Choosing Clothing to Suit the Style of Wedding
Weddings have come a long way from the traditional, staid affairs they once were. Don't misunderstand; there is nothing wrong with choosing an all traditional formal wedding. But these days, wedding styles have actually evolved to showcase the personal styles and preferences of the people who are getting married.
Wedding styles can be broadly classified into formal, semi formal and casual weddings. It has rightly been said that clothes make the man; in the case of weddings, the clothing chosen for the occasion dictates the style of the wedding. Here is an explanation of the kind of clothing that suits different wedding styles.
The bridal couple will decide on the style of the wedding and if it is going to be a formal wedding, the bride will generally wear a formal gown with a long train and veil. The groom will be attired in black tie or even a tuxedo. Guests will be informed in the invitation as to the type of attire to be worn. This is by way of the dress code instructions that state either formal or semiformal, smart casual or relaxed.
There are certain factors that the couple should consider when planning the wedding attire for themselves and their guests. If, for example, you are going to have a day wedding in the month of July and the reception outdoors, you cannot in all good conscience expect your guests to show up in formal black tie. The seasons and time of day when the wedding is held will wield considerable influence over the right clothing to be worn.
You will find the following review of dress codes for weddings quite useful.
A very handy guide to the kind of clothing you need to wear to match the wedding style is the invitation. It should inform you about the expected dress code. If, for whatever reason it doesn't don't worry! The kind of invitation itself that you receive is a good indicator – if the invitation is a very formal looking engraved black script with formal language on heavy paper, go with formal attire. On the other hand if the language is less formal and the quality of the paper not so very elegant, go with smart casual.
Next thing you need to consider is the venue. Outdoors in summer means no black at any cost. Forget modesty in favor of the practical and if you are hesitant, think about the wind factor. That will help you make up your mind. High heeled shoes are out if you have to walk on sand or grass. If the wedding reception is to be held indoors like a hotel or club, you need to choose something dressy, well tailored and smart.
For a daytime wedding, ladies should wear floral print dresses or smart skirt suits with good shoes. There are plenty of stylish skirts available in stores, which will work well for a wedding reception in the daytime. Find a matching top and accessories and you are set for the wedding. You could also wear a light colored suit and hat to compliment the outfit. For the guys, it is best to go with a light colored linen or seersucker suit.
Evening weddings are different and where daytime weddings tend to be a bit more casual, evening weddings are at least semi formal if not formal. You need to dress for the wedding as if to the theater or a formal dinner. Black is good for evening wear, so go with a classy dress suit or cocktail suit. Dark colors look sophisticated and beads and fancy bits are not done if it is a formal reception. Black tie for ladies means a floor length dress or formal gown if you have one. Accessorize with formal jewelry and bring that black beaded purse out of hibernation!
Men are generally best off choosing a black or dark suit with tie for formal settings. Tuxedos are good provided the wedding will be held after 6 in the evening. It is not the done thing to be seen wearing your tuxedo in the daytime.
Semi formal or casual weddings held in the evenings generally means slacks, tie and blazer or jacket.
It is better to dress up than down for weddings and honestly, just go and have yourself a great time!