mjphillips
Senior Member
- Joined
- Mar 27, 2011
- Messages
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Hello everyone, I've been a browser of the forum here for awhile, but this is my first post here. I've read many of the previous threads on wedding attire and bespoke suiting but I would still like to seek opinions here. I'm getting married in mid-September in Virginia and cannot decide the ideal attire. Here are the pertinent details:
-ceremony & reception will be outdoors, at a small horse farm ~1 hr from DC
-ceremony just before sunset (~6:30pm)
-mid-September, so post Labor Day but technically still Summer
-semi-formal gown & bridesmaid dresses in navy & coral
Originally wedding was going to be in early June and we were thinking blue blazer/white pants or something like that. I'm still considering this, but the new post Labor day date and southern tradition of black tie weddings has me reconsidering. I should add that I read the Manton piece and like the idea of morning coats but I don't have one (nor does anyone I know) and I'd prefer not to go the rental route. I also wonder if morning coats would be appropriate since 90% of the event will be at night, plus it is a sort of dated look, at least in the US. And for that matter is black tie appropriate since it will be daylight during the outdoor ceremony? Not to mention it will likely be kind of hot. (I should also add that myself, the groomsmen, and most of the guests own tuxedos so the potential financial burden with black tie is low.)
Lastly, I'm kind of prejudiced against lounge suits for a wedding - my job is somewhat formal, and while I typically enjoy wearing suits they just imply business for me and I think the occasion deserves something more festive. I think my mind could be changed on this point though, I saw a thread on here suggesting a navy SB peak lapel suit with a DB vest, an appealing rec.
So I have put a little thought into this, but can come up with pros & cons for all the different options. Would love to hear what yall have to say. Thanks.
-ceremony & reception will be outdoors, at a small horse farm ~1 hr from DC
-ceremony just before sunset (~6:30pm)
-mid-September, so post Labor Day but technically still Summer
-semi-formal gown & bridesmaid dresses in navy & coral
Originally wedding was going to be in early June and we were thinking blue blazer/white pants or something like that. I'm still considering this, but the new post Labor day date and southern tradition of black tie weddings has me reconsidering. I should add that I read the Manton piece and like the idea of morning coats but I don't have one (nor does anyone I know) and I'd prefer not to go the rental route. I also wonder if morning coats would be appropriate since 90% of the event will be at night, plus it is a sort of dated look, at least in the US. And for that matter is black tie appropriate since it will be daylight during the outdoor ceremony? Not to mention it will likely be kind of hot. (I should also add that myself, the groomsmen, and most of the guests own tuxedos so the potential financial burden with black tie is low.)
Lastly, I'm kind of prejudiced against lounge suits for a wedding - my job is somewhat formal, and while I typically enjoy wearing suits they just imply business for me and I think the occasion deserves something more festive. I think my mind could be changed on this point though, I saw a thread on here suggesting a navy SB peak lapel suit with a DB vest, an appealing rec.
So I have put a little thought into this, but can come up with pros & cons for all the different options. Would love to hear what yall have to say. Thanks.