DRESS



The Bride
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Although fashions are constantly changing, most brides still prefer the full length white or cream dress, which should cover her from neck to wrists and ankles. For a church wedding, the dress is usually worn with a train, and veil is traditionally worn for modesty. For marriages in Register Offices or approved premises, the train and long veil are usually omitted.

Wedding dresses can be made to measure, bought ready made, or hired. But the bride should allow herself plenty of time to find exactly what she is looking for and
allow for any alterations to be made.

If hiring a dress, bear in mind that some seasons of the year are more popular as wedding occasions than others, so the search should begin as early as possible.

Older or second-time brides may prefer a less formal outfit, particularly if she is to be married in a Register Office or approved premises. This is quite acceptable,
although most ministers and registrars frown on extreme or bizarre attire.

It is customary "for good luck" that the bride's dress or outfit is kept secret until the wedding.

The Bridesmaids
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It is no longer the bride's privilege to dictate entirely the style of dress to be worn by bridesmaids and other attendants. Nowadays they also have a say in the matter, and often contribute towards the cost.

The main consideration in the choice of bridesmaids'dresses (and outfits for pages) is that they should complement the brides'own dress. If her own outfit is simple
or plain, the bridesmaids should not be adorned in lace and frills. A dramatic contrast in colour should also be avoided.

It should also be borne in mind that bridesmaids vary in size, shape, and colouring. Try to find something that suits them all, and in which they will all feel comfortable.
Avoid excessive finery or over-strident colours.

A matron of honour (married adult) or maid of honour (unmarried adult) should not wear the same outfit as the younger attendants.

The mothers of the bride and groom should liaise concerning their own outfits. This will help to avoid disappointment and embarrassment.

The Men
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The male members of the wedding party are the bridegroom, the best man, the ushers, and both fathers. They should all dress with the same formality.

If the bridal couple have decided on a "formal" wedding, with the bride in a full-length white dress, then the male members of the wedding party should wear morning suits which are normally all grey, or black tailcoats with pinstripe trousers. The accessories are waistcoats (ideally all identical), cravats, top hats, and gloves.

These, like the bride’s dress, can be made to measure, bought ready made, or hired. Hiring a suit is usually the best option, but bear in mind that the summer months are the most popular for formal social functions, including weddings, so the suit should be ordered well in advance.

Morning dress is not, though, the only alternative, the most popular of which is a well-cut two or three piece lounge suit, which will form a useful addition to the
men’s wardrobes after the ceremony. The male members of the party should take their cue from the groom, and should not "outshine" him on the big day.

The Guests
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The only convention dictating the mode of dress to be worn by guests is the degree of formality of the occasion, and preferences should be indicated on the
invitations. "Formal dress" indicates that male guests are expected to wear morning dress, while "Informal dress" suggests that lounge suits are acceptable.

At one time, female guests were expected to wear hats in church. This is no longer a "rule", but, because of tradition, many will still choose to wear them.

Double weddings
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The whole bridal party should dress with the same degree of formality.

__________________
Stace. xx
Married my sweetpea
Phew that was hard work!!
My little baby yeah not so much now my little man is now almost 3 years old !! not a baby no more
My little ginger man speaks spanish!!