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Q: Are There Guidelines For Appropriate Wedding Attire?
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Q: Are There Guidelines For Appropriate Wedding Attire?
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Peggy Post, our Etiquette Expert and internationally known spokesperson for the Emily Post Institute, answers your questions and provides helpful etiquette advice on everything from attire and invitations, to toasting and receptions. |
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A: While there are many variations for today's wedding attire, there are still traditional guidelines for fabrics, lengths, styles, and accessories. The general guidelines run the gamut, with suggestions for weddings ranging from the most informal daytime celebration, to a formal evening affair. The time of day plays an important role, too.
Many brides these days, however, detour from tradition when it comes to attire. This is fine, as long as adaptations are applied with concern for the tone you want to set for the wedding, and a sense of consideration for family and friends. Your mother sounds like she has her heart set on a more formal wedding. If it is possible to accommodate her without too much difficulty, try to do so. At the very least, listen with an open mind to her ideas.
The style and formality of your bridesmaids' dresses should coordinate well with your gown. Bridesmaid dresses are typically the same length as the bride's dress; for evening weddings, it's usually floor length. An exception is an informal wedding held in an informal setting, such as outside. But perhaps you've already found your desired bridesmaid dress that falls just below the knee -- that length can work well if its overall style is in keeping with the formality of the wedding. You'll have to make a personal judgment call. You could also ask a bridal-shop employee for his or her impartial advice.
As for guests, it can be a challenge to determine what to wear. For evening weddings, guests should dress as they would for a nice dinner or event out. Men should wear suits, unless the invitation has requested black tie. Women should choose dresses, skirts, or elegant suits in darker, sophisticated colors and fabrics; lengths vary according to what's in style at that particular time and place. Jewelry can be more elaborate, and women may want to carry a small evening bag rather than a purse.
It is now acceptable for female guests to wear black to weddings, especially in the late afternoon and evening. Black choices, however, should be more ornate than reserved, to give off an air of celebration rather than mourning. Sometimes, adding a little color (vibrant flower pins and scarves work wonderfully for weddings) rounds off the somber look well.
To browse hundreds of photos of bridesmaid gowns, mother-of-the bride gowns, and tuxedos, click here.
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