Tip: I find it very interesting when I meet with the bride
and groom to discuss things they are concerned about at the wedding
that one of the most thought of concerns is how some people do not
know how to dress for a wedding. It is so important to think about
this as your guests really do play an important role in your wedding
atmosphere. They do end up in your Photos and Video. If they are
not dressed appropriately, they stick out like a sore thumb.
Some people just don't know how to rise to the occasion. Dressing
and behaving appropriately are even more important at a wedding
because they are gestures of respect not only toward the hosts (usually,
the parents of the bride) but toward the guests of honor (the bride
and groom). There remain few social situations in which tradition
prevails; a wedding is one of them. Here are some suggestions that
might come in handy for someone you may know that might need some
assistance:
1. Show up early. If the invitation indicates that the ceremony
will begin at 6:00 p.m., be there at least fifteen minutes before.
Take your seat and be patient.
2.
Men will be safe in a dark suit or the always appropriate blue blazer
and a pair of neatly pressed slacks, as well as a shirt and tie,
of course. If the weather is warm and the ceremony and reception
are outdoors, you can lighten up, literally, and wear a pale suit.
If the invitation advises black tie, adhere to it or you will feel
totally out of place.
3. Women, as always, have more options. You can wear a simple suit
or a dress in a solid color—dark blue or gray for evening;
a pastel for summer and daytime affairs. Prints are tricky and can
make you stand out in a crowd for all the wrong reasons. Some women
feel comfortable wearing a hat. For a formal wedding, dress as you
would for a fancy dinner party. Wearing black was once regarded
as being in poor taste, but no more. There are more and more women
doing so, particularly at evenings weddings. 
As
for pants, why not, if they flatter you more than a dress does.
Shoes should be pretty, even delicate, but reasonably comfortable,
since you'll be doing a fair amount of standing and maybe some dancing.
Whatever you do, you should never try to outshine the bride. This
is her big day. She and she alone should be the center of everybody's
attention and anyone who attempts to upstage her will be long remembered—and
not favorable. AND it is wrong for anyone but the bride to wear
white!
4. The mother of the bride is the next most important female at
this event, so she should be at her very best and wear something
beautiful, whether long or short, that is in keeping with what the
bride and her attendants are wearing. But remember, the mother of
the bride is most definitely not a part of the wedding party; she
is the hostess and shouldn't look like a bridesmaid.
5. The mother of the groom is third in importance, and she, too,
should consider what the bride and her party are wearing, as well
as what the mother of the bride has chosen. Whenever there is a
question, the mother of the groom should defer to the mother of
the bride.
6. As for the bride, there are a wide range of styles that are
all spectacular. Take your time and try on all different styles.
Your dress should make you look and feel the best that you can be
on this supremely precious day.
Meanwhile, have fun and, of course,
Stay Organized!
