Clothing Etiquette for a Wedding
The etiquette of wedding attire can be tricky; because weddings can range from elegant evening events to laid-back morning brunches, it can be difficult to decode invitation language and determine what clothing is suitable for the occasion. Fortunately, invitation phrases--such as "black tie," "semi-formal" and "casual"--can indicate the appropriate level of formality. Does this Spark an idea?
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The Bride and Groom
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The bride has a wide range of options when it comes to bridal attire, as her decisions will determine the appropriate attire for both bridal party and guests. Wedding dress choices are far more flexible than they once were. The bride should first consider factors--such as location--in her dress choice; appropriateness will vary if the event is in an outdoor garden or in a formal estate.
Time of day is also important in choosing a wedding dress; short dresses, for example, are more appropriate for morning or early afternoon weddings. A cathedral train reflects a more formal, evening event. The wedding dress should coordinate with the type of wedding taking place. Finally, if the ceremony is in a church or other house of worship, ask if the church has stipulations on attire; some churches ban strapless wedding dresses or mandate veils.
The groom's attire should reflect the formality of the bride's dress, although his choice is often simpler than hers, as a black tux is appropriate in almost all circumstances.
The Bridal Party
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The bridal party's attire is also usually chosen by the bride, although nowadays more brides are allowing their attendants to choose any dress they like, within certain parameters. The attendants' attire should reflect the formality of the bride and groom's attire; full-length bridesmaids dresses should only accompany a full-length wedding dress, for example.
Choosing the bridesmaids' dresses can lead to tension. The bride should be sensitive to the attendants' financial situations; if the bride is insistent on a dress too expensive for most of the bridal party, she should offer to make up the difference. The bride should also be careful to choose a style and color that will be universally flattering. Ultimately, however, these are her choices, and bridesmaids should defer to her wishes.
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Black Tie (and Variations)
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When the invitation says "Black Tie," it usually indicates an evening wedding, and the appropriate attire is extremely formal. Men should wear a tuxedo, with accompanying black bow tie and cummerbund. For women, a stylish cocktail dress or a long evening gown in a dark color is appropriate.
One formality level below black tie is "Formal" or "Black Tie Optional." In this situation, a tux is still appropriate for men, but it's not required. A dark suit and tie can be substituted. For women, the attire remains the same.
Semi-Formal
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"Semiformal" or "Dressy Casual" can be the most difficult formality to achieve. Mood can depend on time of day; darker colors are more appropriate for evening weddings, while light colors and fabrics are suitable for daytime and outdoor events. Men should wear a suit and tie, in dark or light colors based on season and time of day; women should wear a cocktail dress or a dressy skirt and top.
"Beach Formal" implies an elegant beach wedding. Dress nicely, but you should plan for sun and sand. Men should dress in a summer suit, linen pants or khakis, and sandals; women can dress in an elegant summer sundress and flat sandals, and natural makeup and hair are in order.
Casual Attire
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For "Casual," almost anything--excluding jeans, shorts, and tank tops, unless specifically stated--are appropriate. Men should dress in khakis, dress pants or Bermuda shorts, with a button-down shirt or polo. Summery sundresses--or a skirt or pants with a nice blouse--are appropriate for women.
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References
- Photo Credit Wedding bouquet the bride on background of wedding dress image by Aliaksandr Zabudzko from Fotolia.com
