Preppy Weddings

[Low C Sharp]

If the guys are wearing jackets and khakis, then by definition, it isn't a formal wedding. Formality is defined by the menswear. Women's dresses are much more fluid; the same slip gown might work on the beach with guys in shorts or at the Plaza with guys in white tie.

[KDCat]

Originally Posted by Low C Sharp

If the guys are wearing jackets and khakis, then by definition, it isn't a formal wedding. Formality is defined by the menswear. Women's dresses are much more fluid; the same slip gown might work on the beach with guys in shorts or at the Plaza with guys in white tie.

Within reason, sure.

However, the bride looks to have on a ball gown. One of the groomsmen has on khaki shorts. It's too much.

Either the guys need to dress up more, or the bride should dress down more.

[TSteven]

Originally Posted by Low C Sharp

If the guys are wearing jackets and khakis, then by definition, it isn't a formal wedding. Formality is defined by the menswear. Women's dresses are much more fluid; the same slip gown might work on the beach with guys in shorts or at the Plaza with guys in white tie.

As in black tie, white tie, and morning dress.

[KDCat]

Originally Posted by TSteven

As in black tie, white tie, and morning dress.

If groomsmen are wearing blazers and khakis, the event is semi-formal. The bride should be in a cocktail dress or similar.

[TSteven]

Originally Posted by KDCat

If groomsmen are wearing blazers and khakis, the event is semi-formal. The bride should be in a cocktail dress or similar.

I didn't say she was dressed apparently or not, just that traditionally, menswear dictates the formality (style).

As such, I agree with you that since the groomsmen are wearing blazers and khakis, the event is semi-formal. Having said that, I think there is more leeway in women’s fashion such that a bride may elect to wear what she feels appropriate. At least it seems so here in California (and at weddings at the beach). So while some may think her choice is tacky or a wedding faux pas, it is supposedly “her day” and within her "right" to wear something more "traditional".

By the way, at this link are some examples of “Beach Wedding Dresses” from WeddingDress.com.



Most are full length (as is the example ^^) and are rather similar (i.e. casual) to what is pictured below in the upper left corner.

Originally Posted by KSUViolet06

[TSteven]

Apologies for the double post. In full disclosure, I really don’t know much about wedding outfits/gowns etc.

But it so happens that good friends of mine are getting married later this month on the beach. And just this past weekend, a few us who will be attending had a discussion with the bride and groom as to “what to wear”. The invite says “casual” but “beach semi-formal” wear was also suggested. I sure as heck did not know what “beach semi-formal” meant so we looked it up for examples. That is where I saw the "Beach Wedding Dresses" noted above.

[KDCat]

Originally Posted by TSteven

I didn't say she was dressed apparently or not, just that traditionally, menswear dictates the formality (style).

As such, I agree with you that since the groomsmen are wearing blazers and khakis, the event is semi-formal. Having said that, I think there is more leeway in women’s fashion such that a bride may elect to wear what she feels appropriate. At least it seems so here in California (and at weddings at the beach). So while some may think her choice is tacky or a wedding faux pas, it is supposedly “her day” and within her "right" to wear something more "traditional".

The reality is, though, that the bride tells the groom and the groomsmen what to wear 99% of the time. And if she's going to wear a full length dress with a poofy skirt, she should tell them to dress up more. The simple dress you posted that is full length is a little formal, but not too bad for a semi-formal wedding. I'd pass it, although it would be perfect if it were ankle length instead of floor length.

The bride can absolutely wear whatever she wants. If it gets posted to the intertubes, though, mean old ladies who are total strangers are going to snark on it. (I'd never snark at a real wedding, but wedding pictures on the internet are fair game.)

[summer_gphib]

This thread (along with all the other wedding threads) is making me want to renew my vows, so we can actually have the wedding I want, and not the wedding I felt backed into. Do we have a thread on renewals? We may just need one. LOL.