Now that you know what the expected level of dress is, it’s time to address the Do’s and Don’t's of wedding guest apparel.

For her:

• Don’t try to upstage the bride- all attention should be on the bride’s dress, not yours. This means no tiaras or outlandish dresses.

• DO NOT wear all white because it competes with the bride. White or cream is only appropriate when worn in a floral print or if it isn’t the dominant colour in an outfit.

• Nowadays black is acceptable to wear to a wedding, though if you’re unsure if the happy couple will take offense, either ask first or opt for another dark colour instead. However, this colour is usually reserved for evening events only. A statement piece of jewellery or another colour can break up the dominance of black.

• For religious weddings you will need to dress accordingly- this usually means avoiding strapless or sleeveless outfits, and take a wrap to cover your shoulders.

• Gloves should be taken off to eat or drink.

• Sequins should be reserved only for night-time.  

• Avoid high heeled shoes that will sink into the grass if it’s an outdoors wedding.

• You’re going to a wedding, not a nightclub. This means the overtly sexy clothes stay at home in the wardrobe- that’s anything see-through, too revealing or too short.

• For hot climates steer clear of the suit and go for a dress in light fabrics to keep you cool.

For him:

• Regardless of the formality, tuxedos are not daytime wear.

• Do not wear jeans at all.

• If in doubt, opt for a dark suit and tie.

• When wearing a suit, try not to look like you’re going to the office.

• Don’t mix too many patterns or textures- a pinstripe suit, striped shirt and striped tie can result in an unfortunate clash.

• When choosing a tie, make sure that it’s appropriate- save your Simpsons tie for another time. If you’re unsure about patterns, ask for a store assistant’s help (after all, that’s their job and they usually have a good idea of what works) or stick to a plain colour.

• When it comes to beach weddings or those in hot climates, the rules are a little different- choose light fabrics that will keep you cool and it is usually acceptable to ditch the jacket. If you’re unsure, just ask the couple.

When looking for an outfit, it isn’t practical to spend a lot of money on something that’s never going to be worn again. A convertible dress can be worn in many ways and will always look different so it doesn’t appear that you’re wearing the same outfit twice. Hiring or renting formal clothes is an inexpensive alternative to buying a designer brand.

When it comes to choosing what to wear to a wedding for the guys, it’s hard to go wrong with a suit. But, just as with the ladies, there are different levels of dress required for different formalities and it’s important to hit the right mark.  

• Informal Daytime: Although this event is informal, jeans and a T-shirt are not suitable. Look for a nice dress shirt and pants, with the option of a sports jacket.

• Informal Evening: The same rules apply as for Informal Daytime, though add a jacket and a tie if it’s after 6pm.  

• Semi-Formal Daytime: Try adding a blazer and a nice tie to your outfit, following the same rules as for Informal occasions. However, when choosing a suit make sure it doesn’t look too ‘office-y’.

• Semi-Formal Evening: As this is only a semi-formal event, avoid the tuxedo and instead opt for a dark suit. A blazer is also a must.

• Formal Daytime: A nice suit and tie never go astray.

• Formal Evening: Dress as formally as you can, and tuxedos are appropriate if the invitation states Black Tie.

• Ultra-formal Evening or White Tie: Go all out with the tuxedo, white tie, vest and dress shirt.

So it’s all well and good to be told to wear a suit, but the hard part is picking the right suit. Make sure that your jacket isn’t tight or loose across the shoulders or stomach and that the fabric doesn’t pucker- a wool blend suit will hold its shape and also be comfortable. As well, it is very important to ensure that the hems of your trousers aren’t dragging on the floor or show off too much ankle- if this is the case, you need to have them altered as nothing looks worse than a poorly fitting suit.

This Sunday, 22 May, I will be offering a special to all of the visitors to our stand at The Diggers 2011 Wedding Expo, open between 10am-3pm located at Central Coast, Diggers at The Entrance. Book your wedding photography within 7 days of the expo to receive 10” x 10” acrylic wall mount photographic print.

I look forward to answering all of your questions to help you make the best decision for your wedding photography.

Remember, a professional photographer will give you images that will be special forever.

There is only one chance at getting the results.

In 20 years time you will have your partner, wedding rings and photographs – that will be all from your wedding day – so budget is important, but not as important as the right photographer.

Even torrential rain didn’t stop a great wedding day for David and Sarah Searle. The Bride looked beautiful in her Newcastle Bridal House gown and glowed as she was married at St. John’s Newcastle. Sarah and David joined their Bridal party for photographs around Honeysuckle before being driven to Wyndham Estate for a superb reception. Photography under very wet conditions can be difficult, but was greatly assisted by the wedding car drivers, my thanks to Natalie’s Limousines.

All SB album packages include a generous discount off standard retail pricing.

Central Coast, Sydney & Hunter Valley – Newcastle Weddings 2011 -

Still haven’t booked your 2011 wedding ?

I’m offering a special package for available dates in 2011:

Neo Package @ 2010 Pricing Special Price $2,650.00

• 4 hours of wedding day photography coverage (no limit to number of images and you receive copyright for usage).
• Includes high resolution disc of individually colour balanced images for printing, and also proof sheets to print or email to share with family and friends.
• You select the images to include in your album.
• Album size is 35 x 35cm (12” x 12”) square genuine leather (your choice of red / white or black) with your names on a metal plaque on the cover and includes 20 sides of graphic art layouts (modern magazine style).

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