We're going to the chapel and we're gonna get married . . .

Summer is just around the corner, which means that it's Wedding Season.

Some basic rules for wedding dressing:

Choose a dress or suit that is appropriate for the time of day and the venue. Once upon a time, the rule was that any wedding that started after 5:00 was a black tie function, which meant tuxedos for the men and evening gowns for the women. These days, the after five wedding is still a dressier event but does not call for a full-length gown. Men should wear suits and women should opt for cocktail dresses with heels. Black dresses are fine for evening weddings; think about pairing your basic black dress with some stand-out jewelry or beautifully colored shoes or a bright wrap.

Carmen Mark Valvo Stripe Silk Party Dress, $340.00

Daytime weddings are more casual, but because this is a wedding you should always err on the side of more dressed up rather than less (for example, a dress or suit is dressier than a skirt and blouse). Choose a dress in a daytime fabric (cotton voile, for example, or silk) and a festive, feminine silhouette. For cooler weather add a shawl or cardigan. Feel free to wear strappy sandals or open-toed pumps, and don't worry about stockings. But please, pedicure first. I'm begging you.

While many of the rules of wedding etiquette and attire have loosened up over the years, it is still not acceptable to wear an all-white dress or suit to someone else's wedding. Even if you KNOW that the bride is not wearing white, don't do it; it's just not good form.

Wedding #1: Daytime
Becca is going to an afternoon wedding in Southern California in July. She's looking for something appropriate but not too dressy. Becca is petite (5'2") and may very well be on crutches for the wedding.

Becca wants to look for something with flair in a nice daytime fabric (cotton or silk, for example). She should steer clear of dark colors, because this is a day wedding; if she chooses to go with something brighter, she should keep her accessories simple. Becca can add a lightweight cardigan or shawl to any of these dresses if the weather is cool.

BCBG Max Azria embroidered cotton voile dress, $260.00
Yes, this is a white dress, but the embroidery keeps it from being too bridal looking. Pair with bright shoes and a colorful shawl or sweater and it's perfect for a morning or afternoon wedding.

Calvin Klein swiss dot dress, $138.00 Not white! Aloe! The simple color and fabric of this dress are balanced by the more elaborate sash and the full skirt. Again, pair with colorful accessories. Also available in brown.

Single Dress Kimono Dress, $268.00

Proving that the day dress doesn't have to be utilitarian: this beautiful kimono is sexy and chic. If you're really brave (and really tall) you could also wear this over jeans or leggings for an evening out with friends. For the wedding, however, wear simple black or taupe pumps, or even knee-high black boots and bare legs or fishnet stockings.

Wedding #2: Evening
Amanda is going to a 7:00 pm wedding in Charlotte, NC, this summer; it will be a more traditional, sedate affair. Amanda wants a dress that is sophisticated without being dowdy, but she wants to steer clear of anything that looks too much like a bridesmaid's dress. Because this wedding is an evening function, she can look for dressier details, like beading and lace. She should also choose a shoe with a heel, and a small, dressy bag.

Bari Jay Taffeta Bubble Dress, $138.00

This is a modern take on the classic little black dress; the empire waist and bubble hem give it a funky, of-the-moment look. This is a great dress for girls with smaller chests; the ruching across the top creates the illusion of cleavage where there is none (or just not much).

Bari Jay Iridescent Taffeta Dress, $148.00 (also available in golden brown)

I love the neckline on this dress, particularly for curvier figures, and brown is such a great alternative to black (this peachy color, while beautiful, could look like a bridesmaid's dress, so be cautious). Pair with fishnet or seamed stockings and some pointy-toed pumps for a look that is conventional but sexy.

Adrianna Papell Bead Border Party Dress, $168.00

Adrianna Papell is my new favorite line for cocktail wear. The prices are right and the fabrics and colors and cuts are fantastic. I love the beading on this dress, and the high, wide waist helps create an hourglass figure.

JS Boutique Beaded Mesh Dress, $138.00

This is a slightly younger twist on the Adrianna Papell dress; the mesh overlay is light and swingy, and is balanced by the beaded top. Pair this with metallic pumps and a bag with a light metallic sheen. And yes, it's brown not black, which is, again, a nice twist on the LBD.

All the dresses pictured here (and hundreds more) are available at Nordstrom.

Susan Wagner writes about fashion at Friday Style and about everything else at Friday Playdate.