Legalities & Cocktail Attire

Mike & I went to get our Marriage License this morning! We're all legal to get married now! We also stopped at the liquor store to get a Banquet Permit, so we can serve alcohol to you folks! We also bought a couple of cases of champagne, which means we now have all of the alcohol we need for the wedding (and then some).... and it's all sitting on my bedroom floor. I probably look like an alcoholic to any unsuspecting friends who might stop by. heh.

I've also made appointments to go and get vaccines for Jamaica... I'm working on printing programs and menus for the big day... things are coming together beautifully! And best of all, my last day of work was a couple of days ago, so I'm free to work on the wedding full time!

I have had a few questions about cocktail attire. As my web-savvy guests know, that information is readily available on the net (and even linked from our site, under the "For our Guests" section)... but for the rest of you folks, here's what you need to know about cocktail attire:


Cocktail Attire Explained

* For the ladies, pants suits are ok (but go for dressy, not office-wear), cocktail length (knee length) dressy dresses are best. Aim for "distinguished" rather than "cute."
* Floor length dresses are too formal, and not appropriate, except for the bride, of course.
* For the guys, dress up, but don't over do it. Tuxes are not appropriate, except for the men in the wedding party. Men should wear suits and look their best. (Jeans are obviously not appropriate).

Try to think of it like a spectrum of possible clothes you could wear... it might look something like this:

casual wear - something you might wear to your friend's house for the big game... probably jeans

business casual - not jeans (unless expressly stated otherwise)... still casual, but presentable in case you meet someone you're trying to impress

business attire - nice clothes you would wear to the office (probably some kind of a suit) - definitely dressed to impress business associates

cocktail attire - something you would wear out in the evening for drinks or a nice party. you're dressing to impress, but not over-doing it. (keep in mind it is less formal than the prom was) ;)

black tie optional - men can wear tuxes, but they're not required to. if they opt not to wear a tux, they should wear a nice suit and tie. women definitely dress up, and dress to impress. (this is where the prom would fit).

black tie - men are required to wear a tux, and women go all out with dressing up. these are usually fundraiser type events (this is fancier than the prom... think Academy Awards)


...so put yourself somewhere in the middle of that spectrum, and lean a bit more toward the fancy end... but don't over-do it, and you'll be perfect.

--Chrissy