Clothes for officiating a wedding

[Hirsute]

I'm officiating a wedding this summer and need help with my wardrobe. It's an outdoor wedding in August in SW Washington state. Not terribly formal, not religious. It wil likely be 85 or 90 degrees during the ceremony, so comfort is important. The grooms are wearing searsucker suits--one is wearing traditional blue seersucker with a butter yellow shirt and navy tie, the other is wearing tan searsucker with a pink shirt and citron bow tie. As officiant, Ill be standing up front between these two natty gents. My dilemna: what to wear? Everyone will be fashionable and i want to look nice, but i also want the grooms to be the focus. I was thinking about something a bit muted like a light grey or tan wool suit, or even navy blazer and chinos, but I'm open to suggestions! Please help!

 

[Doc4]

I'm officiating a wedding this summer ... The grooms are wearing searsucker suits--... As officiant, Ill be standing up front between these two natty gents.

My thought process ...

"Hey, what is the bride wearing, and why is she marrying two guys?"





"... oh."


Like I say, a bit of on my part for not twigging in a bit earlier.





... aaaaaanyhow, congrats on your involvement, and yes, I like the idea of a lightweight tan or light grey suit. That'd look classy, and a bit more muted than the two grooms ... it's their day, after all, and you are a bit more of the background than the main attraction.

 

[jrward2]

I have a feeling you will regret the wool suit with 90 degree heat. I'd try a poplin suit. My brother got married last summer and all the groomsmen wore poplin suits. They are really lightweight so its good for the hotter months.

 

[galopede]

Last wedding I went to I was wearing my morris dancer outfit of black hobnail boots, black knee britches, long white socks, white shirt with brown leather jerkin and a bowler hat.

I'm not being much use, am I?!!

Gareth

 

[suits123]

I know what you are going through. I am a credentialed minister. I would choose a light weight suit and very conservative colors. Gray, charcoal, or black. You want to look nice and "up to the standard" of the groom and groomsmen. But you do not want to stick out.

 

[MrMurphy]

A kilt with a hawaiian shirt would go over well, and be very cool and lightweight.

 

[Doc4]

It's an outdoor wedding in August in SW Washington state. It wil likely be 85 or 90 degrees during the ceremony, so comfort is important.

I have a feeling you will regret the wool suit with 90 degree heat. I'd try a poplin suit. My brother got married last summer and all the groomsmen wore poplin suits. They are really lightweight so its good for the hotter months.

Depends on the wool. An all-season suit of gaberdine or some such ... for sure. But a nice light suit of high-twist, loose-weave fresco ... now we're talking.

A lightweight, breathable wool suit will be every bit as comfortable as cotton, and a far sight better looking.

I know what you are going through. I am a credentialed minister. I would choose a light weight suit and very conservative colors. Gray, charcoal, or black. You want to look nice and "up to the standard" of the groom and groomsmen. But you do not want to stick out.

Yes tot all that, but not charcoal or black. Get a light colour that will reflect the sun's rays rather than soaking them up.

For summer outdoor wear, choice of colour is as important or more important than choice of fabric.

Also, given that the grooms will be wearing light-coloured seersucker, a very dark suit will contrast too much and potentially call attention to itself in an otherwise bright, sunny and light-coloured scene.

Last wedding I went to I was wearing my morris dancer outfit of black hobnail boots, black knee britches, long white socks, white shirt with brown leather jerkin and a bowler hat.

I'm not being much use, am I?!!

Gareth

 

[COHunter]

I'd go for the lederhosen.

 

[mdove47]

I am officiating one on NOLA, oct 19. I am planning on a dark suit. The groom said most of the guys would be in tuxes. I do not want to outshine he and his bride.

 

[Jim]

The solemnity of the event and your role as the officiant would dictate that you wear a suit. I hate to disagree with some of my nattily dressed brethren here, but as you are not celebrating the wedding but rather officiating at it, a dark- ish suit would be appropriate.

 

[Doc4]

... avoid.

 

[ironfist]

Light grey suit would look smart and not make you overly dressed

 

[Hirsute]

Thanks gents. I really appreciate your recommendations.