What Do You Wear to a Wedding?

[PeaceFire]

I always pay attention when I go to wedding to the photographers, obviously. One thing that really surprised me about the photographers at the last two weddings I attended was that they all wore white shirts.

Call me old fashioned or picky, but growing up when getting ready for a wedding it was always well known that ONLY the bride (and maybe the groom and wedding party if the bride chooses so) should wear white. So it actually sort of upset me that the photographers would wear white, even if it's just a white shirt. It may look professional, but so would a colored or black dress shirt.

Am I being too picky? Or is it inapropriate?

[davidfig]

Its the preference of the photographer. They may be wearing white because they will use their shirt for flash bounce. Did you think of that?

[PhotosGuy]

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[SuzyView]

I always wear black, whether formal or informal. I ask the B&G how formal the day will be and dress accordingly. If a white shirt is appropriate, that's okay.

[tim]

I'd have locked the thread since the question has been asked a dozen times.

[PeaceFire]

I always wear black, whether formal or informal. I ask the B&G how formal the day will be and dress accordingly. If a white shirt is appropriate, that's okay.

In one of the cases I mentioned I know the bride was not happy with it. But in general she didn't like her photographers (she hired one guy, and on the day he sent two completely different people they'd never met because he had another wedding booked) so I'm sure she was just nitpicking. But it really got me thinking about that.

[MCS_80]

I am a novice photographer, however I am an experienced salesman.

I always wear a uniform to any event I am covering, including weddings.

My uniform includes a black or blue shirt with my logo on the front pocket and my company name on the back, black pants with nicely polished black shoes. I have been contatced by people attending mentioning they saw me and obtained my number from my shirt and also commented how professional I look.

One tip, always wear comfy shoes. Being on your feet all day, your feet will thank you for spending that little extra on shoes.

Cheers

Mick

[Karizmatik]

Giorgio Armani black pin-stripe suit and pants. A nice Versace faded shirt, any color goes, I've got em' all - And usually a pair of Bruno Magli leather shoes with the fade around the side. And of course to keep time with a Patek Philippe Geneve watch.

All in all, about $3500 bucks. G'd up from the feet up, I believe the saying is.

Joking, of course. Although, I did try that once - It just gets too damn hot in a nice suit, stylish leather shoes and a watch that weighs as much as my arm. Not to mention.. You usually have to get down and dirty (Lying in the grass, running around all day, sweating alot, etc) -- So it's a damn waste of $3500 worth of clothes an kicks.


To the point....

I actually wear my Loft 8 golf shirts (Not those dreadful multi-colored ones! Just plain black with grey pin-stripes) -- They're GREAT for breathe-ability and are not a typical crappy T Shirt, so their stylish enough to make it look like you give a damn, but also hide that sweat on your back that is inevitable in the Aussie climate.

[TheHoff]

This thread should not be locked since the OP has a misunderstanding of appropriate formal attire, nevermind asking what other people wear. I wish this question would be asked more often since I see a lot of very bad shirt/jacket/shoe combinations on photographers at weddings.

White, as a shirt, is most certainly appropriate for any male to wear to a wedding. White is the most formal of colours for a shirt and is never out of place. A coloured shirt, especially a darker one other than French Blue, is more out of place than white.

White, as a dress, would be wrong. As a shirt on a man under suit jacket or blazer, it is the best choice.

[TheHoff]

BTW, black is the colour only appropriate for funerals and wait staff. Please, no more black shirts at weddings.

[PeaceFire]

This thread should not be locked since the OP has a misunderstanding of appropriate formal attire, nevermind asking what other people wear. I wish this question would be asked more often since I see a lot of very bad shirt/jacket/shoe combinations on photographers at weddings.

White, as a shirt, is most certainly appropriate for any male to wear to a wedding. White is the most formal of colours for a shirt and is never out of place. A coloured shirt, especially a darker one other than French Blue, is more out of place than white.

White, as a dress, would be wrong. As a shirt on a man under suit jacket or blazer, it is the best choice.

Sorry, I really should clarify that in this case all of the photographers were women. There were four total (two at each wedding) all wore white. I do see white dress shirts being appropriate for men. But for women I think it's a bit inappropriate, but again that's just me.

[TheHoff]

Oh, I apologize. I didn't see that mentioned in the post and I have no clue about women's attire :)

[alt4852]

BTW, black is the colour only appropriate for funerals and wait staff. Please, no more black shirts at weddings.

i wear a black shirt, blue or gray tie, with black pants and shoes. as a photographer, i consider myself as someone who should not stand out. wait staff are dressed in that manner for the same reason. with so many guests wearing black jackets, my black outfit doesn't look out of place and in my opinion looks more professional and practical than dressing in a full suit or even a white shirt. i don't see the problem with dark clothing.

[SuzyView]

I would never wear white to a wedding. That's weird even as a guest. I've always worn black or dark blue. As a woman, and a pro, it is to my benefit to have a "professional" look and I don't wear a tag, my camera straps all have tags and people assume I am the pro. So that helps.

[woodfrogs]

Black pants, a black shirt with the company name and logo where the front chest pocket would be and dark gray hikers. Comfy and professional all at once. I do have a slightly dressier shirt for a more formal affair, but my company shirt works 99% of the time. And I'm a woman...husband wears the same thing....

[stathunter]

I do a lot of weddings and typically always wear black. ---except I wear white socks for a little color :)

[SuzyView]

I'd love to see that, Scott. :)

I like the idea of a logo on the shirt, not too blatant, but subtle. I may consider that.

[laurielozano]

When I'm booking a bride, I always ask what the wedding attire will be, casual/formal/semi-formal and dress accordingly. Most of them have been formal so I've worn black 'flowy' pants that kind of look like a long skirt. These are comfy and allow me room to move, squat, whatever. I also wear a black blouse that may or may not have a light colored print or pattern on it. Its dressy, but comfortable and I blend in with the crowd (with the exception of the two cameras hanging on my neck).
This next one I have scheduled is casual. She said everyone will be wearing Jeans - even the groomsmen and said I should just wear jeans. So for that one, I will wear jeans and a nice button down blouse in a dark color so as not to stand out.

[Ralph Merlino]

Black pants with a belt, a light pastel colored dress shirt
and black shoes. Sometimes I will add a sports jacket.

[MotoXPunk481]

This debate has raged for a long time. I always wear black. Black button down dress shirt, black dress slacks and black dress shoes. My wife wears the same. Your goal as a photographer is to attract as little attention to yourself as possible. Look professional and avoid giving people any reason for distraction. I do like the idea of the logo'd shirts though (as long as it's subtle). ;)

[stathunter]

I have been thinking about wearing purple velour and going by "The Artist Known As Wedding".

[tim]

BTW, black is the colour only appropriate for funerals and wait staff. Please, no more black shirts at weddings.

I would never wear white to a wedding. That's weird even as a guest. I've always worn black or dark blue. As a woman, and a pro, it is to my benefit to have a "professional" look and I don't wear a tag, my camera straps all have tags and people assume I am the pro. So that helps.

Some days I wear a custom made black shirt made with a nice subtle texture in the fabric, some days I wear a white short sleeved shirt (because it gets so hot). So really i'm going against what two people here are saying. Because of that i'll choose to ignore pretty much all the advice on the thread.

My suggestion is to wear whatever will help you blend in with the guests and remain looking professional. Be practical - no ties, no jackets, no really expensive clothes, etc.

[SuzyView]

Oh, come on, Tim. Would you ever wear white to a wedding? What are you disagreeing with me? ;)

[tim]

Yep, I wear a lose white short sleeved shirt on hot days as otherwise I get a heat rash. It gets pretty hot here some days!

[SuzyView]

You've got a point. It is very hot here, too and in DC it gets pretty sticky, I still don't wear white, but a pale pink or green with a plain skirt. For evening receptions, it is the dark outfit.

[tim]

I choose black or white mainly because it requires less though! When there's a videographer around I always wear black, if you wear white and get into the video you just about glow you're so bright.

[SuzyView]

I want to wear black, it's slimming. :)

[tim]

That doesn't hurt either!

[SuzyView]

If you look at my avatar, it's a concert I shot 2 weeks ago. The conductor in the center has a big belly, but the black really helped. And the violinist was a big guy, and the black helped him, too.

[Apexer]

At my wedding the photographer dressed appropriately, but his wife/assistant literally looked like she rolled outta bed and threw some sweats on. On her best day she would not be attractive, and on our wedding day she looked like a skid row reject. I was disgusted.

So...I guess I would also say to make sure your assistant ( if you are so fortunate to have one ) is on the same page, attire wise.

[SuzyView]

LOL :)

I've actually seen the above happen also. Sad.

[babuszka]

Omg, I could never go to a wedding as a photographer dressed like a slob!! What is wrong with people??

[harroz]

Hmm, I don't wear black, black absorbs light, and so is too hot as it absorbs heat too. catch22 really eh, hides the bulge but makes you sweat more, don't know which is worse

[SuzyView]

Please keep comments constructive here.

[tim]

Please keep comments constructive here.

I'm thinking of building a house, can anyone give me any tips? ;)

[Zansho]

I wear a speedo to weddings. I find it keeps the wedding party's attention on me, instead of grandma's point and shoot.

[LowriderS10]

I ususally wear dark brown cargos (I'm addicted to the functionality of my cargos, and at first glance they look like dress pants) and either a beige or a dark blue dress shirt

[karylle03]

The good manners for proper wedding guest attire can depend on the style of the wedding. It is not really so much of a big deal nowadays if photographers wore white shirts. They are easier to distinguish in white and are more professional looking, also, some brides are not wearing traditional white gowns anymore. Prom Dress (http://www.promdressshop.com)

[monk3y]

no photos of ridiculous attires? hahaha