Appropriate attire for wedding/ reception?

Question

I have a wedding to go to, and it is different from any others I have attended. They are italian and the whole day is planned as follows:

11 am : at the bride's home, a brunch get together

2 pm: wedding ceremony at church

6 pm: Dinner / reception at hall.

What am I supposed to wear? the same thing all day long? evening wear? change outfits during the day ?? it just seems like so much work.. I am confused.. Please enlighten me.

Answer 1

You can change before each party, or you can wear the same thing all day and just change your accessories (shoes, jewelry, wrap) to match the formality/casualness of the party.  It's all up to you.

Personally I would suggest a more casual outfit for the brunch, like a simple skirt and nice top, just in case you spill anything.  Keep an eye on the time and go home to change into a dressier outfit for the wedding and reception.  When in doubt, ask the bride what she'd prefer you wear, then try to go with her idea.

Answer 2

When in doubt, ask the bride or her mother/sister/aunt (you get the picture)!  Other than that, if you have a nice dress that transfers well from occasion to occasion, then I would go with that.  Think of a nice dress that doesn't wrinkle easily, that can be dressed up or down by adding a wrap or something like that.  Most people definitely wear the same thing to the ceremony and reception, I've never heard about the brunch before-hand.

Answer 3

It's all about the layers. Wear a basic little black dress, change shoes jewlery, add a shall or scarf etc., take it off later. Add more dramatic makeup as the night goes on. It's all about little accessory changes. Don't change your outfit, afterall it's the bride's day not yours. :) Make it easy on yourself.

Answer 4

To be proper, yes, you should change outfits during the day. A "tea dress"  or a formal afternoon dress is proper for the brunch and the wedding ceremony if you are a lady. A gentleman would wear morning dress, or a dark suit

For the dinner, a gentleman would wear evening dress, or a dark suit. A lady should wear either evening wear or a cocktail dress -- neither of which would be appropriate for brunch or a church service.