WE are finally approaching that time of year where we can brave the great outdoors without a winter coat.

My fingers may still be crossed but I think I have worn my trusty, fur-hooded parka for the last time - until the cold weather returns post-September (not long then).

And as the summer jacket season returns, so too do the favourite months among bride and husbands-to-be.

Yes the wedding months are almost on our doorstep and going hand in hand is the inevitable fraught search for that perfect dress and shoe combo.

We all acknowledge it is the bride's big day and as such she shall be the ceremonial centre of attention, but we are the centre of our world and so the pressure is on for what is the closest we will get to featuring in the likes of London Fashion Week.

Summer weddings for us females isn't about flicking through magazine pages to see how long Amal Clooney's train was, how puffy Kim Sears' gown was, or how surprisingly modest Kim Kardashian turned out, but it is about the fight for the best dressed guest.

I think one of the main duties as a guest is to never arrive in white, or any kind of off-white - although many people seem to disagree by donning exactly that.

If it's the traditional proceedings the shopping world is your oyster and it's no great pain to stray into colours.

Similarly, if it's a sunny day you don't want to be the only one absorbing all that heat in funeral-black.

Opt for a 50s inspired A-line, floral prom dress with a wide boat neckline at £85 from online retailer ASOS.

This mid-length number is ideal for those al fresco gatherings, and with a vibrant colour pallette purples and pinks there is no risk of treading on any bridal toes.

Match with delicate heeled sandals or why not pick out a colour and go for a bold peep toe?

Or make an entrance in an embroidered peacock blue dress with pretty pleats from Oasis at £80.

This flowing number is sexy, sophisticated and playful.

Let it to the talking with nude heels.