Dress Code Archives - Page 3 of 9

Matron of Honor — Wedding Dress Code
Creative Etiquette Solutions

Matron of Honor — Wedding Dress Code

What do I wear to a 2 p.m. nontraditional wedding? As the matron of honor, I need to know the matron of honor wedding dress code? There are no bridesmaids. I’m the only other woman in the bridal party and the bride is wearing light green????

–Anonymous, Dallas, TX

It may be every matron of honor's dream come true to be able to choose her own dress. How considerate of the bride to encourage you to wear a style and color that flatters you personally -- a dress that you will actually wear again. Assuming, from what you say, that the bride is wearing a pastel green dress, find a dress in the same tone, probably a blue, yellow or nude. Traditionally, of course you could go with the "green and pink" combo, but since this is a nontraditional wedding you should not. Because the bride hasn't dictated a matron of honor dress code you are free to be somewhat adventurous. That said. Look on the invitation for a dress code. If the dress code is 'Black Tie' or 'Formal Attire,' wear a long dress, so that the length of your dress will be similar to that of her bridal gown When there is no dress code, go by the dress code 'Suits and Dresses,' which means you would wear a fabulous knee-length cocktail dress, jump suit, or pantsuit. However, you don't want your dress to be too short, because when you're on a stage giving a toast you don't want the audience to see right up your dress. No fooling. Ask the bride to tell you more about her dress. You don't want to wear a long dress if she is wearing a short dress. Since it is an early afternoon ceremony, you wouldn't wear a long dress even if her dress is floor length (unless the dress code is formal attire) . Your dress should have a sleeve, if her dress is not sleeveless. Likewise, if it is not strapless, yours shouldn't be either. 3110231937_1_3_Nr2AhUcb

Color this season is perfectly balanced with the vivid colors expressing excitement and spirit and the calming colors suggesting stability. If by chance, the bride's dress is one of the green tones here below, then any of the colors rain-bowing out from it should work well with the bride's light green wedding dress. images-101

~Didi

The Short Wedding Dress — Wedding Dress Code
Creative Etiquette Solutions

The Short Wedding Dress — Wedding Dress Code

What is the wedding dress code etiquette for the bride and groom? Can I get away with a knee-length wedding dress if the groom wants to wear a tuxedo?

–Anonymous, Palm Beach County, FL

Forget about conventional wedding dress code. Yes, of course you can. Nothing is quite chicer than a short wedding dress -- even if your groom is wearing a tuxedo. Wedding couples mix it up all the time. Do your own thing. Get all dressed up and be comfortable with your image as a couple. Here are some recent photos of real wedding couples for you to see for yourself. The exuberant bride in the upper left corner is tres chic in her marvelous Monique Lhuillier. She has the great legs needed to pull off the shortness of the length. Since the photo is at their reception, we don't see what she wore on her head at the reception -- maybe she didn't wear a veil. If she wore anything on her head, perhaps she choose either a stunning hat or fabulous fascinator with or without a blusher veil. The first photo below is a terrifically cool retro look with the groom in a sophisticated white dinner jacket instead of the more wintery looking black tuxedo jacket. Love the red accents of the red shoes, bridal bouquet and boutonniere with the black and white. Love the bride's vintage-style hat with a blusher veil -- and even the sunglasses. 005aaf78888ea5126ada5dd01d04492f

Here is a more traditionally glamorous knee-length wedding dress and a really, sweet, pretty hat with a blusher veil. images-89

Lastly, please find two marvelously contemporary Monique Lhuillier short wedding dresses from the website, moniquelhuillier.com. [caption id="attachment_100664" align="aligncenter" width="223"]

Monique Lhuillier Bridal, Fall 2016, October 2015, INTERNAL USE ONLY

Monique Lhuillier Bridal, Fall 2016[/caption] [caption id="attachment_100666" align="aligncenter" width="223"]

Monique Lhuillier Bridal, Fall 2016[/caption]

~Didi

Mother of the Bride & Groom Dresses — Wedding Dress Code
Creative Etiquette Solutions

Mother of the Bride & Groom Dresses — Wedding Dress Code

Do the outfits of the mother of the bride and the mother of the groom have to be the same length? What is the wedding dress code for long vs. short dresses?

–Brogan, Buffalo. NY

When deciding the wedding dress code for the length of the mothers of the bride and groom's dresses, think about the wedding photos. In group photos, consistency works best. Here are real life recent photos of mothers at their children's wedding that illustrate their camaraderie because they're wearing dresses similar in style and color tone, and yet in the cut and color that suits them best as individuals. Here below, the color tones of the mothers of the bride and groom dresses work well in this photograph as they frame the bide. The colors of the mothers' dresses reflect their personalities, and having the same sleeve and hem length,and low neckline shows a certain uniformity. images-80

My personal favorite is below. The elegant Dowton Abbey look for these mothers of the wedding couple, who are dressed in similar (although not the same) style tea-length dresses, one is in a pink taupe and the other is wearing ecru. images-81

Above, at this less formal wedding, notice that the mothers of the bride and groom are both wearing sleeveless cocktail dresses that fall just below their knees. The necklines of their dresses are also the same. The colors, black, white and brown, don't clash. The full-length of the bride's dress steals the show making it evident that she is the belle of the ball. At the below more formal wedding, the wedding couple and their respective parents are totally coordinated in a rather dignified style and colors. images-84

Even though the mothers of the bride and groom below look are a bit too match-matchy, you get it that they are really in sync with their outfits. (Traditionally, neither of the mothers would be wearing white, because the only woman wearing white at the wedding should be the bride.) However, these two mothers illustrate harmonious compatibility, which as everyone knows is rather important. images-76

Here below, the two mothers of the wedding couple are wearing similar cocktail-style, knee-length outfits in compatible summer colors, coral and turquoise. Colors that work better for their individual personality and coloring. images-86

Lastly, and most traditionally, you'll find two lovely mothers framing the beautiful bride wearing similar style pastel, sleeveless, long dresses. images-78

~Didi

Mother-of-The-Bride — Wedding Dress Code
Creative Etiquette Solutions

Mother-of-The-Bride — Wedding Dress Code

What is the wedding dress code for the MOB? Does the mother-of-the-bride wear a long dress for a 4 p.m. wedding?

–Trish

About wedding dress code for the MOB. The mother-of-the-bride along with the wedding couple determine the style of the wedding. The hight of elegance is consistency and from the start your daughter's wedding should reflect one style: very formal (white tie and evening dresses), formal (tuxedos or dinner jackets and long or short dresses), less formal (business suits and cocktail dresses), or informal. Having one style throughout -- from the invitation and wedding dress code to the wedding toasts and thank-you note -- will simplify the whole decision making process. The earlier in the day the wedding, the less formal the dress code. The later in the day, the dressier the attire. Traditionally, a four o'clock wedding is not formal. Even when the bridal party are in tuxedos and long dresses, it doesn't necessarily mean you ask guests to dress as formally. Especially nowadays when more guests than before will be traveling from afar, tuxedos and evening gowns can be tricky to transport and who is going to iron them when the guest arrives at their destination? The MOB picks the dress style that suits her best. If she doesn't feel she will be comfortable traipsing around in a long chiffon evening dress from two in the afternoon (when she'll have to get dressed) until midnight (when she finally gets to bed), then she opts for a more comfortable knee-length cocktail dress, a sheath with a coordinating jacket, or a dressy dinner suit (often called an opera suit). Often when there is an early afternoon ceremony and a dinner wedding, the MOB will wear a knee-length dress to the ceremony and change into an evening dress for the dinner dance reception. Personally, I would prefer a well-designed, thick, silk, knee-length dinner suit with 3/4-quarter-length sleeves. You have to think about the season, the climate, as well as the venue of the wedding, and the wedding colors; again, based on the overall formality. A hipster or rustic barn-style wedding is different style from a preppy seaside or country club wedding, a hotel ballroom wedding is more formal than a destination wedding on a dude ranch or in your backyard (see "Father of the Bride"). A trim, buff and younger MOB might be more confident showing a lot of skin and wearing a dress that accentuates her curves, whereas an older, more solid MOB might prefer to be covered from head to tow. As the MOB sets the dress code for her generation of mothers (groom's mother, aunts, grandmothers, godmothers, stepmothers), she needs to consider a style that they are comfortable with as well, style-wise and price-wise. Keep in mind that some churches and other houses of worship require women to cover their arms and/or heads before entering. We are happy to assist you further, however, we would need to know more about the MOB and her daughter's wedding to give our best answer. To start, here are more dresses (scroll down) from the current Neiman Marcus website under Mother-of-the-Bride. NMTC9RB_mu

~Didi

Formal Cheap Chic — Wedding Dress Code for Guest
Creative Etiquette Solutions

Formal Cheap Chic — Wedding Dress Code for Guest

I’m 60 and my 28-year-old step-granddaughter will marry in May in a very exclusive and expensive Sunday evening venue. The MOB has chosen a custom made navy lace gown (have not seen sketches) and, good for her, she can well afford it. I, on the other hand, cannot afford such an expenditure. In addition, I am at a loss as to what to wear (I’m 5’2″ and carry my weight in the middle) and where to purchase a reasonably priced item, that does not appear “cheap.” Any help is appreciated.

By the way, my flabby arms need to be covered and I need to go with an empire waist. I’m a size 12 with no rear, no waist, a tummy, and I wear a size 38DDD bra. Oh, yes, and I have thin legs.

–Marilyn, New Jersey

Have you considered renting a new designer dress to wear to your stepdaughter's wedding? No one will ever know you rented your evening dress! Go to Rent the Runway at renttherunway.com and look at the choices. Click on Dresses, click on Gowns, then click Sort by Price Low to High, then your Size. Here are dresses that I spotted just now that might work for you. Many of the RTR dresses come in petite (meaning shorter) as well as regular and wider sizes. The rental prices are from $100 to $150 for a long dress. To flatten your stomach wear a full body undergarment such as a Spanx to give you a smoother line. It might feel pretty wretched at first. However, when you get used to how much trimmer you look and feel, you'll happily suck up any initial discomfort. Here are three evening dresses with sleeves you can rent from renttherunway.com that would be flattering on you by accentuating your curves. RZ13

I really love the classic, elegant and dignified look of Meryl Streep in the upper left corner of this q-and-a and below. Time is on your side. You may want to look into improvising with a beautiful white blouse that fits your bountiful bust and a long black skirt. Streep's ensemble is by Lavin, but you could easily find the same sort of combo in a department store in your area. Add faux pearl earrings, a small evening bag and ballerina flats, and you're good to go. images-65

~Didi

Wedding Etiquette — The Wedding Website
Creative Etiquette Solutions

Wedding Etiquette — The Wedding Website

Wedding etiquette is changing and we’re not sure how to respond. We received a save-the-date card which has a link to the couple’s wedding website. Apparently, the invitation will be on that website two months prior to the wedding. We even reply to the website, and all the information (dates, times, accommodations, bridal registry, dress code) is on that website. Our problem is that we are organic farmers and don’t use or own a computer. My son is actually writing to you for me, so that we can find out what to do. The groom is my husband’s nephew, so we want to do what’s right.

–Helen, Vermont

You are not alone wondering about the wedding etiquette of the wedding couple's website. Write to the address on the save-the-date saying: We don't have access to a computer. Then ask if you can be sent a printout of the pertinent information that's on the website. MIN-MDI-DWW-007B_A_PZ

Or ask your son if he would respond for you and relay the information to you. Because you will want to make a reservation ahead of time at one of the lodgings that is being recommended in order to qualify for a reduced rate. MIN-V1U-DWW-007B_A_PZ

Usually a block of rooms is reserved for wedding guests, but there is a cutoff date. This is something you might want to take advantage of by calling the motel as soon as you know its name. You'll need to use a credit card to book the room. MIN-BMI-DWW-007B_A_PZ

~Didi

Woman Guest — Wedding Etiquette
Creative Etiquette Solutions

Woman Guest — Wedding Etiquette

My niece is getting married in LA. Dec 3 2016. Wedding starts at 5:00pm and goes until midnight. Groomsmen and fathers are wearing tuxs. Color theme is white, black and gold. As a guest, should I wear a long dress or short cocktail dress or is either appropriate?

–Ro, Florida

The wedding etiquette dress code for a five o'clock wedding is on the edge of long or short dress, evening gown or cocktail dress. Look at the invitation, which should arrive at least a month before the wedding, for the dress code. If you can't wait that long, try to find the wedding couple's wedding website by going to such sites as theknot.com. If the couple have decided on the dress code, it might be listed already on their website. The thing about weddings is that between now and September (when the wedding invitations will be ordered) the dress code could change, which is why we suggest that you chat up the family to find out what guests are wearing. These days, even when the bridal party is wearing tuxedos and long dresses, the dress codes for the guests may not be as dressy. If the wedding invitation doesn't state Black Tie or Formal Attire, as the bride's aunt you would wear an elegant and dignified cocktail dress that falls to, or just below, your knees, whichever you prefer. Add beautiful shoes and carry a small chic evening bag. You can't go wrong with a well-made gorgeous cocktail dress. If the invitation ends up stating Black Tie, you get bump it up a notch with jewelry -- even faux pearls. For instance, for you, I like this embroidered v-nect short sleeve Carolina Herrera cocktail dress because it is elegant and dignified, yet fun. medium_carolina-herrera-blue-embroidered-v-neck-short-sleeve-cocktail-dress

medium_carolina-herrera-blue-embroidered-v-neck-short-sleeve-cocktail-dress

Or this black floral-lace cuff jacket over a floral-lace sheath dress, which has quite a few lovely details that don't really show up here: BG-5GD1_mk

~Didi

Wedding Etiquette — Invitation
Creative Etiquette Solutions

Wedding Etiquette — Invitation

About wedding invitation etiquette. Our daughter and her fiancé are insisting on including a reply card with their wedding invitation. It has a cut-off date for responding and a list of entree preferences: vegan, filet mignon, or halibut. Since the invitations will be received six weeks before the reception dinner, how do guests know that far in advance what they’ll want to eat?

If they came to our house for dinner, they certainly wouldn’t be given a choice of three entrees!

As the hosts, we should be able to serve one entree and have the caterer prepare a smaller amount of vegan entrees for those who don’t eat meat.

Why do we even need a reply card? Why can’t the guest write us a short note telling us whether or not they are attending? If they can’t write us a polite note, do we really want them at our daughter’s wedding?

–Anonymous, Savannah, GA

People are talking about the changes in the etiquette of the wedding invitation. The problem runs deep. Don't get your knickers in a twist. The millennials (a third of the US population born between 1980-2000+) simply don't know how to write a note in longhand. This generation, also called Generation Y, was never taught penmanship as we know it. It was not part of their school curriculum; they were taught how to type instead of learning cursive writing, the Palmer Method. BillMiller59241478266T

The purpose of the cutoff date is to give the caterer an accurate headcount. If you tell the caterer you are feeding fifty guests and only forty-two actually show up, you will be charged for eight uneaten dinners. Why? Because the caterer will have to buy the food and arrange for waitstaff in advance. About having an entree choice. It is about waste. It is about pleasing your guest. Making sure they are fed so that the alcohol is absorbed before getting in their car and driving home. BillMiller59241478255

Your guests who have strict dietary concerns know how to deal with this. Beforehand they will let you know that they have an allergy to seafood or nuts. Those dealing with sugar, salt, dairy, and gluten restrictions will snack ahead of time, and eat what part of the meal being served they can digest properly. You're hosting guests who, predominately, have the 'me first' mentality. The host and the caterer are best served, if they know ahead of time who eats what. BillMiller59241667620

All invitations are courtesy of The Printery, Locust Valley, New York.

~Didi

The Mothers — Wedding Dress Code
Creative Etiquette Solutions

The Mothers — Wedding Dress Code

How do we coordinate the wedding dress code for the mothers and grandmothers?

My daughter is getting married in December and it will be at 4:00 pm. Should the mothers of the bride and groom wear short or long dresses and does the grandmother of the bride also wear the same length as they do?

–Kandee, Arkansas

The mother-of-the-bride sets the wedding dress code for the mothers based on the dress code set by the bride and groom. The time of day and venue of the wedding is also a factor. The earlier in the day the wedding, the less dressier the dress code. A four o'clock wedding probably isn't Black Tie or Formal Attire. It is Suits and Dresses. Meaning Cocktail Attire: Business suits and knee-length cocktail dresses. A four o'clock wedding would be cocktail attire for the guests even if the bridal party is wearing tuxedos and long dresses. Which leads the mothers and fathers of the wedding couple deciding and agreeing on how dressy their attire will be for the wedding. In my opinion, the mothers and fathers of the bride and groom would wear cocktail attire for a four o'clock wedding. The grandparents would follow suit. If you, the mother-of-the-bride, are wearing a knee-length dress, then the grandmother of the bride would wear a cocktail dress or a dinner suit. Also, called a evening suit, it is cocktail length -- the length for a grandmother is just below her knees -- and is made of a lightweight fabric, such as a thick silk (or silk and wool blend in winter) and it is decorated with pretty buttons and/or piping. A sheath with a coordinating jacket would also be lovely. The reason for the jacket is to cover the arms in December. Most grandmothers seem to prefer to have their arms covered and a dressy jacket does the trick. IMG_0152-1

Think about the wedding photos because they'll be around long after the wedding. After choosing an elegant and dignified style, consider color. Personally I love the look directly above of the bride in white and the mother and grandmother in white and black. The grandmother should wear a color that compliments your dress in the same tone. For instance, if you're wearing cobalt blue, she would wear navy blue. Here are examples below -- although it is not a color I would choose -- but you understand the concept: the grandmother, the bride, and the mother-of-the-bride with the older women wearing outfits close in color that fall just below the knees: 53a35aba0ef80900x-750x400

Here is another nice pairing although it is obviously a summer wedding, you get the idea: images-65

~Didi

Winter Wedding – New York, New York
Creative Etiquette Solutions

Winter Wedding – New York, New York

I am a fifties-something woman going to a 3:00 pm November wedding in New York City followed by a reception and I’m wondering what kind of dress to wear and what color? Since I’m coming from Florida, I want to be in step with what other women my age are wearing.

–Maria Eugenia Gallego, Miami, Fl

What we love about New York City is being able to wear a little black dress and dress it up -- or down depending on the occasion. Nothing is more perfect for a three o'clock wedding than a LBD, with great shoes and a pretty, but chic evening bag. Our favorite go to website what2wearwhere.com recommends these five little black basic dresses to wear in the fall and winter of 2015-2016. There is one to suit your style whether you like to go sleeveless, or if you prefer short sleeves, or a dress with three-quarter length sleeves:

We also like the website halsbrook.com for women over forty looking for a polished and professional look for work and play. See below. Since you will be coming from Florida and I don't know the extent of your winter wardrobe, take a look at this two piece ensemble below that will give you three different looks for your trip to NYC: A chic suit that has a coat length jacket to wear to the 3:00 pm ceremony, which can also be worn with slacks when you get off the plane in NYC, or can be used as a coverup for the little black dress (already in your closet) that you wear to the wedding reception that evening along with a pop of jewelry and a small evening bag. You'll only need a beautiful pair of comfy black pumps to wear on the plane and when walking around NYC, and fabulous heels for dancing at the wedding reception:

Look at it this way. You will need some sort of coat in NYC for the weekend, and if you're traveling light, these three outfits could be your solution. Accessorize with a small, elegant evening bag, fabulous shoes, and a bit of fashionable contemporary jewelry, or your favorite pearls.

~Didi

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