Proper Attire for a Wedding

Finding an appropriate outfit for a wedding can be a tricky task.

Putting Thought into Your Wedding Attire

More often than not, a bride and groom have put months of planning into their wedding. As a guest, it's respectful to be thoughtful not just about the gift you buy and card you write, but also about the outfit you wear.

Afternoon Weddings

Before choosing an outfit, it is important to note the time and location of the wedding. Unless otherwise specified, it is never acceptable to wear jeans to a wedding. Even casual attire is dressy to a degree. If the reception is before 5:00 pm, women should wear a sundress or pant suit. Light fabrics such as cotton and silk are ideal for warm weather, whereas wool and cashmere are meant for the colder seasons. Men can wear khaki or linen pants with a button down shirt. If the wedding is black tie, it will more than likely be specified on the invitation. Black tie means tuxedos for the men and gowns or fancy cocktail dresses for the women.

Evening Weddings

If the reception is after 5:00 pm, women should wear cocktail dresses. They can be long or short, but they should be dressier than sundresses (certain fabrics, such as silk, are dressier than others, such as cotton). Dressy heels are also recommended. For evening weddings, men should wear a jacket and tie.

Location of Reception

The location of the reception is another important factor in determining what to wear to a wedding. An outside location, such as a beach or golf course, calls for less formal attire. A location such as a hotel or country club indicates a dressy occasion.

References

• Fashion For Real Women
• Men's Flair