Small Talk Starters for Weddings to Connect with Guests

Clothing Information: Zera “Zoe Swing Dress”; Shoes: Old Favourites
Dress: Zera “Zoe Swing Dress”; Shoes & Bags: Old Favourites

Wedding season is officially here!
With the first buds blooming and the #WisteriaWonder hashtag trending on social media, you know it’s only a matter of time before you’re packing your bags for the wedding festivities.

I absolutely love attending weddings (who doesn’t?) ), and I’m so excited to be working with Zera to share my perspective on wedding guest fashion and give some topics to help you get through your important day.

And good news! Zera is currently hosting a 20% off sale. Enter promo code: 20SPRING at checkout to receive 20% off. This glamorous poppy red “Zoe” dress just got a whole lot more irresistible!

Small talk: the secret weapon at weddings
At a wedding, small talk really is your best weapon – it helps you connect with the people around you and makes the celebration even more memorable.

Read on for my tips on wedding attire and starting conversations to keep the good vibes going all day long.

Wedding Attire

Let’s start with the first big question: what to wear to your wedding?
When your wedding invitations (either in your mailbox or in your inbox) arrive in the mail, your first thought may be to rummage through your closet and realize you have to buy some new clothes.

To be honest, I couldn’t agree more with this approach! Even though I have a few versatile pieces that I can use for a variety of occasions, I still like to buy myself a new outfit for special occasions. That dress will instantly remind me of that day and all the happy times.

That red dress? Every time I wear it, I’m reminded of the laughter at that wedding.

Here are a few simple guidelines to keep in mind when choosing your outfit:

  • Consider the setting: will the wedding be outdoors or indoors? Will it be warm or cool? Choose the appropriate attire for the setting.
  • Avoid white: Unless the bride requests otherwise, save the white dress for another time.
  • Comfort first: Beauty and comfort go hand in hand. Choose a dress that you would like to wear all day.
  • Choose something formal: It’s better than dressing too casually.
  • Play with color: Bright colors bring out the festive spirit of the holidays.

For me, this Zoe Swing Dress from Zera ticks all the boxes. I love the bright coral red color, it’s very flattering. The swing shape is fun, playful and comfortable. Plus, it easily transitions from ceremony to dinner and prom without a hitch.

If you would like more advice on how to pick the perfect outfit for every occasion, then this article may be helpful.

5 Things to Talk About at a Wedding

Once you’ve picked the perfect outfit, you’ll need to master the art of small talk at weddings.
Some people can walk into a room full of strangers and instantly feel at home – like Ollie, who was born with this talent. As a stylist, he’s used to chatting with people on a daily basis, which makes him a master of socializing.

Out of curiosity about his secret, I asked Ollie for tips on how to open a wedding with my own advice. Here are the top five tips you can try:

  1. How do you know the couple?
    This is the most natural icebreaker topic at a wedding. You already have something in common: the bride or groom. Asking them how they met the couple is a great entry point. For example, if they mention that they met the bride in college, then you have many follow-up questions to continue the conversation. It’s simple!

  2. Compliments.
    One of Ollie’s most common techniques is to compliment the other person immediately. He’s good at picking up on the little details, and I’ve found that when someone compliments me, I immediately feel at ease. You can do the same! Find out what impressed you about their dress code or appearance – compliments can go a long way to building rapport.

  3. Ask about their favorite part of the wedding
    Everyone has their favorite part of the wedding. Whether it’s the ceremony, the cake or the dancing, asking each other what their favorite is can spark a lively conversation.

  4. Talk about the wedding venue
    Weddings are usually held in beautiful or unique locations. If the venue is special, ask each other what they think of the location. This may spark a pleasant conversation about a trip, experience or shared memories.

  5. Comment on the atmosphere
    Is it a relaxed atmosphere or more formal? Does the celebration have an interesting theme or unique highlights? Complimenting the atmosphere can make it feel like your hearts are in the right place, especially if it’s a special wedding with unique elements.

With these topics in mind, you’ll be able to fully enjoy every moment of your wedding and make new friends!

Greeting Tips for Weddings and Special Occasions
Written by Monica

Attending a wedding or any special event can be a little nerve-wracking, especially if you don’t know anyone. But don’t worry! Small talk is the perfect way to break the ice and start a really enjoyable conversation. Here are some tips to help you tackle social situations with confidence, whether you’re at a wedding or any other occasion.

1 – Start with a compliment

Compliments are a great way to start a conversation. A simple but sincere compliment can spark a full-blown discussion. For example, “I love your shoes!” might turn into, “That’s a beautiful color, where did you get them?”

Complimenting someone on their appearance or attire, especially if they are well dressed to match the occasion, can create a positive atmosphere. It shows appreciation, makes the other person feel good, and naturally promotes conversation.

2 – Find common ground

It’s much easier to make a connection when you have something in common. If you have common interests, then the conversation will flow easily. Here are some fun questions to ask:

  • “Are you planning a trip this year? Any places you’d like to visit?”
  • “I’m always looking for Netflix recommendations. Have you seen any good movies lately?”
  • “How many weddings are you planning on attending this year?”

By talking about topics you’re both interested in, you can set the stage for a deeper, more meaningful conversation.

3 – Ask about the other person’s background

Learning about a person’s history can be very interesting, and asking about their background is a great way to get to know them. A simple question is, “Where did you grow up?” This can open the door to great stories about their upbringing. It’s a simple but effective way to deepen the conversation.

4 – Use open-ended questions

Open-ended questions can work wonders when it comes to small talk. Instead of asking “Do you like your job?” instead of asking “Do you like your job?”, ask “What is your favorite thing about your job?” This encourages a more detailed answer and keeps the conversation going.

Open-ended questions encourage people to share their thoughts and experiences, which is key to establishing natural, two-way communication.

5 – The power of a smile and a drink

The power of a smile is endless! Whether you are a guest at a wedding or attending another event, a smile makes you approachable and friendly. When paired with a drink in your hand (to help ease awkward hand positions), you’ll be even more relaxed in social situations.

At a wedding, you may find that many of your guests don’t know each other either, so don’t be shy! With a big smile, a thoughtful compliment and an openness to conversation, you’ll soon be chatting away with guests at your table.


So, what are your thoughts on small talk at weddings and other occasions? Do you have any advice you’d like to share? What would you wear to a wedding?

Check out Zera’s collection of wedding guest dresses, they are perfect for any occasion. Styles to suit everyone and make you feel confident and beautiful all day long.

Love, Monica

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