Where to save and where to splurge..
more by acharlestonbride
Engraved champagne flutes
Inviting before invites...
more in Etiquette
HELP, potential bm situation that could ruin our friendship...
When to send out
more in Boards
What to wear with this dress?!

Wedding attire etiquette

posted 1 year ago in Etiquette
  •  
    1.
    Member
    36 posts
    Newbee
    acharlestonbride    March 25, 2011   Washington, DC

    Hi ladies! Happy Friday! I have a question/favor. I'm writing an article [more a how to] on what to wear to weddings. What are some big suggestions some of you can offer? I've got the don't wear white, but am kind of stuck on a few more. It'll be featured on the site! Just let me know if anyone has any good tips!

     
    2.
    Member Icon
    Member
    344 posts
    Helper bee
    Misstnt    October 9, 2010   WI

    Don't dress like the BMs!

     
    3.
    Member
    2,684 posts
    Sugar bee
    Goldilocks1107    September 2010   Madison, WI

    If the invitation doesn't specify a "casual" dress code - leave the jeans and t-shirts at home!

     
    4.
    Member
    3,625 posts
    Sugar bee
    stephinPA    October 29, 2010   Reading, PA

    Don't dress like you're going to a club...or walking a beat!

    Make sure the girls aren't hanging out!

     
    5.
    Member
    4,376 posts
    Honey bee
    LGenz    May 21, 2011   New Jersey, Wedding in Clearwater, FL

    The best way to guarantee you won't look like a BM is to wear a print. I also avoid wearing black, a colorful guest makes for more vibrant pictures

     
    6.
    Member
    1,992 posts
    Buzzing bee
    Moose1209       Nashville, TN

    I disagree on avoiding black at weddings.  For a formal evening wedding it's often your best bet.  I would say people need to really focus on what's appropriate for the time and setting of the specific wedding, rather than just picking out a dress that they like to wear.

     
    7.
    Member
    6,094 posts
    Bee Keeper
    Future Mrs. Martin    August 21, 2010   London Ontario Canada
    • Another way to avoid dressing in the same colour as a BM - use the invitation as a guide. The colour scheme of the invite 'usually' has the BM dress colour in it!
    • Feel free to wear black to an evening wedding as long as it isn't against the bride and grooms culture.
    • Wear a tea length or cocktail length dress unless the invite states "Black tie or Black tie preferred" this will prevent you from looking more formal than the wedding party.
    • Bring a pashmina or bolero just in case it is respectable in the bride and grooms church to have your shoulders covered.

     

     
    8.
    Member Icon
    Member
    529 posts
    Busy bee
    laural    September 24, 2011   Louisiana

    I see nothing wrong with wearing black either!

    If you know that the wedding or the reception will be outdoors go prepared! A nice wrap or cardigan can make a huge difference if the weather is cooler. Likewise if it is extremely warm do not wear fabrics that are heavy and don't breathe. Also a garden wedding is not the time to break out your stilletos.

     

     

     
    9.
    Member
    4,376 posts
    Honey bee
    LGenz    May 21, 2011   New Jersey, Wedding in Clearwater, FL

    For the record I didn't say there was anything "wrong" with wearing black. I personally think its everyones fall back color because its easy and I try to avoid it.

     
    10.
    Member Icon
    Member
    709 posts
    Busy bee
    magilnyc    January 8, 2011   New York

    I say that if the invite does not say casual, and it is not on the beach, guys should wear a suit.

    I also think you need to dress appropriately for the ceremony. I was at a wedding this weekend where people wore shorts and flip flops to the daytime church ceremony and I guess changed for the formal reception. I thought it was pretty disrespectful.

     
    11.
    Member Icon
    Member
    126 posts
    Blushing bee
    Mrs. Alias    October 24, 2009  

    I say as a female wedding guest, always have a flattering cocktail dress in a neutral color handy, just in case. Consider the season and formality of the invitation, if the dress code isn't indicated then go with your cocktail dress. A cocktail dress in a dark color can also pass for black-tie events if need be.

    For men, if a dress code isn't indicated wear some kind of suit and tie or at least jacket and tie. If it's summer time, it can be a light colored suit.

    If the dress code says "Casual" or "Beach Casual" I would still wear maybe a less formal cocktail dress. I honestly don't think you can ever be too dressy for a wedding.

     
    12.
    2,766 posts
    Sugar bee
    clarebee    August 21, 2010   Vienna, VA (wedding in Greensboro, GA)

    -no flip flops
    -no hats (men)
    -no overly revealing clothing!!!
    -no jeans, t-shirts
    -shirt and tie AT LEAST for men - preferably suit unless otherwise stated
    -something age appropriate

     
    13.
    Member
    5,514 posts
    Bee Keeper
    oracle    October 23, 2010   Los Angeles

    For men:  wear a suit and tie

    For ladies: wear a fancy dress and shoes

    Look like you put some thought into your outfit and didn't just pull out the first think you saw in your closet that day!

     
    14.
    Member
    3,706 posts
    Sugar bee
    7SEVENJ9    September 25, 2010  

    I wore black to an evening wedding last year... and it turned out to be the bridesmaid color!!?!!? The invitations were pink and silver, the groomsmen were wearing a silver vest and tie, so I assumed the ladies would be in pink... Yikes!

     
    15.
    Member
    216 posts
    Helper bee
    jimbert321    September 10, 2011   Southwestern Ontario

    I would say even if the wedding attire was listed as casual jeans and t-shirt's aren't acceptable. And don't show up looking like a stripper, a dress that looks like a tube top is never appropriate...

     
    16.
    Member
    472 posts
    Helper bee
    msqthoney    April 10, 2010   Los Angeles, California
    • Since almost all of us live in multicultural communities, try to research the couple's background and mind certain rules that their culture might adhere to.  If in doubt, ask the bride, the MOH, the bridesmaid... 
    • Don't dress like a bridesmaid, nor let your SO wear the same tie color as the groomsmen.
    • Even if the invitation says casual, jeans are never acceptable.
    • Yes, don't wear white (and there's always somebody that does!)  -- and that includes ivory, light beige, very light pink that might pass as white in photos, etc.
    • Don't dress the same way as you would going to a club.  Yes, there is such a thing as too sexy.  And it's not good when you are going to a wedding.
     
    17.
    Member Icon
    2,051 posts
    Buzzing bee
    babyboo      

    Here is my biggest pet peeve when I look at wedding pictures (and some of you ladies have already kind of mentioned it):

    If it is chilly or outdoors, wear an appropriately formal coat or wrap! 

    Sorry, that Northface pullover doesn't look too cute with that cocktail dress and heels..

     
    18.
    Member
    3,044 posts
    Sugar bee
    camrie    September 5, 2010   Louisville

    Unless the dress code is black tie or cocktail I say wear what you'd wear to church on Easter Sunday. Men - dress pants and a collared or dress shirt minumum. Women in dresses.

     

    Reply

    You must log in to post.





    Visit our sister sites eHarmony
    Online Dating
    eHarmony Advice
    Dating Advice
    Project Wedding
    Wedding Songs
    JustMommies
    Pregnancy Calendar
    Copyright 2004-2012, Weddingbee.com
     

    Find your vendors on Weddingbee

    Real reviews from brides in your area!

    Favors by Weddingbee

    • Favors by season

    Shop Now ยป

    Find Registry Find Registry Find Registry

    More
    User Posts Today
    MissBoPeep 94
    ndreighton 62
    hisgoosiegirl 56
    beargoose 55
    Mrs.KMM 46
    akp0702 42
    BetterSherm 42
    Beckster329 37
    KCKnd2 37
    stardustintheeyes 36

    Etiquette

    User Posts Today
    violet25 18
    stardustintheeyes 12
    BetterSherm 11
    mainejen 8
    rebwana 7
    mags2233 6
    MsPoodles 6
    strawbs 6
    les105 5
    Beckster329 5
    More