One of our regular customers recently called seeking advice on proper wedding fashion, and it got us to thinking it might be helpful to offer some general “Dos and Don'ts” advice on that right outfit or style for that upcoming wedding event. It's not always easy to know, what with so many different kinds of wedding ceremonies these days, so we've tried to anticipate a few for you, along with general tips. Let's start with Her Outfit.
Informal daytime affairs call for a short dress or suit, and we consider business attire as being quite acceptable for a morning wedding. When the informal affair moves to the evening, though, go with a cocktail dress.
Semi-formal daytime ceremonies, also, call for a short dress or suit. Again, business attire works for the semi-formal daytimers, too. In the evening, a semi-formal would call for a cocktail dress.
Formal daytime weddings turn attire up a notch, with a suit called for, along with the options of hats and gloves. However, be sure to take gloves off for the meal. For the formal evening gathering, though, go with a long (or a very dressy short) cocktail dress, and pull out the beading, glamour accessories and a wrap. The Ultra Formal calls for a long gown and extra glitz, such as furs and diamonds.
Avoid white, because it competes with the bride. Avoid black and sequins during the daytime, too. Don't fret, though, about wearing the same colors as bridesmaids or mothers, because it's impossible to coordinate with everyone.
Basically, just be smart, and respectful of your hosts. You can't hurt yourself wearing something feminine - - although overtly sexy clothing really doesn't belong at a wedding. If the invitation doesn't specify the event's formality, a pastel suit or soft floral dress for daytime, and basic black for evening, will always be safe, and classy.
Let's move on to men, although the same basic rules of common sense and good judgment will go a long way to being correct and safe. A dress shirt, freshly pressed, dress slacks and a sports jacket work well for informal daytime weddings. Otherwise, a suit and tie is never the wrong outfit - - until you get to the Formal Evening ceremony, where a tuxedo is required attire. For an Ultra-Formal or white tie event, that tuxedo will need a white tie, cumberbund, and vest.
With that tuxedo, don't get cute or fancy, though. A black tux, black bow tie and white shirt is never wrong. If the invitation is silent as to the degree of formality, though, two things: don't wear a tuxedo for a day time wedding; and, a dark suit and tie won't ever be out of place.
Finally, please remember it's a wedding, a day of joy and optimism and good cheer. So, offer your congratulations to the bride and groom, and have yourself a good time.