Most nuptials take place during the warmer months, though more and more are extending into fall and winter. In most cases, weddings are huge events shared by couples and their families and friends. Attending such a big part of a couple’s life calls for special attire. Planning what to wear to celebrate a friend or family member’s nuptials requires consideration of multiple factors which can influence the implied dress code.
The bride gives much time and consideration to the dresses worn by her and her bridesmaids. The mothers of the bride and groom spend countless hours shopping for the perfect dress. Likewise, most guests question what they will wear to the event as soon as the invitation is received in the mail.
Brittany Wedding Invitations Two delightful lovebirds perch on a branch on these sweet and romantic invitations. Available as a single panel card or add a backer to turn it into a layered invitation. Choose your favorite color card stock and ink to make this invitation personally yours.
Church weddings are often a little easier when choosing attire, with women wearing dresses and skirts and men selecting dress pants and ties. However, the rules seem to change drastically when dressing for an outdoor wedding. Although many feel that anything goes at an outdoor wedding, there are still guidelines on how you should dress. If you’re lucky the invitation will indicate the level of dress expected right on it, most invites traditionally make some mention.
But if it isn’t spelled out for you, fear not. The formality of the invitation may help you deduce a little about how to suit up. A formally-worded invitation using calligraphy, for example, would indicate a full suit is best. Invitations with basic, simple wording or design, however, may indicate a little leeway in the formality of dress.
The time of day the wedding’s held may also help decipher the level of wedding attire required. A daytime wedding, taking place before 6:00 p.m., may deem less formal wear appropriate – a lightweight blazer and dress slacks with a button-down shirt, for example. An evening wedding reception, meanwhile, is usually more formal, so go for the full suit.
The season and setting, meanwhile, similarly provide a few fashion cues. The warm weather of a daytime summer wedding, for example, allows for linen or light cotton suits.
For a fall or winter wedding, meanwhile, you’re going to want to dress warmer in a wool suit in a dark color. For winter, make sure you have an appropriate overcoat on-hand as well.
Buck and Doe Wedding Invitations For those who enjoy the outdoors, this magnificent fan-fold invitation of deeply embossed White vellum features a die-cut design with the buck and doe.
Millie Wedding Invitations These whimsical single panel cards feature delicate floral prints on your choice of colored card stock and ink. Turn this single panel card into a layered invitation by choosing a colorful backer.
If the dress code is indicated on the wedding invitation, then there’s no need to worry about what to wear, as long as you keep the following in mind:
Formal: Reach for your well-tailored suit, and combine a long-sleeved dress shirt with a classy tie, and belt.
Semi-Formal: You can leave the tie behind if you choose, but should stick to wearing a well-matched blazer and pair of dress pants with a nicely-pressed dress shirt. Semi-formal does not mean sloppy.
Black tie: Ensure you have a basic tuxedo in black with matching bow tie and cummerbund, only to be worn after 5 p.m. During the day, a business suit might be appropriate.
White tie: This is super formal, and not very common. Traditionally it requires a tux with tailcoat, gloves and white tie. You’ll also want to brush up on your etiquette ahead of this type of affair, as white tie is the most formal and outdated of dress codes.
Hydrangea Bloom Wedding Invitations Exquisitely drawn flowers add just a touch of color to a crisp invitation. The bride and groom’s names are accented with that same touch of color.
For Women: Try autumnal shades of muted orange and sienna or sultry jewel tones when choosing a dress for a fall wedding. For added warmth, top it with a tuxedo blazer or sequined cardigan.
The leaves change, the weather cools, the evening requires a jacket and you still have three weddings on the books. The floral summer dresses won’t quite cut it and let’s face it, some of them can’t be converted with leggings and a jacket.
The sweater dress with fitted leather riding boots, vintage jewelry and a gold-buttoned jacket is the perfect choice for an outdoor fall wedding. Skip the heels, sport the boots and be comfortable all night.
Don’t try to outdo the bride, groom or wedding party with your ensemble. All eyes will still be on them, and you’ll end up feeling uncomfortable.
Been a while since you last suited up? Try it on ahead of time to ensure it’s still a perfect fit.
Don’t get too creative – wearing sneakers, jeans or a crazy shirt with your suit isn’t cute, it’s offensive. And it’ll get you noticed for all the wrong reasons.
When in doubt, go slightly more formal – you can always lose the tie and jacket if you’re feeling overdressed.
Remember, while you want to look sharp, this day really isn’t about you. As long as you effectively gauge the level of dress expected, the focus will remain on the newly married couple, as it should.
