Oh, What to Wear?

So you're about to be the guest at about a bazillion weddings this spring and summer and, while you're not the bride, you still may have an important decision to make: what to wear! Figuring out the language that is formal wedding invitations and determining what kind of attire is expected can be exhausting. So take a look at our little cheat sheet below, complete with pictures, to help you choose that perfect outfit (male or female). Thanks to the blacktieguide.com and emilypost.com (an etiquette officanado) for their helpful clarifications!

	Guys	Girls
Black Tie Fashionfleet.com Somethingpretty.net	Black tuxedo jacket and matching trousers formal (piqué or pleated front) white shirt black-colored (e.g., onyx) studs and cufflinks black bow tie or long tie (silk, shiny satin or twill) black cummerbund to match tie, or a vest dressy suspenders to ensure a good fit (optional) black patent shoes and black dress socks In summer or on a cruise: white dinner jacket, black tuxedo trousers and cummerbund are preferable.	Formal (floor length) evening gown Dressy cocktail dress
Black Tie Optional Alovelylittleblog.com Luxfashionstyle.com	Either a tuxedo (see 'Black Tie' above) or Dark suit, white shirt, and conservative tie Dressy leather shoes and dark dress socks	Formal (floor length) evening gown Dressy cocktail dress A little black dress Dressy separates
Semiformal Weddingbee.com Amountainbride.blogspot.com Laurenconrad.com	Dark, business suit matching vest (optional) Dress shirt Conservative tie Dressy leather shoes and dark dress socks	Short afternoon or cocktail dress A little black dress Long dressy skirt and top Dressy separates
Casual Outblush.com	Seasonal sport coat or blazer and slacks Dress shirt, casual button-down shirt Optional tie Open-collar or polo shirt	Dress Skirt and dressy top Dressy pants outfit

The one thing to remember is that this guide is just that, a guide. Each wedding is different and each bride wants a different atmosphere. That in mind, always feel free to ask the bride if you are unsure of what she expects at her wedding. Also, if you are the bride, consider letting people know via your invitation if you want your wedding to be black tie. Don't make assumptions that your guests will know to don a tuxedo unless you make that clear. 

Be thoughtful of the weather, time of day, and venue too when choosing your outfit. No one wants to be in a full suit at a summer causal outdoor wedding, and ladies its' often not appropriate to have bare shoulders in some religious venues. I also cannot stress enough the golden rule my father taught me at age 8: "You can never be overdressed, only underdressed". So when in doubt, err on the side of caution.

What are you wearing to the next wedding!??