What to Wear to a Wedding Reception
A wedding invitation often invokes different responses from men and women. Women get all excited and thrilled about the upcoming wedding, sometimes even more than the two people getting married! They gleefully start planning for the wedding and immediately go on a shopping spree to buy wedding dresses, accessories etc. They have everything set long before the wedding with different dresses for different wedding functions along with matching shoes, accessories etc. Men on the other hand, seem nonchalant about the whole affair. The only thing that bothers them is how much the wedding will cost them in terms of wedding gifts, travel, accommodation etc! It seems like, what to wear to a wedding is the last thing on their minds. But guys, you cannot afford to be so ignorant about your attire to a wedding or wedding reception, especially when your wives and girlfriends are taking so much efforts to look great. So, this article is for anyone who is absolutely clueless about dressing for a wedding reception.
What to Wear to a Wedding Reception
Wedding reception follows a wedding ceremony and is more of a celebration than a tradition. However, that does not mean you can come dress loosely and tastelessly. In fact, one must pay even more attention to their reception attire than their wedding outfit. During a wedding, all eyes are focused on the bride, groom and the wedding party. The reception is the time when people will actually notice you, as you will be required to socialize with them. Hence, one must be careful with their attire during a wedding reception.
Choosing dresses to wear to a wedding as a guest can be tricky because you neither want to end up dressed lousily nor you wish to draw attention to yourself by overdressing. Striking a balance between the two is very important. However, there are some safer ways of dressing for wedding receptions which won't let you down no matter what! Knowing the dress code well in advance makes matters simpler for you. However, if that is not possible, then there are still a number of ways in which you can dress appropriately for a wedding reception.
Venue
The venue of the wedding reception often speaks volumes about what to expect from the reception. Outdoor venues like lawns, yards, poolside, gardens etc. are more forgiving when it comes to dress code for the event. On the other hand, downright formal venues like hotel ballrooms, banquet halls etc. demand a very strict code for dressing. Since wedding receptions are often a late afternoon or evening affair, one cannot possibly go wrong with cocktail dresses for women and dark suits for men. For outdoor venues, women can settle for knee length dresses or skirts with dressy tops. Men can wear dress pants and jackets in rich colors such as charcoal, navy, black, gray etc. For formal venues, there is no alternative to wearing floor length ball gowns and tuxedos.
Weather
Weather is yet another factor that needs to be taken into account while dressing up for a wedding reception. If the wedding reception is slated for a warm summer or spring evening, it makes sense to wear cotton or linen clothes. Short dresses in bold prints and funky colors, are some cute dresses to wear to a wedding reception in summer. Sleeveless or strapless dresses also look apt for summer wedding receptions. Men can wear twill or linen suits in dark colors with or without a tie. Since, men are likely to take off their jackets during a dance on a warm summer evening, they should coordinate their dress shirts and slacks very well. For fall or winter wedding receptions, women can wear short dresses with knitted or woolen jackets. Men should wear woolen suits in dark colors with a tie.
Theme
Theme of the wedding often dictates your attire for the same. For instance, beach weddings are mostly casual and relaxed and allow you to wear comfortable clothing. Women can wear short, sleeveless floral dresses with bold prints. Men can get comfy in khakis, polo shirt and a sports jacket. For a fairy tale wedding theme, men should wear white tuxedos and women should go for long ball gowns complete with opera gloves.
Dos and Don'ts while Dressing for a Wedding Reception
There are some things which you must bear in mind to avoid major fashion faux pas. Knowing these things will also protect you from public ridicule and getting embarrassed at a wedding.
- Women should avoid wearing too short or low cut dresses. Similarly, see-through dresses are also not considered appropriate for weddings.
- Men should not wear jeans or T-shirts to a wedding unless explicitly mentioned.
- White dresses should be avoided for weddings as they clash with the bride's outfit and show you in bad taste.
- Men should avoid wearing turtlenecks to a summer reception as the warm weather may make you uncomfortable in them.
- Women should avoid wearing high heels to beach receptions, as they can sink in the sand. Same goes for damp, soft lawns.
- If possible, take a cue from other guests regarding what they are wearing for the reception and try to dress on similar lines.
- Lastly, do not offend your hosts by dressing up shabbily or provocatively.
