Stimuli

Summer months have long been a favourite time of year for couples to tie the knot, with beautiful British Columbia weather providing the perfect amount of sunshine for these special days. And so, it’s no surprise that by now, that pile of wedding invitations has begun to stack up, which means you need to find something to wear.

Weddings, especially Summer weddings, are always a tricky occasion to dress for. There are themed weddings, destination weddings, beach weddings, black-tux weddings—how is one supposed to know what attire is appropriate? After attending my first wedding of the season last weekend to see a guest wearing flip-flops and a Canucks jersey, I thought I would put together a little info so that you’re not caught being “that guy” at your next nuptial event.

Beach Wedding

Whether on the pure sands of Waikiki or staying local at Kits beach, beach weddings are very popular amongst couples in an effort to keep things casual. Casual and beach do not mean, however, that board shorts and your tattered old deck shoes are appropriate for this type of wedding. The problem with standing under the hot sun is that many suit and shirt outfit options are often far too warm and rather uncomfortable if you’re to be spending all afternoon and evening by the water. Stay away from synthetic fabrics and opt instead for linen, which comes in a variety of colours and styles. Keep your colour palette light—think tan, khaki, and pastels so that you can keep nice and cool. As for shoes? A well-kept pair of leather sandals in either black or brown, is most likely appropriate.

Golf Course Wedding

Golf courses are always a top choice to hold receptions as well as ceremonies. A little more casual than an event at a downtown hotel, you shouldn’t need a full-on tuxedo, unless otherwise stated in your invitation. Dress pants, dress shirt, and a nice tie are typically the norm for these events. Although, on a hot summer’s day, you can probably get away without a tie. You can also forgo a suit jacket, unless you’d like to bring one along to keep your date’s shoulders warm in the evening. And if you will be bringing a date, consider complimenting the colour of your shirt or tie to her dress—it’ll make for some great photos throughout the evening.

Hotel Vancouver Wedding

With so many superb hotels to choose from, many weddings occur downtown Vancouver. Because these banquet rooms often tend to have a more formal look with chandeliers and plated dinner services, I would recommend going all the way: dress pants, dress shirt, tie (or bowtie), and a jacket—you can leave the cummerbund to the groom. Again, think about choosing a different coloured suit in order to stand out amongst the sea of black and spice up the outfit with a pattern tie or brightly coloured shirt.

Theme Wedding

From Western to 50’s night, Casino Royal to Masquerade Ball, the possibilities are endless when it comes to a theme wedding. My only recommendation here is that your outfit remain respectful and not too outrageous. Remember, the focus of this event should be the bride and groom, not your ridiculously tacky outfit!

No matter the theme of the evening, weddings shouldn’t cause you too much stress when it comes to appropriate attire. A general rule of thumb is that it’s always better to be over-dressed, than under-dressed. You can never go wrong with a classic suit, so use your best judgment and you’ll be on your way to being the best-dressed guest.

by Tanya Colledge
Contributor

Photo Credits:
Beach Wedding: Island Importer
Golf Course Wedding: soyourengayged.com
Hotel Wedding: hoholi.com