Hello Everyone,
I have been invited to the wedding of a near relative/close family friend who is marrying in the UK. The groom is English and was able to tell me that he found weddings to be more formal than they are here in the states. I am wondering what would be acceptable attire, without coming across as either painfully proper or hopelessly American underdressed. The bride and groom are just 30, I'm 33. It is a big wedding, held in an abbey and all at 2pm. I understand that hats are the thing at weddings in the UK? Thanks much for the help!
2007-02-12 07:11:34 · 12 answers · asked by searampgrrl 1 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
Wear somthing desent.....
2007-02-12 07:14:42 · answer #1 · answered by troble # one? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You do not say where in the UK the wedding is but May is usually a decent kind of month all over. A smart summer dress or suit is fine. Hats are worn but mostly by the Bride and Groom's Mothers and Family, such as older Aunts etc. You do not have to go the whole hog with the hat attire, there are plenty hair decorations that will suit very well. Combs with different types of attachments which you can match to your dress or suit. If you are wearing a dress I would take the added precaution of having a suitable jacket to wear with it. These abbeys can be very cold and you will have a lot of waiting around to do outside while all the photos are taken. You can remove it later for the dancing. Enjoy yourself, they are certainly more formal but only until after the speeches and then everyone loosens up quite considerably.
2007-02-14 08:27:39 · answer #2 · answered by ELIZABETH M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have never worn a hat to a UK wedding, it's not a set rule, just something to think about if the wedding is very formal. I have only ever worn dresses to a wedding, never trousers, but that was because the church that I went to did not approve of women in trousers. If in doubt as the groom what he thinks would be appropriate. A smart dress (but not like a prom dress) would be acceptable.
2007-02-12 23:24:03 · answer #3 · answered by sparkleythings_4you 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Best thing to do is check with the relative about the dress code. He should be able to tell you whether there is a dress code that applies to the male relatives.
You usually see Best man, father of the groom and groom wearing more formal wear, but it's down to the couple getting married at the end of the day
Safest bet is to wear a smart suit, shirt and tie, or if you are arriving early, you will have chance to hire whatever attire is required
2007-02-12 07:17:47 · answer #4 · answered by scareyd 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A perfect opportunity to treat yourself.
Why not see if your favourite clothing shop has a style advisor? They'd be able to help you find an outfit to suit your style, the occassion and your wallet.
Either that or hire 'Four weddings and a funeral' to get the right kind of idea - an abbey sounds quite a big posh do!
Hats are cool if you like them/can afford one. But hair accessories look great oo especially on younger, single women.
2007-02-16 00:54:58 · answer #5 · answered by Leapling 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think I have read somewhere that the ladies should always wear a skirt or a dress to a wedding. I don't personally like to see big hats on guests at weddings as it looks as though they are trying to upstage the bride. I think a really nice summer dress, with a warp incase it gets cooler, should do nicely.
2007-02-12 07:46:10 · answer #6 · answered by gingajen 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To be honest it's individual choice. Weather here, UK, not so predictable so best to be prepared.
I have worn hats and always felt lovely in them. It all depends on the style you choose... One of mine was a straw hat with a chiffon scarf tied round it to match my dress, other was really posh as I had pink skirt suit. Casual can still be dressed up with a hat.
Make sure you don't feel uncomfortable, remember you are in that outfit all day......
Good Luck outfit hunting....
2007-02-14 07:49:53 · answer #7 · answered by lynn a 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah hats and all that are bigger over there, but they usually dont demand that non british HAVE to wear hats although it looks to be a nice gesture to fit in. Im surprised the invitation doesnt say what type of dress...Im sure a church appropriate dress is fine though.
2007-02-12 07:14:49 · answer #8 · answered by radiancia 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't need to wear a hat (i don't usually). Just dress as if you were going to daytime society event - a nice special dress should do it, but not a gown. Some women wear trouser suits but make sure its not white or black.
2007-02-12 07:16:48 · answer #9 · answered by beanie 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
watch any movie with Hugh Grant, he knows how to dress @ weddings in UK
2007-02-12 07:14:52 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
hi a nice suit would be fine with a hat, trouser suit or skirt/dress suit, you can't go wrong with that
2007-02-12 07:15:57 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋