As an Image Coach, I have been asked many times, “As a guest at a wedding, what is and is not okay to wear?”
It seems these days, people are getting more and more casual at weddings. And personally, I think it’s disrespectful to the happy couple. This is their BIG day…so you could at least take the time to put some effort into your attire.
So, how do you know what is and is not appropriate? Well, that depends on the type of wedding. Hint…the invitation will usually give you a clue about the dress code.
So, how do you know what is and is not appropriate? Well, that depends on the type of wedding. Hint…the invitation will usually give you a clue about the dress code.
Is it a formal ball-like event? At a country club? A destination wedding? In someone’s backyard? The location will give away what type of attire to wear, but there are some other basic rules to follow no matter what the venue.
1) NEVER wear white. I don’t care how casual the fabric or cut, white is reserved for the bride. Seriously, there are so many other colours to choose from!
2) Yes, I know there will be a party and some dancing later on, but save the overtly sexy for the clubs. Sure, you can go shorter in length, form fitting, a little cleavage, spaghetti straps, and even strapless. Just not all at once.
3) And guys, NEVER wear jeans. I know they may have cost you more than a suit, but it does not matter…it’s just disrespectful and sloppy.
4) For women attending a daytime wedding, go for a knee length cotton or jersey dress in a seasonal colour or pattern, or a skirt with a blouse or tank. Add some colourful heels and you’re ready to go! If the wedding is in the evening you can do the same, just choose a more refined fabric and darker colours. If you’re not into baring your legs, pants are okay, just dress them up with a fun and feminine top. And the later in the day the wedding, the more accessories you can get away with.
5) For men, khaki’s and a button down (with or without a tie) seem to be the uniform of choice at weddings, which is still okay. If you want to dress it up a bit though, try a light coloured casual suit (like linen). For an evening wedding, a more formal suit with a tie is your best bet.
Remember, just because “all eyes should be on the bride”, it does not give you an excuse for not putting in an effort to look your best!
1) NEVER wear white. I don’t care how casual the fabric or cut, white is reserved for the bride. Seriously, there are so many other colours to choose from!
2) Yes, I know there will be a party and some dancing later on, but save the overtly sexy for the clubs. Sure, you can go shorter in length, form fitting, a little cleavage, spaghetti straps, and even strapless. Just not all at once.
3) And guys, NEVER wear jeans. I know they may have cost you more than a suit, but it does not matter…it’s just disrespectful and sloppy.
4) For women attending a daytime wedding, go for a knee length cotton or jersey dress in a seasonal colour or pattern, or a skirt with a blouse or tank. Add some colourful heels and you’re ready to go! If the wedding is in the evening you can do the same, just choose a more refined fabric and darker colours. If you’re not into baring your legs, pants are okay, just dress them up with a fun and feminine top. And the later in the day the wedding, the more accessories you can get away with.
5) For men, khaki’s and a button down (with or without a tie) seem to be the uniform of choice at weddings, which is still okay. If you want to dress it up a bit though, try a light coloured casual suit (like linen). For an evening wedding, a more formal suit with a tie is your best bet.
Remember, just because “all eyes should be on the bride”, it does not give you an excuse for not putting in an effort to look your best!
No comments:
Post a Comment