Wedding Guest Outfits
From LoveToKnow Weddings
Figuring out wedding guest outfits in today’s society can be difficult. Modern weddings pose a challenge for even the perceptive fashion diva or don, as standards are constantly changing for geographic locations and social circles.
Follow Wedding Cues
Even guests that are not involved in creating the bride and groom’s wedding planning checklist can follow cues provided by the couple. The first place to look for a cue would be the wedding invitation wording. How formal is the wording? Is there a notation on the bottom of the invite, such as black tie?
Secondly, consider the location of the wedding. Generally, a backyard wedding will be somewhat less formal than a wedding in a cathedral. Also, the geographic location of the couple hosting the wedding can factor in. A wedding hosted by relatives in Manhattan may have different social rules than one hosted in the Midwest. In this case, it may help to check with relatives about acceptable outfits.
The next thing to think about is the time of the wedding. Affairs that are more formal usually take place in the evening, while a morning or early afternoon wedding is usually semi-formal or even casual.
Finally, consider the couple themselves. Are the bride and the groom sticklers for etiquette? Have they ever mentioned their dreams for a wedding, like one with everyone barefoot in the backyard or a cocktail reception until the wee morning hours?
Guidelines for Wedding Guest Outfits
Wedding guests who are not steered in a particular direction by a wedding invitation can still dress appropriately for a wedding.
Men’s Outfits
Men can wear dress slacks, shirt, tie and jacket to many weddings and be considered appropriately dressed. Formal events might call for black tie attire, while a summer wedding in the park may call for garden party attire for men. Men will look smart and fashionable in a tan tuxedo at a formal beach wedding, while a printed silk shirt and khakis are excellent for a casual beach affair.
Women’s Outfits
Women need to make sure they are dressy and comfortable while attending a wedding. Wearing hosiery at informal weddings, especially in the summer, is optional. In the winter, a sharp Pashmina or bolero jacket will help keep shoulders warm in a shoulder baring dress.
To avoid looking like the bridal party, women should not wear white to a wedding. Wearing a previous bridesmaid dress is perfect for a formal or black-tie wedding. However, if the dress is similar in color to the wedding colors, choose a different dress. Wearing black to a wedding used to be a fashion faux pas, but today can end up being the most stunning evening dress.
Women often wonder what to wear to a beach wedding. A formal event calls for a special occasion dress, while a simple summer dress is usually fine for a casual wedding.
Children’s Attire
Children less than 10 years old can often dress less formally than adults can at a formal wedding. Couples and other guests understand that stiff jackets and itchy dresses can create fussy and upset children. Have children at weddings change from a formal suit or dress into more casual dress slacks and shirt or simple dress sheath for the reception, allowing them to dance and have fun.
Common Sense Clothing Tips
Dressing for a wedding can be a challenge. However, following some common sense clothing tips can help anyone find wedding guest outfits for any style of wedding.
- Avoid dressing like the bride, groom, or bridal party.
- Dress for the weather.
- Bring comfortable shoes.
- Have a second outfit as backup, in case of weather changes or spills, rips, and stuck zippers.
- Bring a travel iron to an out of town wedding if the hotel does not furnish one.
- Lint rollers, travel sewing kits, and stain remover wipes fit into a purse or pocket to help with clothing emergencies.
Discerning the proper wedding guest etiquette for outfits can be difficult. Speak with the couple’s bridesmaids, groomsmen, or immediate family members to get a sense of the formality of the wedding. When in doubt a good rule to follow is to wear clothes slightly dressier than originally intended. It is always better to be slightly overdressed than to show up at a wedding underdressed.
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This page has been accessed 4,108 times. This page was last modified 15:17, 7 January 2009.
© 2006-2009 LoveToKnow Corp.
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