Recently in Weddings Category

Q. Thanks for this great site!  We are hosting a wedding at our ranch this summer. Although it will be an elegant catered  event, it is still on a ranch.  We are planning to mow a wonderful path to the ceremony site at the top of a pasture.  Seating will be on hay bales. I am concerned that people might not dress appropriately for the walk to the ceremony site or to sit on hay.  What wording could you suggest for an invitation that would alert the guests? The wedding couple does not seem to think this will be a problem, but will take advice.
-Ranch Hands

A. Best laid plans can sometimes go awry when suddenly a guest sinks their Jimmy Choos into the dirt or a piece of hay gets stuck in a sheer bit of dress fabric. Always better to prepare guests ahead of time rather than surprise them. My suggestion is to add something about the ranch wedding with hay bales and outdoor grounds on the invitation itself.  A good spot would be on the directions to the ranch included with the invite.  A simple line can be added that while the wedding will be “black tie” or “festive”, guests will enjoy an authentic ranch environment with seating on hay bales for the ceremony.  I would suggest that the hay bales have blankets or thin cushion coverings - unless the guests wear jeans (which I’m assuming is not what you have in mind), sitting directly on the hay may pose a problem for anyone wearing silk, chiffon or delicate fabrics.

If the wedding couple has set up a website, which seems to be the norm these days, they could include a description of the upcoming wedding day along with tips for guests like, “you may wish to bring along a low heeled shoe for a walk on the grounds” or “guests will enjoy a genuine ranch environment for the ceremony with seating on hay bales.” If the couple does not wish to consider these suggestions then they should certainly ask the groomsmen and bridesmaids to spread the word.

Q. You always have wonderful advice.  I am attending a wedding in MI.  I am planning to wear a black satin dress with a black lace overlay.  The dress is knee length and has cap sleeves.  I can always do black hose and black shoes but I like to be a little more fun.  What do you think about red or an animal print?  And what kind of hose or bare legs?   Could I do silver?  I am not as young and thin as I used to be, I am also fair skinned.  I just did not know if bare legs would still be ok for me.
- Seeking Fun and Festive

A. I always opt for bare legs when I can get away with it.  Why not moisturize your legs with a lotion that has a bit of shimmer or glow to add a bit of color to a pale leg?  If you feel more comfortable with hosiery, then wear black sheer hosiery.   There are some new styles with a black back seam that are better than your average sheer hosiery, or choose a subtle black pattern on sheer.

As for shoes, you seem to have the right idea—skip animal print with the lace—a bit much.  Look for black patent (a huge trend this season and so festive and fun), or metallic in either silver or gold.  You may also find a black heel in velvet or satin that has lace or crystal embellishments.

left to right: Michael Kors Leg Shine, $32 at sephora.com; Steven by Steve Madden ‘Giddie’ Pump, $98.95 at nordstrom.com; Velvet Bow Pump, $34 at newport-news.com

(for more party shoes, check out our new Holiday Hot List style recipe)

Q. I am getting married in New York City in June. The wedding is black tie, but I’m struggling with picking a bridesmaids’ color. Neither me nor my fiance have “favorite” colors. In addition to having to be tea-length or longer, two of my bridesmaids are blonde and tan, and the other two are dark-haired and fair. To complicate things, one will also be in her last trimester of pregnancy! 
-Color Uncoordinated

A. Don’t worry, you don’t have to use a favorite color for the bridesmaid dresses.  The greatest gift you can give to your bridesmaids is to choose a simple color in an elegant, simple design that perhaps, cross your fingers, they can actually wear again.

Start with shopping online at sites like jcrew.com, shopdress.com and edressme.com and visit several local shops and showrooms in the city that design bridesmaid dresses like Serafina, Thread and CK Bradley. Also, what colors are the groomsmen wearing?  Are they wearing suits or classic tuxes?  Will they be wearing a colored tie, which you can also play off the bridesmaid’s dresses? And what are the colors for the wedding reception and flowers? This may help you make your decision.

Ask your bridesmaids for suggestions as well.  Plus, you can always make it easy and choose black.  Every woman should own a great little black dress. And one last tip, don’t assume that each of your bridesmaids has to wear the same style dress.  Choose a color, fabric and, depending on each girl’s body shapes, perhaps offer 2 or more styles or at least offer an empire waist option for your pregnant friend.

shown here, the Holly silk faille dress from jcrew.com ($295) comes in several colors and is flattering on many figures

Q. I am wearing a tea-length bridesmaid dress in the middle of January.  What type of coat can I wear?  The dress is lower in the back.   
-Cover Confusion    

A. It’s best to look for a dressy jacket that is slightly cropped and doesn’t go below the hips or choose a 3/4 length that is the same length as the dress.

left to right: Nanette Lepore Turkish Delight Jacket, $415 at saks.com; Elie Tahari Riley Wool/Cashmere Coat, $798 at saks.com; Trina Turk ‘Ellsworth’ Satin Jacket, $498 at nordstrom.com

Q. I’m hoping you can help me! My cousin is getting married on November 5, 2006 at 4pm on Perdido Beach, Florida. What is appropriate to wear? Nothing has been said re: dress formality. While it’s the Fall season, it’s still the beach and should be warm and I’m unsure of the appropriate clothes and shoes to wear!
-Beach Be-Wonder

A. Since it’s on the beach, my first choice would be a dress that is cocktail length skimming just below your knees, second choice would be a skirt and top. Don’t wear pants—boring for a wedding and you want to move freely on the beach. Choose a light fabric like cotton or silk jersey, but skip linen since the season for that is over. Look for a dress that perhaps has short or 3/4 sleeves or wear one that is strapless, sleeveless or has spaghetti straps and bring along a little fitted cardigan or wrap. Since it’s a late afternoon into evening affair, feel free to wear pretty prints. And be sure to wear flats or low-heeled sandals and assume you’ll be taking them off in the sand so be sure to have nice painted toenails.

from left to right: Nicole Miller Tiki Print Dress, $310 at bloomingdales.com; Single Wrap Dress, $268 at bloomingdales.com; Lumiani Quarto, $89.95 at zappos.com; J. Reneé Pixie, $78.95 at zappos.com