Jadey

Okay, I need some help here. This coming weekend I am going to a wedding, but I'm not sure what to wear. I know, that sounds simple. But, here are a few more details that have me stressing out over this.

1. My girlfriend is in the wedding, and she will be the only one I know there.

2. My girlfreind's parents will be there, and we have not yet met.

3. My girlfriend very recently became my "girlfriend". So, it's still pretty early in the relationship.

4. The wedding is outside (I think). It is going to be HOT, and I don't want to be sweating my ass off in a suit.

5. Evidently it's a "hick wedding" Anyway, that's what she told me. It's in some little town in the middle of Iowa called Wheatland or something.


So there it is. I've already ruled out the suit, and would like to avoid having to wear a tie if necessary. (I'm kind of a big guy with no neck so, aside from the possible heat/weather issue, I look dorky in a tie) But, I'm wondering if it's okay to just wear a polo and khakis? Or should I tough it out and wear a shirt and tie? Now, I know this may sound like a minor issue; I've been to many weddings in the past and normally wouldn't make a big deal out of what I wore. But, I'm really stressing out over this one.

Any fashion advice would be greatly appreciated. And I'm not above having to purchase a new shirt just for this occasion if it becomes necessary.

Thanks in advance.

irseg

It sounds to me like a nice button down shirt, khakis, a belt, and casual dress shoes would get the job done. That's what I wear when I'm in a situation where I'm not sure how everyone else will be dressed. That combo has never done me wrong!

Rubyee

Why don't you ask your girlfriend? She is probably familiar with the proper wedding attire for that family, and if all else fails, you can blame her for telling you to wear the wrong thing.

Really though, ask her. She is the one that will be introducing you to everyone.

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amonkie

What Rubyee Said.

If you honestly can't decide, bring two changes of clothes. If you wear one and see that everyone else is drastically under or over dressed, just pop a quick one and change into the other set of clothes.

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THGL

I agree with "ask your girlfriend".

But if you don't want to, my advice is to wear a white button down short-sleeve shirt, a tie (it can come off if other aren't wearing them), khaki's, and take along a navy sport coat if you have one. This should cover you for any situation.

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Jadey

Thanks for responses.

I guess I just needed the most obvious answer spelled out for me. I'll just ask.

Thanks.

kulrblind

Asking is a good idea, but consider these two points:

1) You have to look good -with- your girlfriend, so don't dress dumpy (sorry) if she's going to look smokin'

2) Linen shirts and pants are cool and breathable, and they look snappy and summery, and you can choose a shirt with a collar that will look great without a tie.

I'm going to a summer wedding up here in Nova Scotia, and my wife's in the party -- so I'm dealing with some similar issues. I will, however, have to dress "up" for this one.

Good luck, and take pictures!

edited because i'm a lousy editor

pig

I'm not sure if you're going to read this or not, but in your profile it states you were born in '73, so that makes you about 31. My personal opinion is that if you are older than 16 and you are attending a wedding, you should wear minimum of a coat and tie to the ceremony - especially if your girlfriend is going to be in it. Remember that it's a lot easier to take off your coat / loosen up your tie than it is to weave a new one out of grass. I feel you on the not wanting to sweat thine balls off, but in this scenario, I would suggest being overprepared. You definately want the girlfriend's parents to walk away saying "My, what a respectful guy. I'm glad our daughter is with him." and not "what an idiot" if you can manage it. I would advise being overprepared, even if your girlfriend says a pair of cut off jeans and a wifebeater are ok. Ladies like to see their men dressed up when they are, because that way they can decide if you make an approprite arm candy when the need arises.

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Jadey

Pigglet, good point.

I think I'm wearing the shirt and tie, and I'm taking the jacket along, just in case.

MSD

If you're way overdressed, it's always good to have backup. Yuo can't go wrong with one of these

Astrocloud

How about one of those Tuxedo T-shirt things?



It'll be just as formal as wearing a tuxedo with none of the cost!!!

Astrocloud

oops I didn't see the previous posts... my bad