Evening Wedding Attire Etiquette
Whether you've been invited to or are having a wedding that will take place in the evening, it's important to be aware of the etiquette associated with such an event. Part of adhering to the etiquette rules for an evening wedding is knowing what to wear; using specific courtesies will help you to look your best at the ceremony and reception. Does this Spark an idea?
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Formal Attire for Men
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If the evening wedding is especially formal, or will be a black tie event, it is appropriate to wear a tuxedo. The tuxedo should be accompanied by a black bow tie and cummerbund--it is not proper etiquette to wear a tie and cummerbund in the wedding color(s), as these will probably be worn by the groomsmen.
Formal Attire for Women
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A formal, full-length gown is ideal for women who are attending an evening wedding. The lines of the gown should be simple and clean, and the dress should not be extremely form-fitting, so as not to upstage the bride on her special day. The accents of the dress should be modest as well, so things like multi-colored sequins or pearl-lined collars should be avoided. The color of the dress should complement the skin color and undertones of the woman wearing the dress, so that the outfit will not attract unwanted attention.
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Semi-formal Attire
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Guests at semi-formal weddings should dress slightly less formally than they would for a black tie event. A tuxedo is not necessary for a semi-formal wedding, but men should wear a well-tailored suit in a dark color such as black or navy blue. Cocktail dresses are appropriate for women to wear to a semi-formal evening wedding--the dress should fall at least below the knee.
Bridal Party
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The bridal party will be dressed in the attire that the bride and groom have chosen; bridesmaids will likely be dressed in full-length gowns in one of the wedding colors, and the groomsmen will wear ties and cummerbunds with their tuxedos in the same colors as the bridesmaids' dresses, or in the alternating wedding color. The hostesses can wear dresses that are slightly different from the bridesmaids' in length or color, and male ushers can be dressed in the same outfit as the groomsmen.
The Bride and Groom
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The bride's dress will have a significantly long train for an evening wedding. If the bride chooses to wear a veil, this is full-length as well. Gloves, usually in satin, are worn by the bride to cover her arms, but it is also appropriate to wear a long-sleeved wedding dress. The groom can wear a tuxedo, or a white waistcoat and white bow tie--if the groom wants to be especially formal, he can wear white gloves and a top hat.
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References
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