Attire etiquette

Most people are often confused when it comes to selecting wedding dresses, be it the bridal gown, the groom’s suit, the bridesmaids’ dresses, the parents dresses, or dresses worn by the guests. If a wedding is slated to be an informal affair, then it becomes quite easy to select a wedding dress. However, the wedding dress selection process becomes quite complicated when the event is hosted in a formal setting or when it is a black tie or white tie affair. The type of dresses worn during daytime ceremonies differ from dresses that are worn during evening ceremonies making the task of dress selection even more confusing. The color and style used is also important when it comes to selecting the most appropriate wedding dress.

Old vs. new

While traditional wedding-dress guidelines related to fabrics, lengths, styles, and accessories may still be applicable, they are no longer accepted as a norm. Many people have started experimenting with designer wedding dresses that are creations of professional fashion designers and are certainly different from traditional wedding dresses. These dresses are not designed according to any set standards and vary in style and looks depending on the creativity of the designer. What one wears on the wedding day depends a lot on the location where the wedding is to be held. For example wearing designer wedding dresses will be more acceptable in trendier cities such as Los Angeles and New York than in some remote town.

Bridal gown and bridesmaids’ dresses

Unique and attractive bridal gowns designed by fashion designers has increased the options available to brides who are more than willing to shun tradition and go for more trendier dresses and accessories. The trend is catching on fast and is fine as long as the designer dress is selected with a concern for the tone one wants to set for the wedding and a sense of consideration for family and friends. The style and look of the bridesmaids’ dresses need to be coordinated well with the bridal gown. Length of the bridesmaids’ dresses also needs to be more or less the same as the bride’s dress, which is usually floor length for evening ceremonies. Even if the bridesmaid’s dress is not full length and falls just below the knee, it will still be readily accepted as long as its overall style is in keeping with the tone of the wedding. In such situations, one is advised to use discretion or ask the salesperson for his or her impartial advice. Attire etiquettes however, do not apply in informal weddings held in an open environment such as one on a beach or any other outside location.

Guests’ attire

Wedding etiquette also applies to the guests who need to dress in the same way as they would for a nice dinner or a formal event. Men should ideally wear suits at weddings unless the invitation specifically states a black-tie affair where tuxedoes are necessary. Women guests can wear elegant gowns, skirts, or suits in darker shades. The length of their dresses may vary depending on what is in style at that particular time and place. Traditionally it was considered inappropriate for women to wear black, but nowadays this is no longer a concern as long as the dress is more ornate than reserved, to give off an air of celebration rather than mourning. They can accessorize with diamond jewelry and may carry a small evening bag rather than a purse.