I am going to a wedding where the dress is semi-formal, as stated on the invitation. It is in another state and all family are going so I have no one to watch my 2 boys so they are coming with. There will be a nanny at the country club where both ceremony and reception are. The nanny will watch the boys during the ceremony and during dinner, but the kids will come to the reception after dinner is done. Normally semi-formal would be a suit and tie, but that does that hold true for kids as well? They are 7 1/2 and 5 years old. I hate to have to buy them suits to wear for a couple of hours only, but don't want to break any rules or anything. They don't have a suit so I would have to buy them one just for this occasion. Are kids held to the same dress code as adults? I wouldn't dress them in jeans or anything-maybe just some slacks and nice shirt. Or do they have to have strictly adhere to the dress code and wear suits?
2007-07-10 10:55:37 · 13 answers · asked by mrk21000 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I definitely think the kids will be ok with slacks and a nice shirt. I don't think children are held to the same standards as adults. But anyway, they will look nice and appropriate.
2007-07-10 10:59:37 · answer #1 · answered by mkv6 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I would imagine that if you bought your kids suits and ties they would more than likely be out of place. They are not attending the dinner, only the after dinner party which is typically much more laid back and casual. By that time the adults have had a few to drink! They are being taken care of by a nanny during this time for the adults to have their more "Formal" party. Dress the kids in slacks and a descent shirt and I'm sure they will be dressed appropriately!
2007-07-13 20:15:51 · answer #2 · answered by missnasa2001 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, child guests are generally held to the same dress code as adult guests, especially at a country club. The dress code is not a hard-and-fast rule, and you won't get thrown out for breaking it, but you should make a reasonable attempt to come near it. A suit and tie is probably unnecessary, but some dress slacks/khakis with a nice sweater or button-down shirt should be fine. Remember to have them wear real shoes, not sneakers.
2007-07-10 18:01:35 · answer #3 · answered by teresathegreat 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
You are exactly right... nice slacks, white shirt, nice shoes. And that will be very appropriate for young children. Take a tee shirt for them to play in , and then change to the nice shirts right before the reception. Some people put little clip on bow ties, which are cute but not necessary.
2007-07-10 18:03:31 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
You are using the 'extremely old fashioned' definition of 'semi-formal' here ... your boys just need to be in nice slacks and a 'button up' shirt and they'll be just fine, and look 'nice' ... oh, and be sure that they are wearing 'leather dress shoes' and not 'sneakers' because this is 'semi formal' not 'informal' ... Your 'dress' on the other hand, should be a 'cocktail length dress' or a 'business suit' depending on whether you are a woman or a man ...
2007-07-10 18:00:43 · answer #5 · answered by Kris L 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Slacks and button-down shirts should be fine, but it might be a good idea to invest in a nice suit for each of them to wear. They can wear it for other occasions. Enjoy the wedding.
P.S.- If you're concerned, I would ask the couple or mother of the bride about the attire.
2007-07-10 18:02:22 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Call the bride, or her mother, and ask. It is polite to do so. I would think just some nice neat pants and a shirt would be fine, since they are coming to the reception after dinner.
Since a lot of the adult menfolk will be shedding their jackets to dance, why burden the kids with a jacket?
2007-07-10 20:04:28 · answer #7 · answered by riversconfluence 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I would stick to slacks maybe khakis and a short sleeved button down shirt (tucked in of course). I'm sure the wedding couple won't mind as long as your children are neat and tidy.
2007-07-10 18:00:48 · answer #8 · answered by christen_the_queen 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I'm sure you can get away with khakis and a dress shirt, maybe pack a polo shirt for later.
2007-07-10 18:09:53 · answer #9 · answered by germaine_87313 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Dress pants and a shirt are great.
2007-07-10 21:33:09 · answer #10 · answered by Lydia 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋