How to Dress for a Formal Southern Wedding

Southern weddings are often big, formal affairs, and deciding what to wear can be tricky. Some families go all out with long gowns and tuxedos, while others prefer cocktail dresses and suits. There's no doubt the bride will look like a princess, but what about everybody else?

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Take your first cue from the invitation. If it is the traditional back script on heavy cream paper and starts with the words, "The honour of your presence," then chances are the wedding will be just as traditional and formal.
2. Get more clues from the wedding location. A church ceremony followed by a reception at the country club is practically a southern tradition. This type of wedding is always dressy.
3. Delve into the bride's family background. Many old money southern families give formal black-tie, evening weddings for their daughters. Female guests wear cocktail dresses and male guests wear tuxedos. Expect the mother-of-the-bride and the mother-of-the-groom to be in floor-length dresses for any time of day.
4. Call another guest who knows the family well. She may be able to give you good guidance about what to wear. If all else fails, call the bride's mother.
5. Choose black without hesitation for a formal wedding, particularly in the evening. There is no longer a superstition surrounding it, and black always looks elegant and chic. But stay away from white. In the south, that's still the bride's color.
6. Err on the conservative side. You're not likely to see revealing or overly sexy clothing at a formal southern wedding.
7. Fall back on a classic if you're still unsure. With the right accessories, your little black dress is appropriate for just about any formal wedding setting.