Hello, I'm having a hard time establishing the formality of the wedding, but I love the look of a charcoal cutaway with striped trousers and a big ascot. I know that is for a very formal daytime wedding, but could I tweak the look for mine? Our wedding is in a garden in May at 5:30. We will probably have a cock tail hour while we take pictures. We'll have a buffet style dinner and a DJ. My dress is a full skirted, embroidered, satin gown with short train. Also, I have 7 bridesmaids! Where does my formality lie so far, and can my groom have a look similar to the attire I like? Thanks! Alex
(This post was
edited by TWQadmin on Oct 9, 2008, 7:35 PM)
It seems that you may be all over the map with your formality level. If you begin at 4:30, instead of 5:30, and yours is very formal, then the cutaway would be expected and appropriate. 12 attendants is right in line with a very formal wedding with more than 200 guests. But, a garden wedding is most often fairly informal or semi-formal, although I dislike that confusing term. Your guests may be confused as well unless you include "formal" on the invitation.
So, perhaps, if indeed the wedding is large and very formal, you could begin a bit earlier and you can have your formal men's attire. Of course there is no etiquette police to offer citations. It just may appear a bit off to those who know about those silly formality rules.
I'm not the fashion expert to give you any other alternatives. Sorry.
I'm all for bending tradition a bit, but I'd rather look like I know what I'm doing. Unfortunately 5:30 is our earliest option. Also, I couldn't possibly do without any of the bridesmaids, even though we are inviting 175. Despite the large wedding party, how can I tone down the formality and regain the appropriateness for an afternoon garden wedding? Thank you for your time, and for your quick response before!
Well, even though 175 isn't 200, it is just a number. I doubt anyone will go around counting heads. If everything you are doing appears formal, your wedding will appear formal. It probably won't appear ultra formal though. So, this means the tuxedo would be the most appropriate male attire for the bridal party.
Perhaps there is something you can add to the tux to give it that look you want. I wish I knew more about fashion so I would know what that something could be. Rebecca Black, Etiquette Now
Groom's Evening Garden Wedding Attire
