Wedding Attendance/Attire

alikatt

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Friday I am attending a wedding. It will be my second one ever in my life, and the first one I attended I was maybe 15, so it didn't matter, well, according to her mother anyway, what we wore as we weren't really in the wedding at all. Now, I'm not very fashion chic when I think about it. I mean, I wear what I wear, but I was curious what is ultimately appropriate to wear to a wedding?
I know with it being summer, the colors out are not what I.. like to wear. I'm a very basic person and don't like to wear dresses, but I plan on wearing one at the wedding. I guess what I am getting at is, is black inappropriate to wear to a wedding? It's in the evening, around 7:30, and I found a cute little strapless black dress that falls below the knee, and I was hoping with a cute pair of shoes, and doing something nice with my hair, and dressing it up with accessories, it would be ok, but I honestly don't know. Can anyone offer some tips?
 

ugaimes

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For an evening wedding, black can be appropriate if the wedding has a very formal atmosphere. Where is it being held? If it's not on a beach or something like that, it'll probably be pretty formal.
IMO, a black dress for an evening wedding should be fine, but maybe punch it up with a colorful purse or cardigan or something.
Have fun!
 

fwan

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yes, buy a black strapless dress, black dresses are always in fashion.
its a good idea just to go to a store and ask for accessories, that are in fashion
 

yosemite

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I saw a very formal wedding a couple years ago where the whole wedding party was in black and white - the bridesmaids/maid of honour all wore black and the men had black tuxedos. It was quite attractive.

I agree - a little black dress for an evening reception dressed up a bit would be lovely.

Things have changed - we went to a funeral 2 weekends ago and some folks were wearing bright summery floral prints. I think the younger generations are more into the fact that you came to celebrate than what you wore.
 

esrgirl

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Black dresses are definitely ok to wear to an evening wedding- especially a wedding held on a Friday or Saturday, according to my bridal magazines. If you feel self-conscious about wearing a black dress maybe pair it with a stylish colored cardigan and shoes and purse to match?
 

ollyextra05

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I think black is perfectly acceptable for an evening wedding!

Maybe you could find one of those colorful pashmina wraps to throw over your shoulders and add a bit of color!
Try hitting up a Claire's or some other costume jewelry store for a pair of fun, colorful dangly earrings that aren't too expensive. I hate having to spend too much $$ on something you're only going to wear once.
 

big bad wolf

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Black may be "fashionable" - but it is not appropriate for a wedding.

Clothes do have very symbolic meanings. I think we have all heard one of those vulgar comments on whether the bride is "entitled" to wear a white dress. Black's symbolic meaning is for loss etc, it is appropriate and expected for a funeral.

Fashion magazines may say that black is "OK" for weddings but these are the same people that try to convince us that wearing oversized pants that hang around our knees or conversely pants so low-waisted that our underwear shows is also "fashionable" and "appropriate."

Please, keep shopping - there are lots of beautiful outfits out there !
 
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alikatt

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I'm so happy!
Everyone has said stuff I was already thinking about, but just was so iffy on it, I just wanted a second opinion. I have a budget to think about, and the dress itself is under $20, and I have about a $50 budget. I may not even have to buy a pair of shoes depending on what I decide on, but I'm tickled now. Thank you everyone so so much! My mind can rest just a bit easier now, and maybe I won't be so nervous.
 
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alikatt

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Originally Posted by Big Bad Wolf

Black may be "fashionable" - but it is not appropriate for a wedding.

Clothes do have very symbolic meanings. I think we have all heard one of those vulgar comments on whether the bride is "entitled" to wear a white dress. Black's symbolic meaning is for loss etc, it is appropriate and expected for a funeral.

Fashion magazines may say that black is "OK" for weddings but these are the same people that try to convince us that wearing oversized pants that hang around our knees or conversely pants so low-waisted that our underwear shows is also "fashionable" and "appropriate."

Please, keep shopping - there are lots of beautiful outfits out there !
And now I am nervous again
 

beckiboo

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Can you call the bride or brides mother for an opinion? They are the people you don't want to offend. I have no idea, but is Wolf is offended, others may be as well!
 
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alikatt

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Originally Posted by Beckiboo

Can you call the bride or brides mother for an opinion? They are the people you don't want to offend. I have no idea, but is Wolf is offended, others may be as well!
I'm going as someone's date, so I don't know the people who are getting married. He doesn't care what I wear, but I may just have to ask him to call him/her and ask just for peace of mind. I think I worry to much about little things.
 

eilcon

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Originally Posted by alikatt

And now I am nervous again
At the last wedding I went to (last month) there were girls and women wearing all different kinds of outfits from casual to dressy in every color imaginable, including a lot of black. It was an evening wedding and pretty formal held in a beautiful old church. I'd say wear whatever will make you
feel attractive and comfortable.
 

valanhb

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Black isn't always about loss. Graduates wear black gowns, and that is certainly a time of celebration.
Black can just be "formal", and I think that punching it up with some colorful accessories would make it less funeral-like.

I have seen the same thing as Linda. Black isn't even worn at funerals anymore as the norm, unless you're on TV. At my grandmother's funeral and at my mother's funeral, I could count the number of people wearing black on one hand. At Grandma's funeral, my sister and I were the only ones wearing all black.
Guess the color isn't so important anymore...
 

gailc

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I've worn my black sleeveless dress to weddings before. Just wear colorful accessories (not a scarf though) and funky earings, a cool purse and shoes!!! I'm attending a wedding reception friday night and I've worn it to other one of the siblings so I'm wearing a cool black skirt and dressy tank top with cool accessories.
 

tari

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Even though not too long ago it would have been a no-no to wear black or red to someone's wedding, that seems to pretty much have gone by the wayside these days. The significance of the colors doesn't have the impact it once did.

If you'd like a more definitive authority, here's what The Knot has to say on the subject:

Knot Wedding Attire Q&A
 

eburgess

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black can be ok, just dress it up a bit by adding a colorful ribbon along your waste (try blues, greens, or pinks), or something to add a punch of color. But keep it simple. Stay way from the bridel party's colors and of course white!
 

katl8e

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The only taboo color, for a wedding guest is white. Gussy up that "little black dress" with metallic strappy sandals, bag and rhinestone jewelry. I've found some of my best rhinestones in thrift stores and at flea markets.
 

maverick_kitten

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It's fine to wear black to a wedding as long as you don't wear black head to toe and the outfit doesnt make you look like your in mourning.

I'd avoid white (for obvious reasons) and if in doubt keep it simple with a few up to the minute accessories.

if you want to feel extra special without blowing your budget why not get your hair done at a local salon before you go? Also opt for a manicure or atleast get some press ons for extra glamour!
 
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alikatt

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Welp, my date contacted the groom who then contacted the bride and she was just tickled pink that I asked because apparently I wasn't the only one who asked if black was appropriate
I love the rhinestone idea though. I have a nice pair of earrings I can wear, but I need a different necklace I think, but I was thinking something kinda big, but not tacky big. The dress is strapless, and I am pretty sure it's going to be an outside wedding, so it is a little bit hot for a cardigan. Can anyone think of something else that won't be too expensive I can use just in case? I guess also I'm a little self conscious about my body because I'm not the smallest girl in the world, so I wanted a little something for cover. Any other ideas are greatly appreciated! The shopping day falls tomorrow so anything is better than nothing.
 
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