My cousin is getting married this June and my mom and I are in a row about what style dress is appropriate. We already agreed that whatever dress I got I would need a jacket or sweater for the church ceremony portion, but the reception is where we can't agree. I think that halter, spaghetti strap, and such dresses are fine as long as they cover everything and are age appropriate (I'm 19). My mom disagrees but there are almost no dresses commonly held of what she deems to be the proper thing to wear, so I am asking what is the contemporary dress etiquette for weddings?
2007-04-16 05:42:45 · 11 answers · asked by MsSCU423 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
There are a lot of halter and spaghetti strap dresses that are appropriate for a wedding, especially in the summer! But if you go this route I would stay with a tea-length style (hits below the knee) as opposed to anything short. It will look dressier. And I like the idea of a sweater or shawl--capelets are big this season!--for the ceremony.
2007-04-16 05:54:44 · answer #1 · answered by penelope frankfurter 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Appropriate attire depends on the time of day. If it is a daytime wedding, then you should wear something with a short sleeve and at least knee length. If it is an evening wedding, this automatically makes it a bit more formal. For this you could wear sleeves or straps. The sweater/shawl is a perfect idea for the church service; just be sure it isn't too hot when you put it on. You should go with a dress that falls somewhere between the middle of the knee and mid-calf, depending on your height. Dont' wear anything white, shiny, flashy or too revealing. It may help to look through bridal magazines and show your mother the bridesmaids dresses. They usually have spaghetti straps. Oh, and don't let your bra straps show, that's just trashy! My bridesmaids wore gowns with spaghetti straps and no one found it offensive or inappropriate because the necklines were high enough. Good luck and enjoy the wedding!
2007-04-16 09:38:26 · answer #2 · answered by Tracy D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nothing wrong with halters and spaghetti straps for the reception.
Maybe a shawl over the dress for church, instead of sweater or jacket. If it's too warm in the church, a shawl could be lifted off the shoulders a bit.
2007-04-16 07:34:16 · answer #3 · answered by kiwi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In my opinion there is nothing wrong with a halter topped dress or spaghetti straps for a wedding. It is in June, it will be hot, unless you live in Alaska.
I agree with the person who said that it should be at least "tea" length, or even possibly ankle length. And I would recommend a shawl, one of those light airy ones, that will go with your dress, for the ceremony. You never know, you might need it at the reception too, sometimes they have the air-conditioning running full blast.
Have a good time.
2007-04-16 06:03:16 · answer #4 · answered by meg3f 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some people may choose to follow the guidelines you laid out at the beginning of your post, but that's more for coordination sake (for brides who hold that near and dear) rather than out of rules of etiquette. It's totally up to you what colors to dress everybody in. Here is our our wedding colors played out: bridesmaids in royal blue dresses with sea blue sashes; groom and groomsmen in black suits with royal blue ties. It all tied together nicely without any fuss. It is actually very common for your fiance's scenario to play out. Most often, the bride is the only distinctive member of the wedding party. However, that does not mean you are wrong. You just have your own preference. Since you and your fiance are differing on this opinion, you will have to come to some sort of compromise. Just keep in mind that this is not the most important detail of your wedding. 5, 10, 20 years from now, it won't matter one bit whether your grooms vest matches you, his groomsmen, or your crazy uncle from Timbuktoo. What matters is that you two are marrying each other. Don't get too worked up over this detail to the point where you lose sight of that fact. Good luck!
2016-05-21 03:35:21 · answer #5 · answered by audrey 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe you and your mom can go through some wedding magazines. That way she can see the types of styles that are commonly available. I have seen some girls way too overdressed with sequin dresses or disco style outfits. Remember this is the bride's day so you don't want to overshadow her. You may want to consider a skirt and cute top instead of a dress.
2007-04-16 08:23:58 · answer #6 · answered by Julieann 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Churches can be EXTREMELY hot during the summer (This is why I chose a Fall wedding) so wearing a sweater or jacket will make you uncomfortable and miserable. You are an adult so wear what you want, as long as it doesn't look slutty.
2007-04-16 06:33:34 · answer #7 · answered by Ryan's mom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would go with a wrap dress. Maybe in a light yellow or in a white with a light pattern. Then a nice sweater. Wear a pair of wedges (nice ones) and you are good to go.
2007-04-16 05:54:49 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would wear a spagetti strap dress. long (more classy looking) but have a shawl, it may get chily in the evening. make sure your well covered, it can be a little sexy and still be tasteful.
2007-04-16 06:11:18 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask the bride she is the one getting married.
2007-04-16 06:32:46 · answer #10 · answered by chiefs fan 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋