Dressing up

I have been to lots of weddings. Hundreds in the last few years. I have seen many trends come and go, but the one that is slightly disturbing is the trend of not dressing for the occasion. I have seen the bride spend thousands of dollars on her gown, hundreds of dollars in tuxedos and shiny shoes, formal bridesmaid dresses and mother's gowns that are beautiful and flowing, but then to see a guest arrive in tattered jeans and a t-shirt? That's a little rough.

I have heard the reasons: "Just be glad they came!" "Maybe that is all they had to wear." "At least they were clean." I am sorry, but I am not buying the excuses -- It is disrespectful to come to a beautiful event in shabby clothing; at least iron the t-shirt. I have seen people wear nicer clothes to work, so the "that's all I had" excuse doesn't fly. And the clean excuse--at least that is one thing to be thankful for.

Guests, I realize that if you work all week, you would like to be comfortable on the weekends. I also realize that you may have had other functions on the wedding day and didn't want to tote a lot of clothes around in the car with you. And I further relate to the fact that you can do as you please. But please also remember the function and the reason that you have been invited to this wedding. If you expect to see the bride and the groom and the wedding party looking their best, can't they expect the same from their guests?

Come dressed in your best to act your best.

I attended a wedding a few years back where the bridal party were dressed to the nines, spent quite a bit on decorations, great food, wonderful ambiance and attention to detail, only to see several guests arrive to the reception in jeans, shorts, tattered baseball caps (yes-honest!) and dirty flip flops. The bride was very hurt.

I don't blame her.