Proper Guest Attire for a Late Afternoon Wedding

Late afternoon is a beautiful time of day for a wedding and can offer lots of options for guests' style of dress. If the invitation specifically asks for a certain attire, like evening dress, follow those guidelines. But if the wedding is at 2 p.m. or later and asks for no specific dress, then you have choices to make.

Men's Attire

If the wedding involves attending a religious ceremony in a church, temple or other religious venue, then consider wearing a sport coat and a tie. If the weather is cooler, wear whatever outerwear you need, but make sure you have the sport jacket with some nice slacks that you would wear to an office job or interview. If it's hot weather, pick a great shirt and slacks combination that is lighter in color and fabric. Summer weddings are the time for seersucker jackets in pastels with khakis or white slacks. Forgo the tie in the heat, but arrive wearing the jacket then take it off and you can keep it off, especially if the wedding is outdoors.

Women's Attire

Women have a lot of choices when it comes to a late afternoon wedding. Decide if you are going to go for a daytime look or a cocktail look. Since the wedding will cover both the late afternoon and flow into evening, you can adapt either look. If you want to go with the a daytime dress look, be sure to dress it up with great sandals and jewelry. For warmer weather, a dressy sundress can be perfect, just make sure it's not too slinky or revealing. Likewise, if you go with cocktail dress attire, dress your cocktail dress down with more casual shoes and jewelry. And make sure you don't wear stiletto heels to an outdoor wedding, since you'll be sticking your heels into the grass or dirt all day. Stick with a platform or a wider high heel. And, it can't be said too many times, do not wear white. Even if you know the bride is wearing cream or a nontraditional color, white is reserved for the bride only.

Children's Attire

Little boys can wear slacks, a shirt and jacket and tie, if they will keep them on. It is better to leave the jacket and tie off if they are going to take them off and leave them somewhere. Little girls can wear any kind of sun dress or party dress that suits them. Again, make sure footwear is practical for the venue.