I was invited to a wedding this coming Sunday, but I have no idea what to wear! It's a small wedding (50 guests, give or take) at a small church. I asked the bride if it was a casual or formal wedding, since some brides make a small wedding into a large to-do. All she said was to wear something "nice." I kind of figured that...
I seriously have nothing to wear to a wedding besides one dress, but I'm unsure about wedding guest ettiquette. Should guests wear black to a wedding?
My dress is black with red flowers all over it. It's spaghetti strapped, but not low-cut. The skirt comes just below my knees. I'm thinking about wearing a black jacket over it (to be on the conservative side) until I see what others are wearing. I'm just worried about the heat, and I don't know if the church has a/c.
Would this idea work or should I just give in and buy something new? If so, what guidelines should I follow?
2007-05-02 01:16:59 · 11 answers · asked by serena_dee 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Just because the dress is essentially black doesn't mean that you can't wear it to a wedding.
The red flowers sound lovely and since there is no specific dress requirements, I'd say that you should go with your first choice.
The only guideline I can think of is don't upstage the bride.
Make sure you are 100% comfortable with your choice or you will be self conscious the whole day.
2007-05-02 01:54:40 · answer #1 · answered by ? 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, the red flowers make it not a "mourning" dress (the reason for not wearing black is it's a traditional sign of mourning in Western culture). Church weddings are normally not casual, so I'd say just wear the dress you have. The jacket is a nice addition for the service.
2007-05-02 01:25:49 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Traditionally, it was considered in poor taste to wear black (or white) to a wedding, but the rules on black have relaxed somewhat. If you wear the dress you described, you should definitely wear a jacket with it! If you buy something new, avoid "loud" colors lke red, purple, etc. You should be able to find a "classy" linen or silk dress in beige or other neutral color that you could wear for other occasions as well. I love wearing hats to weddings and a simple beige dress with hat would be very lovely.
2007-05-02 01:25:38 · answer #3 · answered by Jan N 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You could probably get away with wearing the black dress, but for a small wedding like your describing, it doesn't sound quite right.
One option is to pick up a new skirt. Something in a brighter color... maybe mid calf length and linen. You'd be able to wear it all summer. You could top it off with a simple tee or a sleeveless blouse and you'd look really cute. And wouldn't be apt to overheat!
2007-05-02 01:44:00 · answer #4 · answered by Penelope Smith 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I'm not all too sure about things to wear, but I'll have to guess that it's being held in the evening because that's when I've seen my wife wear dark clothes. Personally I think black is better for a funeral.
Why not something more colorful, one of the spring colors that keep showing up in the sales circulars? Wouldn't that be okay at night?
2007-05-02 01:23:17 · answer #5 · answered by Jed 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Since it's around summer, I'd go with buying something new. Try something kind of flowy, with a nice bright color. The black dress would be great for a really formal wedding, but since she only said "nice", i'd go with a summery look.
2007-05-02 01:23:17 · answer #6 · answered by Stephanie C 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This sounds perfect. Because the dress has flowers on it and is not indecent, go for it. This is the type of thing I wear to the weddings I've been to, which are mostly small curch ones.
2007-05-02 01:49:55 · answer #7 · answered by Deb G 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Because it is spring, I would probably wear a simple sundress in pretty colors. There are a lot of places that have these simple styles on sale right now too, so you will be able to get something nice without spending a lot.
2007-05-02 01:52:49 · answer #8 · answered by deerogre 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
splurge on a nice summer dress and a cute sweater to wear, something that you can dress up or down and that you will be comfortable in if the church has no a/c.
2007-05-02 03:53:27 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
without knowing the colors that will be around you I would say go with the dress and a different jacket/accessory color.
2007-05-02 01:24:35 · answer #10 · answered by anton t 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋