TRAVERSE CITY RECORD-EAGLE THE WEDDING PLANNER 2005 3 Etiquette tells guests what to wear on formal occasions BY SHARON MOSLEY Black tie Complete Guide to Dallas socialite Lynn be black tie or not,” she Copley News Service This means that women Etiquette” (Scribner, $35). Wyatt “looks in horror” at said. “If it is not, you need are to wear evening dresses Black tie, long gown an invitation that uses this say nothing at all.” Many guests invited to a (short or long) and men This is not a common phrase. As do most people However, one fashion wedding often are as con- should wear traditional edict, but found occasional- who take the word optional designer, John Anthony, cerned as the bride and her tuxedos. ly. Some couples find that to mean they don’t have to believes that an invitation attendants are about what “Pantsuits are not prop- this gives guests more clari- wear black tie. Those few stating creative tie signifies they will wear. er,” said etiquette expert fication when the occasion who do dress up often feel that the hosts want the There are a couple of Letitia Baldrige, the former is very dressy. out of place, making for a guests to be more thoughtful golden rules to remember. White House social secre- Black tie optional very mixed-up (and mixed- and lavish in their attire. It First, don’t wear white — it tary to Jacqueline Kennedy, This is a bewildering dress) crowd. might mean a patterned upstages the bride. And sec- advice columnist and author dress directive for many Creative tie cummerbund for the man ond, don’t wear black — of several books, including guests and is considered by Another distressing dress and a frock that’s something you’re not going to a funer- “Letitia Baldrige’s New many etiquette experts to code according to Baldrige. other than the usual little al. So we all usually had the Manners for New Times: A be very confusing. “An affair should either black dress for a woman. reliable pastel dress and matching pumps in our clos- et patiently waiting to be THE CHOICE FOR worn for the wedding du jour. BEAUTIFUL BRIDAL But what to do when it comes to a formal affair? FABRICS Today, even though dress Silks • Italian Poly • Beaded codes have become some- what relaxed, there are still and some guidelines that savvy brides and grooms might FABRICS FOR consider including on their BRIDESMAIDS invitations if their wedding Many Colors & Types of Fabric is a formal event. Guests are usually grateful for this con- to Choose From siderate gesture, especially in an age where often “any- Call for a Free Bridal Consultation thing goes.” Here’s a helpful lexicon FINE FABRIC & DESIGN, L.L.C. from “Town & Country 511 E. 8th St. Traverse City, MI 49686 Elegant Weddings” (Hearst Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. • Sat. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Books, $60): 231-933-1521 br.1/16 782837

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