You love weddings. The unabashed romance (better them than you, eh?). The open bar. The hot groomsmen. The freedom to do the Electric Slide on the dance floor sans embarrassment. What you don't love, however, is the stressful process of figuring out what to wear to a wedding (well, that and being forced to line up with the bride's little cousins for the bouquet toss).

 

Unless you're a bridesmaid—in which case there's no getting out of that peach taffeta frock with matching parasol no matter how hard you try—the question of appropriate wedding-day apparel is a befuddling challenge that has just as much to do with etiquette as fashion. Black? Too mournful. Red? Only if you're planning to announce mid-ceremony that you've been shagging the groom. And white? Not if you aren't prepared to get a fistful of ivories courtesy of one very angry Bridezilla.

 

But take heart—Single Minded Women has compiled some helpful tips that'll make you the hottest gal at the single's table, without ruffling any feathers or upstaging the bride. Consult this before heading out for the 300 weddings you've been invited to this summer.

 

First, it's important to do some detective work. Is the wedding at night or during the day? How long will the festivities last, and what will they involve? Where will the ceremony be held? Obviously a two-hour Catholic church service will demand a different look (and more comfortable heels) than relaxed nuptials on the beach. The invite will usually indicate whether or not the ceremony is black tie, but ask around if you're wary of trying to read between the calligraphied lines.

 

One vital piece of information also worth digging up is the color of the bridesmaids' dresses. Whether they're donning “blush and bashful” gowns or sage green, you'll want to steer clear of anything similarly hued, lest some pushy wedding planner shoves you down the aisle.

 

Once you've got the who-what-where-when established, finding the right dress is really about picking something that's tasteful (save the boob-flashing for the bachelorette party) and flattering. We've rounded up some lovely looks suitable for a range of wedding day styles.

 

Hollywould Coral Leaf Elise Dress (top right): This pretty coral hue is muted enough to fall into the preferred pastel category, and the white leaf print is summery without being garish. A smooth and simple up-do and white strappy heels add a touch of refinement.

 

Ann Taylor Palm Print Charmeuse Dress (top left): Brighten up in this vibrant turquoise frock. Add an off-white pashmina shawl if a cool breeze comes your way.  

 

Diane von Furstenberg Hampton Ruffle Dress: Play up your playful side in this girly dress. You'll have no problem sashaying on the dance floor in this comfy frock.

 

Jones New York Stretch Satin Ruched-Waist Dress: This flirty but elegant rose-colored dress is tailored to curvier figures. Bonus: This style works for both young and not-so-young single gals.

 

 

Maggy London Cutaway Chiffon Dress (bottom left): Audrey Hepburn's got nothing on you in this gorgeous, flowy frock, which also comes in black and pink.

 

David Meister Link-Print Sheath Dress: This black and white print dress oozes sophistication.