What To Wear To A Wedding - Ideal Clothing For The Wedding Guests

What To Wear To A Wedding - Ideal Clothing For The Wedding Guests


Advice for what a wedding guest should wear to every type of wedding.
You've gotten the invitation for your friends' wedding, happily circled the date on your calendar and started shopping for their gift, when all of a sudden it hits you – what are you supposed to wear??? The etiquette for proper wedding guest attire can vary greatly depending on the style of the wedding. You'll have to become a little bit of a detective, but fear not. There are clues everywhere.

Start off with the invitation. Is it in flowing engraved black script on a heavy cream paper with formal language? Odds are the wedding will be similarly formal. Does it cheekily ask you to come see them get hitched? Wedding guests should look for a nice casual outfit. And of course, it may tell you directly on the invitation - black tie, casual attire etc.

Think about where the wedding is set – if it's outdoors avoid anything that will get caught in the wind – you won't want a battle of wills between the wind and your modesty! Also, avoid high heeled shoes that will sink in the sand or in the grass.



If it's in a hot location avoid the suit and go for a breezy dress to help you keep your cool. Indoors at the country club or fancy restaurant? Make your outfit slightly more tailored and dressy.

Daytime Wedding

For her:-
A fun floral dress.
A skirt and a sweater set with sling back shoes. (We have some surprisingly affordable and stylish skirts right now that will work for a daytime wedding).
A light colored suit – try to stay away from black, navy or anything that looks like you're going to the office.
A beautiful hat that coordinates with your outfit.



For him:-
In the summertime, a light-colored suit, especially linen or seersucker.
Winter weddings call for warmer clothing, including wool suits, a navy blazer with charcoal pants, and perhaps a sweater and tie underneath a blazer.
A dress shirt, tie and dress pants is acceptable, but dress it up with a blazer if you can.
If the invitation says formal, wear a dark suit. Tuxedoes are not appropriate before 6 pm.




Evening Wedding

For her:-
Dress as you would if you were going out to the theater or to dinner.
a cocktail dress – nothing too sexy but something fun to dance in. Black is fine.
a dressy suit or a cocktail suit.
Wear darker colors and look for something sophisticated.
Avoid beads or sequins unless the invitation specifically says black tie.

For him:-
A dark suit is always appropriate
If the invitation says casual or semi-formal, you can wear a blazer and slacks with a nice tie.



Black-tie optional

For her:-
A cocktail dress, perhaps to the floor.

For him :-
If you have a tuxedo, or just like wearing one, by all means do so.
Otherwise, wear a dark suit. Dress as formally as you can.




Black tie

For her:-
A formal dress, usually to the floor
bring out those beaded purses, fancy wraps and formal jewelry that's been waiting for an occasion such as this
black tie weddings almost always involve dancing, so don't wear anything too constricting.

For him:-
A tuxedo is the only appropriate thing to wear. If it says creative black tie, he should still wear a tuxedo, perhaps with a black shirt or collarless white shirt.


DON'T WEAR:

White. (This rule has relaxed some, and you can get away with wearing a printed dress with a white background and some cream colored clothing. Just be careful not to upstage the bride.)
Black to a daytime wedding
Jeans
Anything too sexy or revealing
Anything torn, with holes, stained, too big or too small for you!
Anything sleeveless or strapless to a religious wedding. Bring a wrap to cover your shoulders.

We Remain with Best Regards,
E-tailor at www.mycustomtailor.com

The Tux : A Groom's Fashion Checklist

With all that wedding planning crowding your mind, you might be tempted to forget about formalwear until the last minute. But looking good requires planning ahead. How to go about it? Here's our checklist.

THREE MONTHS BEFORE
Decide what you and your groomsmen will wear. Go tux shopping or reserve rentals for you and your posse.

ONE MONTH BEFORE
If you’re buying a tux, make sure alterations are finished and go in for a final fitting. If the tux still doesn't fit quite right, the shop will still have time to make final alterations.

ONE WEEK BEFORE
Get a haircut!

Get a manicure (no polish -- just clean, buffed nails).

Buy new boxers for the big day. Surprise your bride with something stylish, yet not too risque.

ONE DAY BEFORE
If you’re renting, pick up your tux. Make sure your groomsmen, your father, and the ring bearer get their tuxes, too.


If you’re renting or buying, make sure all the elements are included in the correct size: jacket, trousers, shirt, tie, vest or cummerbund, shoes, cuff links, and dress socks.

If you will be dressing somewhere other than at home, put together your entire outfit today. From head to foot, you should gather:
Hair products
Deodorant
Tie
Cummerbund or belt
Vest
Coat or jacket
Cuff links and studs
Dress shirt
Watch
Trousers
Undershirt
Underwear
Socks
Shoes
And last, but definitely not least, the bride's ring

THE MORNING OF THE BIG DAY
Get a close shave.

Take a hot shower
Remember your deodorant! This might be a high-sweat day.

Put it all together. If you’ve chosen a regular business suit, add a handkerchief for some extra je ne sais quoi.

Remember the bride's ring. Place it in your pocket to entrust to your best man sometime before the ceremony.

Ask your mother to pin on your boutonniere. This mother/son time on the big day will bring a tear to her eye and give her a chance to offer last-minute marriage advice.

Get ready to stand at the end of that aisle, awaiting your lovely bride's entrance.


We remain with best regards,
E-tailor at www.mycustomtailor.com

For Groomsman

Men's Wardrobe Essentials for Formal or Semi Formal Occasion -

Men's Wardrobe Essentials for Formal or Semi Formal Occasions. One of several articles about building a basic wardrobe; this article focuses on six key items which is necessary for men's formal or semi formal occasions such as an interview, a wedding, or a date.



A Suit
Every man needs at least one well tailored suit for special occasions that arise, even if it's just once a year. And trust, you will be glad to have one because it will save you from feeling humiliated and cheap when everyone else is suited up at some event except you.

Choose a dark suit, preferably black or dark gray and be sure to make it single-breasted. Choose a medium weight wool since it's long lasting, holds it's shape well and is multi-seasonal. Steer away from a trendy cut. Buy a classic style that you will able to wear for years to come. This way you will only need to change your shirt and tie to keep your look up-to-date.



Slacks
Another essential item is a good pair of dress slacks, again preferably in a dark color like black or navy. They will come in handy when you are going to an event that doesn’t require a suit, but does require something nicer than khakis or jeans. Again, choose a medium weight wool since it long lasting, holds it shape well and is multi-seasonal.



A White Dress Shirt

A white dress shirt is a must-have for suits but also for dressier pants. White shirts never go out of style and they look great with just about anything. It can be worn under a dark sweater with just the collar and cuffs showing--a classic look reminiscent of Cary Grant and other 1940s Hollywood screen gems.



Several Ties

Ties are wardrobe essentials because not only do they beg to be worn with a suit, but they can be worn under a sweater or simply with a shirt. It is important to have a variety of ties to coordinate with other items in your wardrobe or just to match your mood. You should always purchase at least one new tie per year since tie styles change more often than any other men’s fashion item.

If you wear suits often, you will probably need to have many ties in your collection. If this is the case, buy ties every season. That way you will be able to have fun with more unusual colors and patterns that match the season.



Black Shoes and Belt
One of the biggest fashion sins is to not match the color of your belt with that of your shoes. Wearing black shoes and a black belt is a fashion fundamental and will serve you on many occasions whether casual or formal. If you have a limited wardrobe budget, at least have one pair of black leather shoes and a black leather belt on hand.



Depending on how often you wear them, a good pair of shoes will last a long while if you take good care of them and a belt will likely last you for many years. And please don’t spoil your look by wearing odd colored socks. Buy a couple pairs of black socks, preferably wool since they retain their color and shape longer than cotton.


By Daniel Billet

We remain with best regards,
E-tailor at www.mycustomtailor.com

Wedding Guest Attire

What to Wear to a Wedding -


Wedding guest style for her



Informal Daytime: Short dress or suit (business attire OK for morning weddings)

Informal Evening: Cocktail dress

Semi-Formal Daytime: Short dress or suit

Semi-formal Evening: Cocktail dress

Formal Daytime: Short dress or suit. Hats and gloves optional.

Formal Evening or Black-Tie: Long or dressy short cocktail (beading, glam accessories, wrap)

Ultra-formal or White Tie: Long gown, extra glitz (furs, diamonds, etc.)

Do's and Don'ts for Her



Don't wear white because it competes with the bride. There are plenty of other colors available.

Don't wear black or sequins during the daytime.

Don't worry about wearing the same colors as the bridesmaids or mothers. You can't possibly coordinate with everyone in the wedding party.

Do wear something feminine and appropriate, out of respect for your hosts. Clubwear, overtly sexy clothing (strapless, see-through, etc) doesn't belong at a wedding.If you have to ask if it's appropriate, it probably isn't.

Don't wear opera-length gloves (to top of arm) with anything but sleeveless or strapless gowns.



Do take off gloves to eat or drink.

Do use good judgment if the invitation doesn't specify the formality of the event. A pastel suit or soft floral dress for daytime or a little black dress for evening (after 6 p.m.) will take you almost anywhere.

Wedding Style for him



Informal Daytime: Dress shirt and pants, preferably a sports jacket.

Informal Evening: Suit

Semi-Formal Daytime: Suit

Semi-Formal Evening: Dark suit

Formal Daytime: Dark suit and tie

Formal Evening: Tuxedo (if invitation states "black tie") or dark suits if women wear short dresses.

Ultra-formal Evening or White Tie: White tie, cummerbund, vest and shirt.

Do's and Don'ts for Him



Don't try to get cute with a tuxedo. A black tux with white shirt and black bow tie is the best way to go. If "Creative Black Tie" or "Texas Formal" or some sort of other vague formal description is used, then going with a tux and black shirt, no tie, might be acceptable. Also, trendier cities like Los Angeles and New York might be more accepting of breaking with tradition.

Do wear a dark suit, with a tie if the wedding is after 6 PM, and doesn't say "Black Tie."

Don't wear a tuxedo during the day time, regardless of the formality of the event.

Do use good judgment if the invitation doesn't specify the formality of the event. A dark suit and conservative tie will take you just about anywhere.

By Cynthia Nellis

We remain with best regards,
Yours E-tailor at www.mycustomtailor.com

Dressing For Job Interviews

The interview is, without a doubt, the time to make the very best possible impression you can make. This is a situation that calls for a serious business outfit. You, of course, want to be perceived as “serious” about the job, the company and the work you will be doing. You may be applying for a “casual dress” job, but the interview is always dress up! You will be trying to convince the person interviewing you that with your serious, conservative clothing - you are the type of person who will fit in at the company, will not “rock the boat”, or call unnecessary attention to yourself (team player). That’s the reason for conservative clothes and a reason to avoid fashion statements. Clothing is an expression of your respect and consideration for the situation. Candidates who ignore the importance of “Dressing to Impress” cannot be serious about the job in the minds of most interviewers. Interviewers expect interviewees to look a certain way so disappointing them at first sight is the “kiss of death”. You will need to look “right” to a stranger who is making an important evaluation of you within 30 seconds of meeting you. And since 90% of you is covered by clothing (hide those tattoos!) the clothing choices you make can have a significant impact, but can be used to your advantage. Most recruiters or personnel executives realize if you’re just starting your career you are on a limited clothing budget, but they will expect clean, appropriate clothing that fits with the style of the company where you are interviewing. In this competitive age, average doesn’t get you anywhere. To be successful you have to look the part. Don’t kid yourself that having a good degree, innovative ideas, enthusiasm, motivation and a great personality doesn’t mean that an appropriate appearance is of secondary importance. If you did not have the first qualities you would not have been invited to interview with the rest of the candidates.
Tip for the Future: After you get the job, dress for the position several levels higher (dress like your boss’s boss). If you want a promotion you must look like you deserve it and can fit into the post.

Some Specifics on What To Wear:

1.Wear a suit (it’s more serious than a sport coat).
2.Best colors are Navy or Charcoal Gray Single Breasted suit
3.Button your suit when you enter the interview office. You may unbutton it when you sit down. Button it back up when you stand to leave. Always leave the bottom button unbuttoned.

4.White shirt with a straight point collar. Only long sleeve please. Never wear a short sleeve shirt with a tie.

Note: Black vs. Navy For men black is not usually considered appropriate for business (social, funerals - yes). Navy is the dominate power color. Recently this has been challenged by female executives wearing black since black is such a powerful color.

There is a “rule” that in serious business dress you wear a minimum of one pattern and two solids. (the elements are your suit, shirt and tie). Men look great in tuxedos which are all solids! So the recommendation for interviewing is a solid color suit and shirt and a patterned tie. Loud shirts or ties will detract from one’s character and bearing.

Ties: Best choices are solid, stripes, or small patterns and an excellent color is burgundy or another serious color (avoid pink or yellow). Even pattern ties should be limited to a maximum of three colors. Small patterns in a tie are associated with the upper middle class and that is usually the group to which your interviewer belongs. Repp ties (stripes) are acceptable to pretty much everyone. Save the expensive “hip” ties for your try at glamorous creative jobs.
Suits: You can wear the same suit for subsequent interviews if you change the tie.
Tie length:The tie should be long enough to reach your belt buckle, and don’t forget the all important dimple! (the indentation under the knot).
Socks: should match your suit and not allow any skin to show when you cross your legs.
Trousers: should be long enough to cover your socks, and cuffs are a mark of a sophisticated businessman.
Belts:Leather belts with quiet, small belt buckles.
Shoes: One of the most important fashion factors, they are a strong statement of personality and executives (men and women!) notice shoes.

Grooming - Tips
1.No cologne (especially on your right hand, it rubs off when you shake hands)
2.Do check your breath.
3.Always have clean nails.
4.Never chew a gum (also a great tip for after you get the job)
5·Make sure you have a nice pen and carry it in the inside jacket pocket (not the shirt pocket).
6·Name tags go on the right (easier to read when you shake hands) although most people stick them on the left.
7.Hair longer than shoulder length for women and over the ears for men diminishes perception of authority, but increases a feeling of accessibility. So short hair for power, long hair for friendliness.

We remain with regards,
E-tailors at www.mycustomtailor.com

For The Groomsman

Your mission on your big day isn't impossible; it's simply to look your best. A well-fitting tux is a given. It's how you accessorize that will make the most of your outfit. To help you pump up your style quotient, we tracked down the hot trends in tux and suit accessories.

MINIMAL COLOR
Stick with more subdued, sophisticated color arrangements. Try going with the same hue for both your shirt and tie. A tone-on-tone combo not only takes the guesswork out of coordinating, but will also give you a very glam look. All black -- black tux, tie, and shirt -- is popular. Navy-on-navy is big, as is a chocolate tie and shirt. Christopher Sulavik, author of The Indispensable Guide to Classic Men's Clothing, offers one general guideline to keep in mind when pairing tints of the same color: the tie is usually darker than the shirt.

If you plan to wear a vest, black and silver are the two most popular choices. Silver (and gold) ties and vests are still red hot, but expect more pastels and light blues to trickle down from other men's clothing trends.

ILLUSTRIOUS TIES
If you're seeking a cutting-edge look, the bow tie should be left buried in your closet behind that pile of dirty laundry. Ties, especially those with a high-sheen, are definitely a more modern approach to neckwear. Popularized by Hollywood-types at Tony award ceremonies like the Oscars, four-in-hand satin ties in lustrous, solid colors paired with a dressy shirt will definitely add some punch to your ensemble.


URNED DOWN COLLARS
The truly updated outfit forgoes the wing collar and replaces it with the more modern turndown variety. The pros, with their current penchant for neckties and matching same-colored shirts, would definitely put you in a fancy turndown-collar shirt.

TONED DOWN VESTS
Skip the cummerbund. Though these classic garments will never go out of style, the fashion forward will decide on a vest instead. Full-back, solid-colored vests are the current choice of grooms and groomsmen, the benefit being that if you and your men plan on cranking up the heat and removing your jackets at the reception, you will still have a finished look. Do without loud, busy patterns and select a toned-down style, such as a monochromatic vest two different hues of the same color. Or better yet, go with a solid color.

WELL-HEELED SHOES
Grooms are taking the aisle walk in thick-soled leather shoes similar to what's seen on the streets. Forget slip-on loafers; instead, chose a chunkier black lace-up style. "If you're looking for a classic patent leather, update the shape with a square toe," suggests Kenneth Cole. "It's modern and simple yet sophisticated enough to be worn with any tuxedo." If you go with a heavier shoe, you'll need pants that are cut a bit wider at the bottom for a more balanced look.

SILVER JEWELS
In tuxedo terms, jewelry means cuff links and shirt studs. Silver links are more popular today than gold, and are often set with black onyx. These small, fashionable costume pieces are made with a variety of different stones -- from onyx to mother of pearl -- and add just the right finishing touch to your wedding day ensemble.

We remain with regards,
E-tailor at www.mycustomtailor.com

The Tuxedo For You

No matter how nice your tuxedo looks on a hanger, it won´t mean a thing if it has not got that...fit. If you haven´t sized your tux correctly, you may end up with a high-water, too-tight, or too-loose suit that will make you look like a goofball on your wedding day. Make sure you get the right size by following our sizing guidelines below.

COMFORT IS KEY
Choose your formalwear for style and comfort. You should be able to move easily -- do lots of twists, turns, and arm raises when you audition outfits. After all, you´ll be wearing those duds for four to eight emotional, fun-filled hours.

SIZE IT UP
It´s a good idea for everyone to try on their formalwear at least two days before the wedding. Sounds like a no-brainer, right? You´d be surprised. Many mismatched bridal parties or ill-fitting jackets result from neglect of this simple step.

If the suits don´t fit, you´ll still have time to run back to the rental shop or the tailor to get the kinks worked out.

THE BASICS
Here´s what to look for when you´re sizing up a tux:

Jacket
Your jacket should fit comfortably at the neck and shoulders and fasten easily. Try standing and sitting with it buttoned.


Shirt
About 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch of your shirt´s cuff should show below the jacket sleeve. It should fit comfortably at the neck, shoulders, and waist.

Vest
Vest buttons should line up with your jacket front, and the vest should button comfortably across your chest. The bottom should slightly overlap the trouser waistband. The vest´s waist usually adjusts with a slide strap for a good fit. Something to consider, says Lord West´s Toll: a vest with a full back. When jackets come off during the reception, guests will see the real deal instead of a strap and the back of your shirt.

Trousers
These should button comfortably and feel good when you sit. Many styles have adjustable waistbands, or you can opt for suspenders. The hem should break just over your shoe tops.

Bow tie
If you go for a bow tie, make sure you know your neck size. Most ties are adjustable, but check twice to make sure.

Shoes
If you haven´t checked your shoe size since you bought dress shoes for your sixth grade graduation, reacquaint yourself with the Brannock device -- that metal slide-rule contraption shoe stores use to measure your feet. Remember that the best time to try on shoes is at the end of the day, because if your feet swell at all, they´ll do it then. Better for shoes to be too roomy than too tight.

by - Sara Fiedelholtz
at The Knot

Created By www.mycustomtailor.com on November 2004