Summertime is the season for weddings… and many celebrities are following tradition and getting hitched accordingly. June saw Nicole Kidman’s lavish Australian affair. Desperate Housewives, Marcia Cross said, “I do” in a mid-sized California ceremony. Emmy-winning Medium star Patricia Arquette tied the knot with her longtime boyfriend, actor Thomas Jane in Italy. And, 81-year-old, “Wyatt Earp” star Hugh O’Brian had a wedding to die for at a famed L.A. cemetery.
While I didn’t receive an invitation to any of the aforementioned events, I did see the pictures (thanks to those hard to resist celebrity magazines). The photo spreads showed the fabulous dresses each bride wore and the suits and tuxedos the grooms donned. However, what fascinated me even more than what the respective brides and grooms were wearing, were the outfits their guests showed up in.
For example, PEOPLE magazine has a multi-page spread of Marcia Cross’ wedding. The ceremony itself was help in the Church of Our Savior Episcopal Parish–a grand Cathedral-like structure with massive stained-glass windows located in San Gabriel, California. Her reception likewise was held indoors at the Ritz-Carlton. But for some reason the pictures made it look like their guests were dressed for an outdoor wedding. Don’t get me wrong, they all looked stunning, but it seems as though every female guest was either wearing a strapless, halter, or spaghetti-strap dress. Call me old-fashioned, out-of-it, a prude, whatever, but I got married in Hawaii and my guests still managed to show up dressed for a wedding ceremony, not a luau.
The point of this blog is not to knock what people were wearing to someone’s wedding (they can wear whatever they want). I just thought it might be interesting to see what wedding experts considered “appropriate” guest attire… and pass it on to you. (If statistics prove right you are likely to be attending a ceremony in the next few weeks yourself.)
Here’s what fashion experts have to say regarding proper wedding attire:
Check The Invitation. Will the ceremony and/or reception be held indoors or outdoors? In a church or synagogue… or in someone’s home? Traditional church weddings typically require women to cover their shoulders and for men to wear jackets. While outdoor ceremonies call for more casual attire.
Just Say No. Female guests: Stay away from white and off-white dresses — the only woman wearing those shades to a wedding should be the bride. Male guests: avoid casual pants, such as cargo pants or, even worse, jeans. Instead try linen pants or gauzy cotton trousers.
Choose Appropriate Jewelry. It’s wise not to wear heaping diamond necklaces and ice-cube earrings to a daytime beach ceremony. Save your elegant jewelry for evening weddings and stick with simple jewelry for daytime affairs.
Semi-Formal. If the wedding invitation requests “semi-formal” attire–for women that means elegant cocktail dresses. Hem length should not rise above the knee. For men–dark suits are best, but they don’t have to be black — gray is a great option. In addition, pinstripes add a nice touch.
Beach or Outdoor Weddings: Consider wearing something celebratory and tropical — say yes to color, but don’t go overboard. Also, women should avoid wearing beaded gowns, or anything else too delicate to a beach wedding. For men: Opt for lighter suit colors. A pale suit will make you look and feel cool outdoors.
Remember this is just a guide. You know the bride and groom best. Ultimately, the best advice is to choose an outfit that won’t embarrass them, their families, or yourself.
***Also check out the Families.com Marriage blog, which recently featured a complete series of wedding related articles.***