Skip to main content

Wedding Etiquette Attire Interview: What are Today's Taboos?

 

This was an enjoyable interview with the ever-effervescent  Deirdre Fitzpatrick of KCRA Sacramento, CA.  I lost count of how many interviews I’ve had with her but each time was a hoot.  This was our typical, “Let’s wing it; what questions do you have for me today...” interview.  Deirdre always appeared truly interested in etiquette and doing what is right.  

Q. Let’s speak a little about the dress code. Can guests wear white or black to a wedding or is that still considered unacceptable?

A: Black is popular and appropriate at all times of the day and for all times of the year.  In fact, some brides prefer their guests in black or at least both mothers, which wasn’t proper in the past.  White is even acceptable these days with a caveat. The outfit must not resemble bride attire.

In fact, the only taboo color for guests to wear these days is red.  Even so, the most egregious breach of dress code conduct we see today is the guest who wears flashy, revealing attire.  All eyes are on the gaudy guest instead of the couple—extremely disrespectful.  Many times, the abuser is viewed as an event herself.  Very unfortunate. 

Q: Is there anything that a bride should consider about her own attire especially if this is not her first marriage?

A: All brides should choose attire that is most appropriate for the formality of her wedding, the venue (church attire should be more conservative), and age.   

A blusher veil is the only no-no for today’s encore bride.  Additionally, if the bride has more than two weddings under her satin belt, it’s best she scales down the following weddings slightly to lessen wedding fatigue.   

Please Read

Anti-Clueless Advice: How to Plan a Wedding That Doesn't Insult Guests

Encore Wedding Planning

Encore Wedding Guest Tips: Avoid Rolling Eyes and Whispering


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

4 of the Most Asked Wedding Etiquette Questions Answered

After decades of answering etiquette questions, especially about weddings, I’d like to share a few of those questions that represent the majority of concerns.   Q: Is an invited coworker obligated to spend a certain amount? I'm going to both the wedding shower and the wedding. Should I buy both gifts off the registry? A: Unfortunately, yes. This is one of the biggest reasons I feel that the gift-less wedding shower is the smartest route for us to follow today.  Why should the couple receive more than one gift per guest?  It just doesn't make any sense and isn't fair to guests. Q : Registries feel so impersonal.   Is there any way to make it more personal? A: I honestly can't think of any way to make a registry more personal.  If a couple decides to register, they should choose items from the low end of the price range as well as the bigger ticket items, so the list doesn't appear to be a greed-fest.  Unfortunately, it can have th...
Post a Comment
Read more

When and Where to Seat and Sit

Playing Musical Chairs With Parents Dear Polite One,   On the day of the wedding when it becomes time to seat the parents of the bride and groom, who sits first and last especially when dealing with stepparents? Me First Dear Me First , We have more parental issues to deal with these days than we did in the past.    In fact, more weddings are encore wedding than first, which reflects this trend.  So, to keep everyone happy and separate, we seat parents in this order:  Groom’s father and stepmother (third row); Bride’s father and stepmother (third row); Groom’s mother and stepfather (first row); Bride’s mother and stepfather (first row).   If everyone is on friendly terms, all parents may sit in the front row in the given order.  The stepparents follow the person escorting parents to their seats.   Sincerely, The Polite One Seating Chart Dilemma Dear Polite One,   I'm working ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Do I wear nylons with strappy sandals for a fall evening wedding?

  Dear Polite One, From what I have read on your site, I should wear a cocktail (little black dress or equivalent) to a fall evening wedding at a golf country club.  Do, I need to wear nylons with my strappy sandals? Wedding Newbie in Wisconsin Dear Wedding Newbie in Wisconsin, Bravo on doing your attire homework!  You are absolutely correct about your attire choice.  Nylons aren't nearly as popular or expected due to our love of sandals. Strappy sandals look splendid with nice dresses, even in the winter.  FYI: It is a faux pas to wear nylons with open-toed shoes. Sincerely, The Polite One More by The Polite One How to dress for a wedding as "the second wife"? How to Dress for Formal Wedding in New York ? What to wear to a formal evening wedding in Napa?
Post a Comment
Read more