WOW: Wedding Etiquette

While we are seeing some more casual dressing for weddings, a large percentage of people still choose to dress up.

Ladies:

Informal Daytime: Short dress or suit (business attire OK for morning weddings)
Informal Evening: Cocktail dress
Semi-Formal Daytime: Short dress or suit
Semi-Formal Evening: Cocktail dress
Formal Daytime: Short dress or suit. Hats and gloves optional.
Formal Evening or Black-Tie: Long or dressy short cocktail (beading, glam accessories, wrap)
Ultra-formal or White Tie: Long gown, extra glitz (furs, diamonds, etc.)

Do's and Don'ts for Her:

Don't wear white because it competes with the bride. There is a wide variety of other beautiful colors available.
Don't wear black or sequins during the daytime.
Don't worry about wearing the same colors as the bridesmaids or mothers. You can't possibly coordinate with everyone in the wedding party.
Do wear something feminine and appropriate, out of respect for your hosts.
Do take off gloves to eat or drink.
Do use good judgment if the invitation doesn't specify the formality of the event. A pastel suit or soft floral dress for daytime or a little black dress for evening (after 6 p.m.) will take you almost anywhere.

Wedding Style for him:

Informal Daytime: Dress shirt and pants, preferably a sports jacket.
Informal Evening: Suit
Semi-Formal Daytime: Suit
Semi-Formal Evening: Dark suit
Formal Daytime: Dark suit and tie
Formal Evening: Tuxedo (if invitation states "black tie") or dark suits if women wear short dresses.
Ultra-formal Evening or White Tie: White tie, cummerbund, vest and shirt.

Do's and Don'ts for Him:

Do wear a dark suit, with a tie if the wedding is after 6 PM, and doesn't say "Black Tie."
Don't wear a tuxedo during the day time, regardless of the formality of the event.
Do use good judgment if the invitation doesn't specify the formality of the event. A dark suit and conservative tie will take you just about anywhere.

Tips for Outdoor Weddings:

Dress with the same formality as you would for any wedding but consider layers. If you are sensitive to the sun or insects wear a light weight, long sleeved jacket or covering. Wear a short or no-sleeved top underneath so you can remove the jacket if it gets too hot.
Men should consider wearing a short-sleeved shirt underneath their jacket. This will allow you to be comfortable during the hottest period of the day (mid-afternoon).
Shoes are an important consideration. Forget vanity. High or pointed heels sink into the soft ground and can create hazards when walking over uneven surfaces. Lower and/or wider heels work well.
Bringing an umbrella in case it rains also allows you to use it for protection from the sun. If you are sensitive to insect bites don’t forget the lotion.

Article provided by Julia Martell, Occasions Event Coordination.

Visit her website at www.occasions.ca