Each Wednesday, we tackle wedding etiquette. At times, it’s a reader question or one from a colleague, friend or family member and other times we’ll cover a popular issue. (Note: Questions may be edited for clarity and brevity.)
Question: My wife and I are attending a wedding this weekend. I want to wear my seersucker suit, but she says it’s inappropriate for a wedding. Can I wear seersucker to a wedding?
Answer: When it comes to seersucker, there are differing schools of thought as to the acceptable season and time of day. Some maintain that you wear it only after Labor Day, akin to the rules of wearing white (which you’ll want to avoid at a wedding unless you are the bride or have been instructed by the couple to wear white), and others embrace wearing it (especially in the South) any time it’s hot outside. This could mean donning it as late as October, if you are the devil may care sort. For a spring or summer wedding, a good rule of thumb is that you are free and clear to wear seersucker (and also linen, but not in white or a tan suit) for an outdoor, afternoon wedding. If it’s a church wedding that begins at or after 5:30 p.m., with an evening reception, it might be better to opt for gray, which will transition well into evening.
Are you thinking of dressing your groomsmen or bridesmaids in seersucker for your wedding? To get ideas and inspiration, make a date of the Ogden Museum of Art’s Sippin’ in Seersucker event (disclosure, I’m on the committee). On April 21 from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Shops at Canal Place, New Orleanians will show off their best seersucker while celebrating art and the start of the summer season. Food, cocktails, fashion, entertainment and, of course, art, are all on tap. Tickets are $45 for museum members and $65 for non-members and include an open bar. Proceeds benefit the museum.
Save the date for our June 2017 Bridal Show – June 7, Hyatt Regency New Orleans. Get your tickets and more information here.
