1. Who can wear white to a wedding?
Anyone can wear white at a wedding. The color white is a symbol of celebration, nothing else. Therefore most ministers or priest will wear white to a wedding. Likewise, any bride may wear white to a wedding. Even other attendants can wear white such as bridesmaids and groomsmen.
With that being said, ivory is the IN color. More ivory gowns have been sold in the past year than any other color. What does this mean? That ivory is usually a better color with most complexions. So if you agree that ivory is a better color for you than white, that is perfectly acceptable. Don't let anyone tell you that the color of your gown has anything to do with your lifestyle!
 |
| PC Mary's Ivory Lace Gown |
Invitation wording is based upon who is paying for the wedding. If the bride and groom are paying for the wedding with no help from parents, then the invitation should have only their names.
If the bride's parents are helping to pay for the wedding, then their names should be included on the invitation.
If the groom's parents are helping to pay for the wedding, then their names should be included on the invitation.
If both the bride and groom's parents are helping to pay for the wedding, they should all be included on the invitation.
That being said, who knew this before you read it? Probably not too many. I seriously doubt that guests will open the invitation and immediately think about who is paying for what at the wedding. I have also had many brides and grooms who wanted to include parent's names out of respect for them not because they were contributing to the wedding.
3. Is there a symbol for purity at a wedding?
Since we already covered the wearing of white and know that is not a symbol of purity, the next thing to look at is the veil. The veil is the only symbol of purity at the wedding. So technically a woman who is marrying for the second time, should not wear a veil. She may wear something in her hair like a tiara or flower but just not the veil.
And we know that we talk about equal sexes, but it rarely happen, so there is no symbol for the groom. I think maybe we should invent one. Any ideas of what we can have the groom do to show his purity?
But once again, this is not a commonly known rule about a veil. I have plenty of brides who admit they are not the purest but still wear a veil because that is the wedding look they want.
4. What should the women at the wedding wear?
Traditionally what to wear is divided into two times of the day. If a wedding is before 6 pm, the attire is different than weddings after 6 pm.
For weddings before 6 pm that are considered ultra-formal or formal, the bride and bridesmaids should wear long gowns. The mothers and flower girl should follow along with long gowns. If the invitations specify black tie, the guests should also wear long gowns. If not specified on the invitation, street length dresses may be worn by guests.
If the wedding is semi-formal, everyone may wear floor length (no trains) or tea length. The bridesmaids, mothers, flower girls and guests should follow the brides lead. If wearing long, others may wear long. If wearing tea length, then others should wear tea length or street length.
If the wedding is informal, short gowns or suits should be worn.
If the wedding is after 6 pm, there are no differences for the women. The changes are in the men's attire. The best rule to remember is to take the lead from the bride or mother of the bride.
5. What should the men at the wedding wear?
Again the menswear depends upon the time of day but is actually more complicated than the women's attire. Here is a chart to help you out.
Before 6 After 6
Ultra Formal Cutaway coat, striped pants Full dress tailcoat, matching pants
(traditional wing-tip shirt, ascot and vest wing-tip shirt, bow tie
Ultra Formal Long or short tuxedo Long or short tuxedo
(contemporary) wing-tip shirt wing-tip shirt
Formal Stroller or waistcoat, striped Tuxedo with matching pants,
(traditional) pants, white shirt dress shirt, bow tie
Formal Formal tuxedo, dress shirt, Tuxedo, dress shirt, bow tie,
(contemporary) bow tie, vest vest
Semi-Formal Formal suit, white shirt Tuxedo or dinner jacket, dress shirt
(traditional) four-in-hand-tie bow tie, vest
Semi-Formal Dinner jacket or suit Dinner jacket or formal suit
(contemporary) shirt, vest, four-in-hand tie dress shirt, bow tie, vest
Informal Suit with any color shirt Formal suit, shirt
(traditional) four-in-hand tie four-in-hand tie
Informal Dinner jacket or suit Dinner jacket or formal suit, dress shirt
(contemporary) shirt, coordinating pants four-in-hand tie, vest
Now that you have read through all the do's and don'ts, let me add a HUGE asterisks.**** Always remember that it is YOUR wedding. The style of wedding gown, tuxedo, bridesmaid dresses or whatever that you choose, is exactly that: YOUR CHOICE! Etiquette has been around for hundreds of years and many changes have been made. Some more popular than others. And we also know that there are certain things that are done just to spite etiquette! So you decide upon the feel and look of your wedding. If you want to wear a veil for a third wedding, go for it. If you want your men to wear tuxes before 6pm, you won't be the only one. And I think it is perfectly fitting to add your parent's names to an invitation to honor them.
But on a cautionary note, remember that after your beautiful day, your pictures will be the only thing remaining. So make sure your decisions (like that tuxedo printed t-shirt for your groom) aren't regretted later.
2 comments:
Hmmm, I never knew that about the veil! Very interesting. :)
Really interesting information! Great blog. :)
Post a Comment