[weepixlet]

I'm attending a wedding (in southern california) in a few weeks as the date of the bride's good friend from school days. I don't have the invite in my hands, otherwise I would feel more confident taking my cues from that. I have been told that the wedding takes place in the afternoon, about 2:30pm, at a fancy hotel, and that the groomsmen will be wearing tails and ascots.

I tend to wear almost exclusively vintage clothing, pre-1960, and make a decent amount of fuss with regard to etiquette. I am very aware that my own presentation and conduct will reflect strongly on the person who's date I am to be! I wish to be seen as "a catch," but I also am cautious about upstaging the bride!

Now the questions! Black feels inappropriate because of the hour and the city, but I've been reading online that black is acceptable for such a formal occasion. I own many lovely black dresses, so I wouldn't have to go buying something new... but is black all wrong at a sunny afternoon wedding?

Gloves? Hats? Floral hairpieces? Will I appear fussy if I wear gloves and the bridesmaids don't? Anything I should absolutely not forget to bring to such an affair?

-Miss P!

[Etiquette Now]

Dear Miss P,

This event sounds very formal and a bit over the top. So, go for it. You can wear gloves and a hat is it goes with the outfit.

Black is fine any time of the day now. So, if the outfit seems to match the formality of the event, then you are fine.

Best wishes,

[weepixlet]

Thank you very much!