News You Can Use

Dress with comfort and style to avoid wedding wear woes

University Relations
News Bureau (662) 325-3442
Contact: Abby Barber
May 21, 2003

STARKVILLE, Miss.—With spring and summer weddings blossoming these days, invited guests may be confused about appropriate dress.

According to a Mississippi State University fashion expert, modern weddings have no “hard rules” about attire for those attending the festivities. “The great thing about weddings today is that one can be stylish, yet stay comfortable,” adds Phyllis B. Miller, associate professor of apparel, textiles and merchandising.

To choose appropriately, Miller urges attendants to consider the event’s beginning time, location and their personal knowledge of the couple’s preferences. For wedding activities concluding before 6 p.m., Miller recommends a choice of regular church attire. For receptions lasting until evening at a fancy locale, dressier attire probably is more acceptable, particularly if there will be dancing.

The couple’s personal style also should provide clues about appropriate dress. Whether their styles are formal or casual, allow their preferences to determine the atmosphere, regardless of the ceremony time.

Even though wedding dress codes today are more relaxed, Miller provides several general clothing “dos and don’ts,” including:

--Women attending afternoon weddings should select conservative church clothing or suits made of silk or similar fabric. Almost any color is appropriate—even black and white—but never a white formal dress or long glittery gown that would compete with the bride’s outfit.

--Men always should choose a suit for afternoon or evening weddings, though a colored shirt without a tie is fine for an informal function. For post-5 p.m. ceremonies, a white shirt and solid-colored tie are the best choice.

--Both men and women may wear hats if the location permits, but avoid wearing flowers unless members of the wedding party.