What to wear to an American wedding?

[Elske VanStrange {★}]

Hi everyone!

 

My boyfriend and I (based in Europe) just received a 'save the date'-card from relatives of his... in Michigan! We 'd love to go, and with the wedding being in june we hope we have enough time to save up and make the trip.

 

The question is: what's appropriate to wear to an American wedding? I 'll probably make a dress for myself, and like to stay true to my style (a mix of rockabilly and vintage) but have no clue what 's a good choice and what isn't. A dress with a circleskirt and full petticoat? A pencildress? Anything else?

 

Please help!

 

Elske VanStrange

[Ida Baker]

Circle or pencil would work fine, keep in mind what you'll be doing (dancing, drinking, eating, etc.) and remember the #1 rule - NO WHITE! Leave that for the bride. I'd also avoid anything bold like black or red, unless you know the bride well enough to be certain she wouldn't mind if you show up in a red pencil skirt.

 

The last wedding I went to I wore a PUG pencil dress, next time I'll wearing something with more movement so I can DANCE! Since the wedding is in June I'd wear something with lots of color, and a matching sun hat!!

[The Trousseau]

You should also know where the wedding will take place.  If it is in a church, and depending on the church, covering shoulders, modest neckline and a not too short (though if you are going in a mid-century outfit, that is taken care of) is important.  Once you are out of the church and at the reception, more shoulder and cleavage is fine. 

 

Like Ida alluded to with the color advice- it is poor form to show up the bride.  Wear something great, but not something that will steal the show from the bride. 

[Edson Carlos]

Hi Elske ! ! !  =)) Good to hear you're coming back across the pond once again! The gals here are sure to give you good tips.

[Elske VanStrange {★}]

Thanks for the replies so far! I 'll try and keep you updated on my dress-ideas : )

 

@ Edson: I sure hope we can make it, I'm currently unemployed... But I'll be hearing back from a job interview I had last week, so fingers crossed!