Wedding reception etiquette

[vinnie83]

Hi all, bit of advice needed.

Would you beleive I've never been to a english wedding reception before (i'm indian) and have got a friends to go to this weekend.

Now this may sound silly but what do I wear? Is a suit ok? do I need to wear a tie?

It's at a pretty nice venue (beau manor hall) and I'd prefer not to stick out like a sore thumb.

I'm thinking black suit with a light coloured shirt?

Also am I supposed to take a gift or is that only if I was at the wedding?

I may sound really thick asking these questions, but I hate weddings, reception parties etc and only really go to close friends or family, and as such I have only been to about 2 in the last 3-4 years!

Thanks in advance for your help!

[OnTheOverrun]

vinnie83 said:

Would you beleive I've never been to a english wedding reception before (i'm indian) and have got a friends to go to this weekend.

Crikey, that's a hell of a way to travel for a friends wedding!

[Alex]

Have you been invited to the main reception or just the evening reception?

[BoRED S2upid]

Well seen as its the end of the summer normal suit would be white with white shoes. Tie would be optional as would gift, if you dress correctly that is more than enough to make their day special.

[Famous Graham]

Get drunk and interfere with the bridesmaids.

[The Black Flash]

Asking probably best - but you wont go wrong with a suit and tie.

[Steamer]

Here is a bit of ridiculous etiquette that I only found out recently (I tried my best, but couldn't weasel out of this one):

When you get to the reception part, you are not supposed to take your jacket off until the father of the bride has taken his off, apparently.

[vinnie83]

OnTheOverrun said:

vinnie83 said:

Would you beleive I've never been to a english wedding reception before (i'm indian) and have got a friends to go to this weekend.

Crikey, that's a hell of a way to travel for a friends wedding!

haha yeah of indian origin would probably be more accurate!

I'm invited to the evening event - I never knew there was a daytime one!

Shows how little I know!

Also black suit is only for funerals you say... I have a couple of black suits, 2 blue ones (one pinstripe), a grey pinstripe, and a black pinstripe - any of these a safe option?

[kev87]

Can see the logic in that, traditionally he foots the bill so I guess it's his say when people can... let their hair down!

[vinnie83]

BoRED S2upid said:

Well seen as its the end of the summer normal suit would be white with white shoes. Tie would be optional as would gift, if you dress correctly that is more than enough to make their day special.

I can always dust off my white suit / shoes - I put them away when I retired from smuggling cocaine into miami from columbia.... you really think that would make me blend in?

[ben d]

You can wear any suit you like - don't stress about it. No one will bat an eyelid if you wear a black suit and you won't be on your own.

[Lefty Guns]

I wouldn't wear pinstripe to a wedding...

But then, I always wear my kilt and a pinstripe jacket would look a bit odd with a plaid skirt

[Alex]

Usually, there is a formal sit-down meal after the wedding where a suit would be expected. The evening event (probably a buffet and disco or band) is less formal and smart casual attire would be appropriate.

[evenflow]

P1ss-taking aside, nowadays it's normal for men to wear cravats at summer weddings. I've been to several this year and stuck out like a sore thumb having worn a normal tie

[Podie]

evenflow said:

P1ss-taking aside, nowadays it's normal for men to wear cravats at summer weddings. I've been to several this year and stuck out like a sore thumb having worn a normal tie

Perhaps, but you were probably the only one who didn't look like a complete plank.

[Lefty Guns]

Podie said:

evenflow said:

P1ss-taking aside, nowadays it's normal for men to wear cravats at summer weddings. I've been to several this year and stuck out like a sore thumb having worn a normal tie

Perhaps, but you were probably the only one who didn't look like a complete plank.

+1

Nothing wrong with being traditional or "overdressed".

Better IMHO to dress smartly (and you can take your jacket/tie off if need be) than go without either and be the scruffy fker in a group of 200 beautifully dressed people

[schmalex]

A suit is absolutely fine. Maybe take your tie off if there is a band / binge drinking session in the evening.

I would suggest taking a present. Often, the bride & groom arrange a table at the entrance to the reception for guests to place presents on.

[evenflow]

Podie said:

evenflow said:

P1ss-taking aside, nowadays it's normal for men to wear cravats at summer weddings. I've been to several this year and stuck out like a sore thumb having worn a normal tie

Perhaps, but you were probably the only one who didn't look like a complete plank.

Whoooosh.

[cazzer]

evenflow said:

P1ss-taking aside, nowadays it's normal for men to wear cravats at summer weddings. I've been to several this year and stuck out like a sore thumb having worn a normal tie

You know...Before I looked at your profile, I would have laid money that you were down south.
Try turning up in a cravat in yorkshire

[pdV6]

cazzer said:

evenflow said:

P1ss-taking aside, nowadays it's normal for men to wear cravats at summer weddings. I've been to several this year and stuck out like a sore thumb having worn a normal tie

You know...Before I looked at your profile, I would have laid money that you were down south.
Try turning up in a cravat in yorkshire

Double whooooosh