Tuesday, November 29, 2005

I’ve been asked a couple of times now, by ladies who plan to attend the wedding, if it is OK for them to wear black.

I say, “Yes.”

It turns out that Peggy Post does, too.

While there are many variations for today’s wedding attire, there are still traditional guidelines for fabrics, lengths, styles, and accessories. The general guidelines run the gamut, with suggestions for weddings ranging from the most informal daytime celebration, to a formal evening affair. The time of day plays an important role, too.

[...]

As for guests, it can be a challenge to determine what to wear. For evening weddings, guests should dress as they would for a nice dinner or event out. Men should wear suits, unless the invitation has requested black tie. Women should choose dresses, skirts, or elegant suits in darker, sophisticated colors and fabrics; lengths vary according to what’s in style at that particular time and place. Jewelry can be more elaborate, and women may want to carry a small evening bag rather than a purse.

It is now acceptable for female guests to wear black to weddings, especially in the late afternoon and evening. Black choices, however, should be more ornate than reserved, to give off an air of celebration rather than mourning. Sometimes, adding a little color (vibrant flower pins and scarves work wonderfully for weddings) rounds off the somber look well.

Wear what you want, my friends. If it turns out to be black, that is perfectly fine. I want you to look lovely and be comfortable.