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According to the style of the wedding, the invite usually stipulates what kind of dress is appropriate. There is sometimes a very fine line between one form of dress to another but for others there is a very big difference.
You need to be dressed appropriately for the occasion, honouring the level of the bride and groom and save yourself embarrassment as well as discomfort.
It is very disheartening for the couple to have gone to all the trouble to create an atmosphere for their wedding and then it is not supported by the guests, who attend in clothing which is not suitable or matches the formality of the wedding.
A little understanding beforehand can go a long way to preparing you, so that you can look your best within the mode of dress, for the type of wedding for which you are invited.
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WHITE TIE |
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Ultra formal, by far the most rigid of all dress codes, extreme elegance and Hollywood style glamour.
GENTS: A jacket with tails, a tuxedo and plenty of white. White vest/waistcoat, a bow tie, very formal shoes the shinier the better and even gloves are appropriate and acceptable.
LADIES: A long gown to the floor with an optional train and optional gloves being acceptable. Plain colours, no loud garish patterns. Elaborate hairstyles and very impressive jewellery finish the look. |
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BLACK TIE |
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This is a very dignified look, being just one step below “White Tie” on the formal list. Black tie weddings are usually evening affairs and very elegant.
GENTS: This look is dominated by the tuxedo which is worn preferably with a bow tie, cummerbund and evening style shoes.
LADIES: Have the choice to vary their dress length slightly here. A cocktail dress is acceptable (but try not to go too short) as well as a long evening gown or dressy evening separates. Once again as in “White Tie” you should steer clear of garish patterns in the material opting instead to keep it sensible in colour.
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FORMAL or BLACK TIE OPTIONAL
A modicum less formal than “Black Tie”
GENTS: You can wear a tuxedo if you wish but a formal suit is satisfactory, worn with a straight tie.
LADIES: A formal cocktail length dress, a long gown (with no train) or a very fancy suit is all acceptable.
CREATIVE BLACK TIE
This code leaves room for in vogue versions of formal wear.
GENTS: Can wear a regular tux or infuse parts of his culture in a formal fashion into his dress like Texan string ties worn with a formal suit along with dress boots, collarless shirts with fancy studs etc. He can wear a modern or stylised tux or even a black shirt with a white tie or other.
LADIES: long or short gowns or evening style suits.
THEMED
This style indicates that the couple is having a wedding of a costumed nature and that if you wish you can participate by dressing in the theme yourself. Usually it is optional so as not to exclude those who do not wish to dress. Gents should wear the appropriate style for the theme and the same for the ladies. Those who do not wish to dress in the theme should keep it neutral but stylish so as to still dress with respect but not so glossy that you break the theme.
COCKTAIL
GENTS: Dark suits worn with a straight tie
LADIES: Shorter evening style dresses.
BEACH FORMAL
This indicates a beach wedding but one which does not have the castaway style, opting instead to still infuse some elegance into its presentation.
GENTS: A lightweight suit, cotton or linen shirt. Wearing no tie is acceptable as are sandals.
LADIES: A dressy daytime dress of any length between the knees and the ankle. Sandals are acceptable and hair can be simple.
SEMI-FORMAL
A style of dress between formal and casual. In this instance dress in lighter tones during the day to be more comfortable in the Barbados sun.
GENTS: A regular suit and tie
LADIES: Two piece suit or a cocktail dress, dressy blouse and skirt. No long dresses are required.
CASUAL/INFORMAL
A more laid back style of dress but keep in mind that this is still a wedding so a portion of respect must still be infused into your clothing when this manner is stipulated.
GENTS: Simple shirt, polo shirt and dress pants.
LADIES: A well put together everyday look consisting of a skirt and blouse, suitable pants or a sundress. |
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