What to Wear

Confused about what to wear? Here's some general advice from weddingchannel.com:

Morning Wedding
Think "special clothes." Depending on the season, your attire is likely to be lighter colored and a bit more casual that you might wear for an evening wedding. Men should still plan to wear a suit or nice sports coat and slacks, and a tie. Women can wear a nice dress, skirt, or suit and might opt for something comparatively colorful or floral.



Afternoon Wedding

Dress essentially as you would for a Morning Wedding.



Evening Wedding/No Dress Indicated

Dress as you would for a nice dinner out. Men should wear suits, women should choose dresses, skirts, or elegant suits. Select darker, more sophisticated colors and fabrics than you would choose for a morning or afternoon wedding. Jewelry can be more elaborate, and women would probably choose to carry a small evening bag rather than a purse.

And here are some frequently-asked attired-related questions, which Nate and Jo have tried to answer as best they can:

Q: I've never been to a wedding in Vermont. Heck, I've never even been to Vermont. Should I wear my fanciest hiking boots? Do Vermonters wear flannel to weddings?
A: A wedding in Vermont is no different than a wedding anywhere else. No, you don't need to wear hiking boots. And Vermonters occasionally shed their flannel and fleece, weddings being one of those times.

Q: Is there a dress code for the wedding?
A: No. It's certainly not black tie, or anything like that. If we had to pick a dress code, we'd pick "casually elegant." [Ha, ha . . . that's a joke, since "casually elegant" is an oxymoron. However, that was the dress code for an event that Joanna's webmistress-cum-sister was once invited to, and it gave her fits because she had no idea what to wear. In the end, she made her then-fiancé call the organizers of the event, and they said that "casually elegant" meant that you could wear whatever you wanted, be it casual or elegant. Morons.] Anyway, we'd suggest a nice suit or a coat and tie for those of the male persuasion, and a nice dress or skirt or a dressy pantsuit for all you women out there.

Q: I have a black linen sheath dress. Is that OK?
A: That's perfect. You may want to add a sweater or shawl, but it sounds like you'll look beautiful.

Q: But I thought you weren't supposed to wear black to weddings?
A: Times change, and fashion etiquette changes accordingly. Here's what weddingchannel.com has to say about the matter:

Wearing black: The long-standing tradition of ladies not wearing black to a wedding has been overturned. Today, even the bridesmaids might be outfitted in black. Just make sure you don't look like you're attending a funeral. Consider accessorizing that little black dress with a brightly colored scarf or blazer.

Q: I have a long flowered dress. Is that OK?
A: Sounds fine to us.

Q: I have a tailored skirt and a pretty blouse. Is that OK?
A: We're sure you'll look smashing.

Q: I'm trying to decide between a knee-length dress (red, with a subtle floral pattern) and a long navy blue dress with beading on the straps and the hem. Which do you think I should wear?
A: We'd go with the first one.

Q: I have a white, sleeveless, ankle-length dress. Is that OK?
A: Well, you'll basically match the bride (although she'll be wearing ivory). We'd probably consider that a fashion "don't," but what do we know? Again, from weddingchannel.com:

Wearing white: Since the popularization of the white wedding dress in the mid-19th century, women have avoided wearing white to a wedding, so that the bride might uniquely shine in her white wedding gown. While this rule, like the "no black dresses" rule, has since been rejected, a female guest should choose carefully if she opts to wear white. Be careful to not select anything that might cause anyone to mistake you for the bride. Since current bridal fashions are sleeker than ever, and many older and second-time brides dress in wedding suits, you might embarrass yourself (and the bride) in a white outfit. If you plan to wear white, choose carefully, and accessorize with color.

Q: I'm so exited! I just got a pair of 4" spike-heeled Manolo Blahniks, and I can't wait to wear them to the wedding! Will I be the best-dressed guest?
A: Maybe. You'll certainly do a great job of aerating the lawn in your spike heels. You might want to consider also bringing an ace bandage and an ice pack so you'll be able to treat your ankle after you've sprained it trying to totter across the lawn where the outdoor ceremony will be held. But what do we know?