Wear Jeans to a Wedding?

“Can we wear jeans to a wedding?”  I usually ask my participants and I will be greeted with some uncertain ‘no….’

This topic usually arise when we cover Dress Code.  There are several Dress Codes such as White Tie, Black Tie, Formal, Business Casual, Smart Casual and Casual.  So which dress code do you think we should wear to a wedding?

In Singapore’s context, I would place it under Smart Casual.  Many do not realise that Smart Casual exclude jeans.  Jeans fall under Casual.  The lighter the colour of the jeans, the more casual it will appear.  Needless to say, those ripped jeans are definitely casual!

Dressing well at an event is a respect for yourself and doing so at a wedding is a respect for the couple’s most important day of their lives.  Put yourself in the couple’s shoes; would you like your friends or relatives to attend this important day, which you have been planning for a year, in jeans? (see guest on right in the photo)  On the same note, guests in cargo pants, bermudas and singlets are most disrespectful too!

Ladies should apply makeup and look presentable whether they come in a dress, pants, pantsuit etc.  Over the top sexy dresses should be avoided as it will seem inappropriate for such a respected event where there will be a lot of elders and children around.  You wouldn’t want to be the talk of town for the wrong reason or divert the attention for the evening to you. 

For those not used to dressing up, you have to accept the fact that when an invitation to a wedding is extended and you intend to attend, it will require a little imagemakeover to style your hair and to find that appropriate outfit.  Whenever unsure, it’s encouraged to dress up (Formal) rather than dress down!  Happy Dressing up!

About the Author : Sherrine Teoh is the Principal Image Consultant with Image and You Consultancy.  She runs regular training for corporations and institutions as well as Individual Consultations on Personal Grooming, Dressing and Social Etiquette.