formal client meetings or vendor negotiations, adding a touch of personality and flair that’s still very much on-brand.

Shoes: The Foundation of Every Outfit

No event day outfit is complete without the right footwear. I always have two pairs of shoes: flats for setup and teardown, and heels for the main event. Heels elevate the formality of my outfit and help me maintain a polished look throughout the day. But come the end of an event day, my feet are ready for a break – that’s why I always have a second pair on hand at all times.

Wedding Planner Attire Guide: Stylish Outfit Ideas for Every Event | Pins and Petals

The Shopping List

Okay, so now you have a little insight on how I pick my clothing. We are always aiming for elevated looks that are comfortable and are a good representation of my brand. So now, a little insight on some of my favorite places to shop. 

 

My wardrobe staples come from places like J.Crew, Banana Republic, Anthropologie, Madewell, and Aritzia. These brands offer the quality and style that meet my needs, and J.Crew’s sizing fits me perfectly without breaking the bank. (And this is a tip for my shorter friends, J.Crew’s petite sizing is perfect for me!) I occasionally find great basics at Target, especially when I can snag my size (00/xxs in petite).

A Few of My Favorite Things

Now onto the fun part, links! I love it when some hand me the link of where they bought something, it makes things so much easier. So, here are links to some of my favorite wardrobe pieces that keep me comfortable, stylish, and ready to tackle any wedding day challenges:

 

Dressing to Impress

And there you have it—a peek into my closet for wedding days and events! I know many of us in the wedding industry can find ourselves defaulting to black for its practicality. However, choosing attire that matches the vibe of the event not only feels more intentional but also adds an extra touch of luxury to the day. If you’re in the wedding business, I’d love to hear about your go-to outfits! Drop a comment below with your favorite looks—I’m always looking to expand my wardrobe and would love to get inspired by your choices!

Erin Rugala, owner, creative, and designer of Events by Pins and Petals. Full service, luxury event and wedding planner in the Bay Area.
Wedding Planner Attire Guide: Stylish Outfit Ideas for Every Event | Pins and Petals
1 thought on “What to Wear: A Wedding Planner’s Guide to Dressing for the Big Day
  1. How to Plan the Perfect Wedding: A Guide to Wedding PlanningMarch 25, 2025

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