- Weddings
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From arranging hotels and travel to buying a gift, weddings can be daunting and expensive.
And the nightmare of picking a dress that won’t leave the bride fuming down the aisle is another added pressure.
From upstaging the bride in a white lace gown to wearing a skin-tight frock, some guests can end up causing a rift at the reception without even knowing.
But help is at hand to stop you committing these wedding wardrobe faux-pas.
What should guests never wear?
Ladies
“Nothing skimpy, see-through, bare-backed or plunging necklines or anything that attracts attention to you and away from the bride.”
Men
“No shorts and T-shirts or open footwear. Always opt for a suit or similar, and keep those jackets on.”
Can you ever wear black or white?
Ladies
“These days there is more acceptance to black or white outfits for ladies, but if you choose black or white make sure your accessorise with a bright colour i.e.dark dress or skirt with lighter coat.
“Never wear an all white full-length dress, (no upstaging the Bride), or wear just black as if going to a funeral.
“Remember full-length dresses are normally reserved for black or white tie events.
“A white accessory, when put with a strong coloured outfit is perfectly acceptable.”
Men
“Gentlemen can get away with a black suit and shoes paired with a brighter tie.”
Can you ever wear lace?
“Lace is fine so long as it’s teamed with a bright colour and a shift is worn underneath, but not a full-length dress.”
Can you wear a dress to match the colour scheme?
“If you know the bride’s colour scheme then the correct etiquette would be to avoid that!”
What should you wear for a smart casual dress code?
Ladies
“Afternoon dress and a hat if you wish, but please not big affairs! Flat shoes or heels are both acceptable.”
Gentlemen
“If you feel comfortable in a lounge suit then this is always acceptable with the option of removing one’s tie. For something more casual then a pair of chinos paired with a tailored shirt and blazer will suffice.”
Can you ever wear jeans or trainers to a wedding?
“If the groom is wearing jeans and trainers then this is the only exception I can think of, but let’s hope not!”
Can women get away with not wearing a fascinator or hat?
“Yes, but if on the invitation you are requested to wear one please do. If not, you are breaking their dress code, which is the height of bad manners. I would also like to add that hats are more suitable as there is nothing fascinating about a fascinator.”
Are there certain shoes you should not wear?
“New shoes worn for the first time are generally a no-no, as you will be in them for some time and hobbling or going barefoot is not a good look.
“Please make sure your shoes are clean and appropriate for the venue so no stilettos at a beach wedding, or flip flops at a formal reception and no trainers! Not a good look with a suit.”
Should you dress up or down depending on the venue?
“If the invite gives a dress code then this should be adhered to. If no dress code given, find out if the bride is marrying in a bridal dress and the groom in a suit and dress accordingly. Dress code is always led by the bride and groom, not the venue.”
Should guests adopt different styles according to the season or place?
“Wearing a smart coat or jacket over an afternoon dress or cocktail dress would be acceptable for the colder seasons but the style would not change unless the invitation has given a dress code for you to follow.
“If you are a Scotsman and you wear a kilt then that is fine but if you are not you would not be expected to wear one and this would apply to all traditional clothing unless of course the invitation requests it!”
Are there any clothing rules for men?
“Gentlemen are much luckier when it comes to dress. A lounge suit usually covers most events on a day-to-day basis, so all that is needed is to choose a shirt and tie and appropriate shoes, normally brown or black brogues.
“When morning suits are required a number of outlets offer rental so Gentlemen have little to worry about and they don’t mind wearing the same suit as everybody else.”
What should children wear to a wedding?
“Party clothes or Sunday best – take a spare set as accidents happen!”
What are your top tips for picking an outfit to wear for a wedding?
“Do not be extreme or over the top – this is not your day! Find something suitable to wear to the service and therefore look respectable.
“Make sure your clothes fit – no bulges or split pants please!”
What should you wear to a royal wedding?
Ladies
“Smart afternoon dress or cocktail dress with hat and optional gloves, shoulders covered, and smart accessories with subtle jewellery.
Gentlemen
“Morning dress or morning suit, which consists of a morning coat, waistcoat and striped trousers. Black or grey are both acceptable.”
“Of course, Royal weddings normally offer guests the option of wearing their traditional dress too. As a Scotsman I could attend in either a morning dress as I did for the Prince of Wales Wedding, or opt for my finest kilt!”