As the end of wedding season approaches, it got me thinking... What is proper attire for a wedding? Does "black tie" mean anything anymore?
Lets take into consideration I tend to over dress for every occasion and if I could wear a tutu everyday I absolutely would! I have this pet peeve about people wearing black at weddings. Weddings are (and should be) the most joyous occasion in in your life. With the exception of people who have and want kids, you're attending a wedding to celebrate love and new life, not the end of one.
Cultures around the world use color to define different moments, emotions and beliefs. In Russia, red symbolizes beauty, while in South Africa it stands for mourning. Yellow in India is for farmers, and in Greece, sadness. Purple in the west stands for wealth and royalty, and in Brazil, death, and sorrow. Almost all over the world white stands for purity. In the USA black stands for death, unhappiness, anger, evil, and the devil. Anyway you catch my drift. I can honestly say I have not once, EVER, worn black to a wedding.Look, I get it, not many of us(myself included) have money to spend on a new outfit for every event. The "little black dress" is a necessity in every woman's closet, but is it really appropriate for a wedding?
I many not be Rachel Zoe, but I have done some styling in my day. Black is not necessarily the only color that's flattering and "hides" our unwanted soft spots. Anything dark and solid, will accomplish the same look including navy, plum, grey, charcoal, Burgundy, etc. Many brides put their besties in black bridesmaids dresses for whatever reason. I have no problem with it, it's just not for me.
Black tie weddings are unfortunately a thing of the past. We as Americans (or at least my family and friends), do not have the lifestyle for a TRUE black tie wedding. As history has stated, black tie events were and are for the royals, the rich and the famous. Clothing customs for a black tie event are to be prête-à-porter (semi-custom clothing) each dress fitted to perfection, every suit finished with impeccable detail. From fascinators and millinery designs (hats ladies, hats) to hand dyed shoes. This art and creativity is lost, and with it the ability/accessibility for a real black tie event.
Many of us now write "black tie optional" on wedding invitations. Which, when you break it down many guests think it means; wear something better than the dress you wore to work last Thursday. And I'll take a bet that 2 out of 3 people wore a black dress. I see people at weddings who look like they rolled out of bed, or borrowed a dress from their little sister (2 -10 sizes too small). Dress your body ladies! Love who you are, no matter what size! Cut the tags out if it makes you feel better(I've done it for more clients than you know) wear what fits! Your confidence is what make you beautiful.
Before Matt and I were even engaged, probably before we ever thought about it, I told my mom I would kick anyone who wore black to my wedding "It's not a funeral, it's a celebration". I mentioned that I wanted to put it on the invitation: "Black tie optional. And NO black".
But she said I couldn't say that. So, now that the day has come and I'm trying to be the most easy going bride, I won't kick you out. But I will promise you I'll be wearing white at your funeral. Jokes
-Ash
Lets take into consideration I tend to over dress for every occasion and if I could wear a tutu everyday I absolutely would! I have this pet peeve about people wearing black at weddings. Weddings are (and should be) the most joyous occasion in in your life. With the exception of people who have and want kids, you're attending a wedding to celebrate love and new life, not the end of one.
Cultures around the world use color to define different moments, emotions and beliefs. In Russia, red symbolizes beauty, while in South Africa it stands for mourning. Yellow in India is for farmers, and in Greece, sadness. Purple in the west stands for wealth and royalty, and in Brazil, death, and sorrow. Almost all over the world white stands for purity. In the USA black stands for death, unhappiness, anger, evil, and the devil. Anyway you catch my drift. I can honestly say I have not once, EVER, worn black to a wedding.Look, I get it, not many of us(myself included) have money to spend on a new outfit for every event. The "little black dress" is a necessity in every woman's closet, but is it really appropriate for a wedding?
I many not be Rachel Zoe, but I have done some styling in my day. Black is not necessarily the only color that's flattering and "hides" our unwanted soft spots. Anything dark and solid, will accomplish the same look including navy, plum, grey, charcoal, Burgundy, etc. Many brides put their besties in black bridesmaids dresses for whatever reason. I have no problem with it, it's just not for me.
Black tie weddings are unfortunately a thing of the past. We as Americans (or at least my family and friends), do not have the lifestyle for a TRUE black tie wedding. As history has stated, black tie events were and are for the royals, the rich and the famous. Clothing customs for a black tie event are to be prête-à-porter (semi-custom clothing) each dress fitted to perfection, every suit finished with impeccable detail. From fascinators and millinery designs (hats ladies, hats) to hand dyed shoes. This art and creativity is lost, and with it the ability/accessibility for a real black tie event.
Many of us now write "black tie optional" on wedding invitations. Which, when you break it down many guests think it means; wear something better than the dress you wore to work last Thursday. And I'll take a bet that 2 out of 3 people wore a black dress. I see people at weddings who look like they rolled out of bed, or borrowed a dress from their little sister (2 -10 sizes too small). Dress your body ladies! Love who you are, no matter what size! Cut the tags out if it makes you feel better(I've done it for more clients than you know) wear what fits! Your confidence is what make you beautiful.
Before Matt and I were even engaged, probably before we ever thought about it, I told my mom I would kick anyone who wore black to my wedding "It's not a funeral, it's a celebration". I mentioned that I wanted to put it on the invitation: "Black tie optional. And NO black".
But she said I couldn't say that. So, now that the day has come and I'm trying to be the most easy going bride, I won't kick you out. But I will promise you I'll be wearing white at your funeral. Jokes
-Ash
