What should i wear to a smart casual church wedding in the afternoon around 4pm?

Question

i will be attending a wedding in a church next week and i have a problem in knowing what to wear. Here are some questions

Firstly, what is a smart casual wedding? is it the same as dressy casual or semi-formal wedding?and what would be the most appropriate outfit for a smart casual wedding in a church?

Secondly, can i wear a knee length dress for a smart casual wedding? i am afraid that it would be too formal.

Thirdly, should i wear heels and carry a small clutch bag?would it be a little to formal for a smart casual wedding?

And lastly, is wearing a simple blouse and skirt a little too informal for a smart casual wedding?

Answer 1

I would wear a pretty summer dress. Knee length would be fine. A Smart casual wedding is just that. Fashionable but more casual than a regular night time wedding. A clutch would be fine. Since it's only June, I would have some sort of a wrap, as it can still get cool in the evening. Have fun.

Answer 2

Everyone has said great things, so I just have to add what was said in the book "The Devil Wears Prada"
"It's better to be underdressed in something fabulous than over dressed in something fabulous."

Yes wear heels, but keep them to like 2 or maybe 3 inches at most. And if you're comfortable with the small clutch bag then use that, if not use a great purse that's a little bigger (PS big purses are still majorly in style so you could go really smart stylish and have a fairly huge bag slung over your shoulder ... faux leather would work well :) )

A skirt is good for the type of event that you are attending just be sure that it's not a mini-skirt (as you know they're not church appropriate much less wedding appropriate).

Be careful with the blouse, it tends to scream either buisness or high dress. It's not totally appropriate. A modern, slightly dressy top is better. I recomend a kimono-inspired top which is also highly in style, works well with both skirts and pants, most have sleves, and they look good on all body types, though you will have to try on a few different styles to find something that works for you. A rich looking fabric on either the skirt or the top will make you look smart but keep you casual.
Pants are also an option, if they are slightly dressy-er pants (aka: anything but jeans, even trouser jeans). An informal sundress (not necessarily a cocktail dress) would also be totally appropriate though again go with one that the hem hits your knees as opposed to your mid-thigh.

Oh, and keep in mind that traditionalist Churches frown on sleeveless tops being worn in the building, so check if the Church is (just look in the yellow pages, call up and ask if it's ok with them or not) and if it's not ok with it bring a light wrap or a long wide scarf to put over your shoulders.

"Smart Casual" is a tough term to work with, thanks for bringing it to my attention as a new term to look for.

Answer 3

I think you would be fine wearing either a knee-length dress or blouse and skirt with heels to a smart casual church wedding. Carry whatever pocketbook you want. If you want to take a clutch bag, that is fine. Otherwise, use your everyday pocketbook.

You have the right ideas of what to wear, go with them. You are on the right track.

As a guy, I would probably wear dress trousers, a dress shirt, necktie, and a navy blue blazer. If it were more formal, I would wear a business suit. I am only mentioning this because my wife often has to tell me what to wear for social occasions.

Answer 4

Smart Casual is also called Business Casual, so nice slacks and a blouse would be appropriate or a casual skit and blouse (not denim).

I owuld go with nice slacks and a blouse or sweater and some kicky flats or low heels, nothing to high!

You could carry a clutch, but a small bag with hadles that you can carry on your arm (not shoulder) would be more appropriate.

HAve Fun!

Answer 5

For the ceremony, either take off the engagement ring or wear it on a different hand. After the ceremony, the traditional way to wear the rings is to put the wedding band on first, and then put on the engagement ring. You don't have to wear the engagement ring at all after the ceremony if you don't want to, or you can wear it on your other hand if it isn't obviously part of a set. I've never heard that putting the engagement ring on first and then the wedding band means there is trouble in the relationship. I always assumed that it meant the woman didn't know the right way, or that there was a practical reason (for example, perhaps the rings just fit better on your finger if they're reversed).

Answer 6

Wear the dress and heels and look smart. It's always better to be too dressed up than too casual, and it is in church.

Answer 7

Sounds to me like you should wear a simple blouse and skirt w/ heels and a clutch that match the formality of your clothes.

Answer 8

a dress not too short and not too revealing with clutch bag and hat although not necessary for casual but essential for formal.
Heels are fine but remember you are not going clubbing.
No bling for casual but pearls are ok.
TP

Answer 9

You can never go wrong with a black dress, and besides if your over dressed you will still look great, it is better than being under dressed! Good luck, have fun.

Answer 10

I really do enjoy using long skirts occasionally. They are actually more comfortable than Denims and not as hot to wear also.