Proper Dress at a wedding

November 21st, 2008
  • In this circumstance, the wedding is at 3 in the afternoon in a catholic church and the invitation does not specify any type of dress. The groom and groomsmen are wearing pinstriped tuxes with vests and long ties (Ivory for groom and a green for groomsmen to match brides mades dresses which are long) the mother of the bride is wearing a forma burgundy dress and her escort is wearing a traditional tux with a burgundy vest and long tie. The father is deceased. The mother of the groom is also deceased, what should the father of the groom wear? He will have a traditional black tux but the debate is on the vest vs. cumberbund and bow tie or vest and long tie and if a cumberbund and bow tie are acceptable should they be something other than formal black? I expect guests would wear business/church clothes but not cocktail or formal wear. Please advise.


  • Hi sheila, I found two sources for you, and together they give an answer. The answer is either is acceptable as far as "dress code" is concerned, however, it is recommended that he match the groomsmen --for the pictures. It would be better in the pictures if no-one stood out by being dressed "differently." Even though the Bride's Father will not be in attendance, there will be pictures of the entire wedding party, how do you want the pictures to look? I vote for the vest and long tie. Here's the sources: Ask the Wedding Guys! http://www.twincitybridal.com/q_and_a.aspx?answer=1675 ..."Question I am wondering if my fiance's Mom's husband should wear a tux to our wedding. They got married after my fiance graduated high school, about 8 years ago. Since his dad will be wearing a tux, I wasn't sure if it is proper for her husband to wear one as well. Answer If he is playing a role in the wedding yes. If he is not it's a 50/50 split. Would he feel less important if he is not? Some men will. Talk to your fiance. The Wedding Guys! ..." Wedding Attire Q&A's http://i-do.com.au/network/ShowArticle.asp?Article=912&Topic=62 ..."Q - What do men wear to an afternoon wedding? A - Firstly, is your inquiry as a groom or a guest? As a groom almost anything goes these days, if you're happy with a particular look that is what you should wear. As a guest, that will depend on the theme of the wedding and where it takes place. The safest option is always a smart business suit but if it is a garden wedding or beach wedding slacks and a smart shirt is appropriate especially if it is in the hot weather. I would say that shorts, sandals and really casual gear is out and it is best to be over dressed rather than under dressed..." THIS NEXT Q/A is not ONLY about the Father of the Bride, read the whole thing! : ..."Q - The Father of the Bride has expressed that he wear his own suit. Should the Father of the Groom wear his own suit or be matching with the groomsmen? I would like to know what the traditional angle is. A - Traditionally the Father of the Bride would be attired in the same dress code as the men in the bridal party, ie .if the guys were dressed in black dinner suits the father would wear a black dinner suit but not necessary the same style. His accessories would compliment the bride. The Father of the Groom does look better in group photographs if he is similarly dressed in style and colour as Father of the Bride. It is important to explain to the Father of the Groom that if he wears, for example, a brown suit, and the other men are dressed in black, he will stand out because he is so different, he may not like this situation. I do think it is nice to have BOTH fathers dressed similar, and not discriminate..." Hope this helps! ~~Cynthia Search strategy: wedding afternoon "dress code" "father of the groom"


  • Posted in ashcroftevans.com | edit