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What is acceptable "formal wear" for a wedding?

Dragonfly

Dragonfly

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In your humble opinion, if you're invited to a wedding and the invitation states it's a "formal" event , what is reasonable clothing for both men and women to this event?

Also, what would not be acceptable?
Now I know that things like sneakers, jeans, shorts, t-shirts, polo shirts and that kind of thing are not acceptable, but what else?

It's a late June wedding too. So keep that in mind.

Thanks y'all. :cheers:
 
Showing up in your birthday suit is probably a bad idea
 
In my city & crowd it means suit, tie, and leather shoes. That is, for the Church and at the reception dinner. Of course once the dancing starts and the booze flows, things loosen up - often considerably!

The thing to remember is the happy couple and their families spent a huge amount of time, effort, and money to choreograph what they likely consider the most important event of their lives. And a photographer will be covering every facet of it for them to save and share with family & friends - including their kids & grandkids - for the many years to come. The couple put "formal event" in their invite for a reason. Obviously guests should respect their wishes. Better over-dressed, than under-dressed.
 
If you wanna look nice without being too formal go for a dark blazer or jacket and accompanying jeans.

22c6ff08c5bfc5e3a6aec2014f5b80d4--in-italian-skinny-ties.jpg

Tie should also be a different but also dark color, like maroon or brown, and pick a light colored shirt; (light blue or white).

You can easily remove the jacket if it gets too hot and still look formal without suffering too much.
 
In the rare instance that I get a formal invitation, if I cannot wear flip-flops and gym shorts, I RSVP no!


:mrgreen:
 
Dragonfly said:
In your humble opinion, if you're invited to a wedding and the invitation states it's a "formal" event , what is reasonable clothing for both men and women to this event?

Also, what would not be acceptable?
Now I know that things like sneakers, jeans, shorts, t-shirts, polo shirts and that kind of thing are not acceptable, but what else?

It's a late June wedding too. So keep that in mind.

Thanks y'all. :cheers:
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I am sure you will get a more appropriate answer if you ask those whose wedding it is.
 
I once wore jet black new jeans with my tux. It was a night wedding, no one noticed. But the bridesmaids were very impressed.
 
Dragonfly said:
In your humble opinion, if you're invited to a wedding and the invitation states it's a "formal" event , what is reasonable clothing for both men and women to this event?

Also, what would not be acceptable?
Now I know that things like sneakers, jeans, shorts, t-shirts, polo shirts and that kind of thing are not acceptable, but what else?

It's a late June wedding too. So keep that in mind.

Thanks y'all. :cheers:
Click to expand...

I would wear a nice dress or gown. Nothing like a maxi dress. Nothing casual. Definitely no sneakers.
 
ecofarm said:
I once wore jet black new jeans with my tux. It was a night wedding, no one noticed. But the bridesmaids were very impressed.
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The bridesmaids were impressed... :2razz: ... that's what really matters, if the single ladies liked it
 
SheWolf said:
The bridesmaids were impressed... :2razz: ... that's what really matters, if the single ladies liked it
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And my friends thought it was humorously, though tastefully, irreverent.
 
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Quag said:
Showing up in your birthday suit is probably a bad idea
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I don't know about that. I can think of a few rather lovely ladies that would really brighten up the occasion in that manner.
 
haymarket said:
I don't know about that. I can think of a few rather lovely ladies that would really brighten up the occasion in that manner.
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Even a wedding we're, "well, probably can't hurt".

:lamo
 
Jredbaron96 said:
If you wanna look nice without being too formal go for a dark blazer or jacket and accompanying jeans.

View attachment 67234432

Tie should also be a different but also dark color, like maroon or brown, and pick a light colored shirt; (light blue or white).

You can easily remove the jacket if it gets too hot and still look formal without suffering too much.
Click to expand...

I think that's exactly what the happy couple is trying to avoid.
 
Dragonfly said:
In your humble opinion, if you're invited to a wedding and the invitation states it's a "formal" event , what is reasonable clothing for both men and women to this event?

Also, what would not be acceptable?
Now I know that things like sneakers, jeans, shorts, t-shirts, polo shirts and that kind of thing are not acceptable, but what else?

It's a late June wedding too. So keep that in mind.

Thanks y'all. :cheers:
Click to expand...

Depends on your role in the wedding party. If you are not on of the ushers or bridal maids, then a navy or black suit, with a white or pastel shirt, a quality necktie, and dress shoes should do the trick, a full dress for the woman in your life unless the bride has requested otherwise (like white suits). The wedding party is usually informed if they should be wearing the same suits or tuxes (black or white), morning coats with waistcoats underneath, wing collar or flurried shirts, dinner jackets with slacks, and the bride's maids dresses are chosen for them. Additionally, if you are military or PD, a full dress uniform has its place. Sometimes, again dependent upon communication from the bride, men in the wedding party should wear tails and top hats. And at that point, of course, forget the patent leather shoes and wear sneakers.

I've been to formal weddings where the wedding party wears one outfit for the ceremony, another for the reception. Whatever, bring a pair of dancing shoes for the reception and something comfortable for the trip home. No red, pink green, brown or patterned suits. Light colors for women's dresses spring and summer, darker colors for fall or winter. Minimal floral patterns. Minimal accessories except for women's jewelry. Women can flash those gold, gemstone and/or pearl necklaces, earrings and bracelets, if in good taste.
 
Jredbaron96 said:
If you wanna look nice without being too formal go for a dark blazer or jacket and accompanying jeans.

Tie should also be a different but also dark color, like maroon or brown, and pick a light colored shirt; (light blue or white).

You can easily remove the jacket if it gets too hot and still look formal without suffering too much.
Click to expand...

No, jeans are nor formal attire, neither is a sports jacket. And brown ties are not acceptable at any time.
 
Dragonfly said:
In your humble opinion, if you're invited to a wedding and the invitation states it's a "formal" event , what is reasonable clothing for both men and women to this event?

Also, what would not be acceptable?
Now I know that things like sneakers, jeans, shorts, t-shirts, polo shirts and that kind of thing are not acceptable, but what else?

It's a late June wedding too. So keep that in mind.

Thanks y'all. :cheers:
Click to expand...

A suit, tie (no open collar "I" would avoid a button down collar as well) dress shoes of appropriate color for the suit a dress belt maybe a handkerchief in the coat pocket that goes with or matches your tie.
 
haymarket said:
I don't know about that. I can think of a few rather lovely ladies that would really brighten up the occasion in that manner.
Click to expand...
Very bad form to oustshine the bride on her wedding day
 
I'd show up in a normal suit & tie.
 
I've seen men at weddings dressed down which I think it's disrespectful. No matter the month/time of year I will wear a suit,shirt and tie.
 
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