Dressing for the Wedding 101

Trust me, I get it. Trying to decode an invitation for any hint as to what you should wear is definitely not the easiest task. Even when it states the attire on the invitation, the expected dress is still a bit vague.  No need to fret, I'm here to break it down and hopefully provide you with some clarity. Here it goes...

1. White Tie: The most formal of formal. White tie weddings require no creativity on your part. Ladies should be in floor length formal evening gowns in dark or neutral colors. Gentlemen, bust out that tailcoat and those white gloves. Both, along with a white shirt, white vest, tie, and black lace-less shoes are required.

2. Black Tie: A step down from White Tie. Girls are still expected to be in floor length formal gowns. But, men can step it down to just a full black tuxedo with vest or cummerbund.

3. Black Tie Optional:  Vague for sure. My thought is, if you want me to wear black tie, just say it. The father of the bride and groom along with the wedding party will most definitely be in tuxedos. Boys, if you have a tuxedo and truly enjoy wearing it, by all means bust it out. If not, a dark suit with a dark tie or bow tie is completely acceptable. Ladies, a floor length gown or cocktail dress is appropriate.

4. Formal: It's just about the same as Black Tie Optional. The same dress is expected of women, but men don't need to wear a tuxedo. A dark black, navy or gray suite with a white shirt and dark or neutral tie is preferred.

5. Semi-Formal: This is much less intimidating if you ask me. A cocktail length dress in a nice material such as silk, chiffon, or satin with a bit of beading is expected. Guys, stick with those suits!

6. Dressy Casual: A bit of a confusing word combination. Is it dressy or casual? Here's the basic need to know. If it's a casual fabric such as a cotton, go with a more formal style. If it's a more formal material such as silk or chiffon, then go with a more casual style. Boys, you're still wearing a suit. Maybe you can skip the tie or jacket. But don't skip both!

7. Casual: It should be assumed that any morning or daytime wedding at an informal venue is to have casual dress. Girls, think a nice sundress and a pair of wedges. Guys, khaki pants and a dress shirt with a nice pair of shoes will do the trick.

Hope this cleared up a few things for you! Have a great weekend!

Color Me {Linen}

Good morning! Hope you had a fabulous weekend and celebrated something extra special. Mine was fairly low key with a wedding on Saturday and gorgeous Sunday spent running errands and grilling out. The temperatures here are still on the rise and with so much of my time being spent outdoors enjoying the beautiful weather, I can't help but wish for lighter colors and a lighter fabrics. The heavy darkness of winter is in the past and it's time to lighten things up a bit. One of my favorite summertime materials to work with is linen. This light airy fabric is the perfect neutral accent to any soiree. With it's French Country vibe, it goes beautifully when paired with white delicate bouquets and lavender plants. Make it pop with shades of purples or greens or keep it simple with whites and ivories. Imagine a table under the trees set with simple plates, natural centerpieces and bottles of wine. It's the perfect casual but formal affair setting for your next big event!

Southern Swag

I do have to admit, this may be one of my favorite blog posts I've ever done. About a month ago, I entered Southern Wedding Magazine's Ultimate Burlap Challenge. And while I didn't win (I was a finalist though!), it was still a blast to collaborate with my mom to create the ultimate southern burlap swag, a bow tie! In search of the most creative use of burlap, I had been browsing Pinterest for days. Finally, it dawned on me that the two most southern things I could possibly think of hadn't been married yet. This lead to the birth of the burlap bow tie. 

To quote Talladega Nights, this bow tie says "I want to be formal, but I'm here to party." This material is casual enough for a day event, but the sheer fact that it's a bow tie will allow you to dress it up for a fun twist on the traditional southern favorite. Interested in replicating? Directions are below!

Materials Used:
1 yd. Burlap
1 yd. Natural Linen
1 yd. Fusible Interfacing
Stitchwitchery
Natural Colored Thread
Sewing Machine
Iron
Pins
Pencil
Tape
Scissors
Ruler
Bow Tie Template (courtesy of Martha Stewart)

Directions:
1. Print bow tie template. Blow up 200%. Cut out and tape together.
2. Begin by ironing the fusible interfacing to the back of your burlap. Iron linen lightly to remove any wrinkles.
3. Place linen on top of burlap and pin at the top. Be sure that once the two are pinned together, the interfacing is on the outside, so once sewn together and flipped, it will be on the inside.
4. Trace bow tie template on to linen with your pencil. Pin on the inside of the bow tie as to keep together while cutting and sewing.
5. Repeat step 4 until you run out of fabric. It should make approximately 8 bow ties.
6. Cut out the bow tie and measure a 1/4 inch in on both sides for your stitch line.
7. Sew the bow tie around both ends and along one straight side. Be sure to leave one side completely open!
8. Flip the bow tie inside out so the stitch line is now on the inside.
9. Iron down 1/4 inch fold on the open side to create a creased edge. Place stitchwitchery along open edge and iron together.
10. Iron entire bow tie to ensure flat edges and unwrinkled linen.

Social Graces {Wedding Attire}

I know it can be difficult deciding what to wear to a wedding. The possibilities are always endless. Not to mention you have to factor in what the appropriate dress for the occasion actually is. While there are weddings at every time of the day in every possible location, each requiring a different appropriate dress category, there are few main ones that I will help you out with a bit.

{Black Tie}: If the invitation denotes that black tie attire is required, it simple means that men will be in tuxes and ladies in formal gowns.  When it is a black tie affair, the gown should go to the ground. It is not appropriate in this type of environment to wear a short gown. Gentlemen, you do not need to necessarily be in a full on tux, but you should at least be in a tux pants, jacket and either a bow tie (my favorite!) or a tux tie (yes, there is a difference).

{Formal}: Actually different than black tie.  When formal wear is requested, it is acceptable for ladies to wear a either a short, formal gown or a long gown.  Gents, wear your best suit. But try to kick it up a notch from what you wear to work!

{Casual}: With a casual wedding, men should be in dress pants, dress shirt, and tie. No jacket required. Ladies, break out a nice dress. Nothing to over the top but nothing too casual either. We aren't running errands here. This is a wedding.

{Nothing Mentioned}: If no dress code is designated on the invitation, go based on the time of day and location. The later into the evening, the more formal the ceremony.  However, if it is at night and on the beach, for example, you can definitely be in casual attire. If the wedding is outdoors, gents should be comfortable. Personally, I think it's rude if you expect your guests to be in formal attire or a pants suit while standing in the heat. It's just flat out uncomfortable!

While the list of scenarios for what to wear could go on for miles, I'm going to leave you with that for now!

Want to know exactly what to wear your next wedding or party, leave a comment and I'll be glad to help!