What to Wear to a Summer Evening Formal Wedding
It is typical for couples to get married during the summertime, when they can enjoy good weather. People invited to a summer evening formal wedding should dress appropriately, with the occasion as the primary consideration as opposed to dealing with the warm weather. People should keep in mind the tone of the invitation when choosing an outfit for a summer formal evening wedding: that formal means formal, no matter what the weather and time of day it is.
Women
Choose elegant long evening gowns or dresses for a formal summer wedding. Formal attire for women must be long, or at least ankle-length; anything shorter would be considered semi-formal. Think of what pageant contestants wear during the formal gown competitions, or think of ball gowns. Long prom or bridesmaid dresses would also qualify for summer evening formal wedding attire. Choose silk, chiffon, taffeta, georgette, and velour fabrics. Avoid cotton and polyester, even when they feel comfortable. Do not wear pants; even the most fashionable pantsuits are not suitable for formal dinners. Choose any colors, except white—a color reserved for the bride. Avoid too much print; choose a solid-colored fabric instead, which is much more appropriate for the occasion. When in doubt, choose plain black; with it, you can never go wrong. Since it is summer, you can wear spaghetti-strap tops, sleeveless tops, or strapless gowns. Wear a thin shawl or a bolero in case it gets a little chilly.
Men
Wear tuxedo-style dark suits with butterfly or long neckties. You can also choose non-tuxedos so long as you wear neckties. Dark-colored suits are preferable to light-coloured ones. Black, dark blue or dark grey (almost black) colors are appropriate. Avoid wearing dark brown since it is not formal enough. Thin pinstripes are acceptable; thick ones are not. Think of the Academy Awards night as an inspiration. Wear a nice, crisp black suit, a white long-sleeved dress shirt with a matching black tie. You can also place a matching silk handkerchief in the suit’s left front pocket to give it a more formal look. Avoid wearing dress shirts that are of different colors, white is still the norm when choosing a dress shirt for a formal occasion. Wearing a white suit is acceptable only if you are a member of the wedding entourage and have been asked to wear one.
Shoes
Heeled dress shoes, whether closed- or open-toe, are appropriate for women. There is no need to wear stockings since the weather is hot and the dress is long. Silver, gold, or platinum-coloured high-heeled shoes with rhinestones or beads are great choices for a summer evening formal dinner. Avoid wearing flats, sandals with long intertwining straps, dress boots and flip-flops.
Men should wear black polished dress shoes. Black socks should always accompany black shoes. Men should avoid wearing boots, loafers, rubber shoes and black, soft leather shoes with rubber soles.
Jewelry
Women can wear a pair of earrings, such as studded or teardrop styles. Dangling earrings are acceptable, as long as they are not too huge. A couple of thin strands of gold chain dangling will do just fine, rather than a pair of earrings that are too ornate. Less is more; even on a formal occasion, a pair of diamond studs is simple yet elegant. You may opt to wear a tiara for a formal occasion; however, avoid choosing one of a similar size and style to the bride’s. It is important not to compete with the bride’s look, so choosing a tiara that looks like a simple
hair clip with a diamond stud at the center would do just fine. You can wear a necklace if you desire; however, not wearing one is also acceptable. When choosing a necklace, avoid long chains; instead, choose one that sits only a few inches below your neck and a few inches above the neckline of your dress. A matching ring and bracelet can finish the overall look.
Men can wear a tie clip, a pair of cufflinks, a dress watch, a ring, and a matching bracelet. Men can get away with only a dress watch, which is more of a necessity than just jewelry.
Accessories
An evening handbag or clutch adorned with beads and rhinestones is an appropriate accessory for keeping a cell phone, keys, lipstick, and a makeup kit handy for women. Choose a color and style that would complement your
formal dress. There are silk handbags and clutches that would go well with any formal attire.
Men can wear dark leather belts with silver or gold-toned buckles. They can also opt to wear white or black suspenders, so that late into the night, when they can take off their jackets, they still look stunning.
