Planning & ideas

Should the gown dictate the wedding style?

Question: So, this isn't exactly a question of etiquette so much as protocol... the wedding dress I have bought is an unusual mixture of tradition (strapless, with a small-mid length train) & non-tradition (it's red with black lace & bead detailing)... does a dress of this kind lock me into a formal wedding? It's my fiancé’s 2nd marriage, we both have a child each from previous relationships plus one together... we had intended to keep things fairly low key but I just fell head over heels for the dress!

Answer: by The Knot

For so many women the quest to find the perfect gown can be quite stressful, so it is wonderful that you have found the perfect dress already. As long as you feel amazing when you put it on you can carry it off, no matter how formal the gown and informal the event may be. The beauty of being the bride is that you can rock up in any style you like!

If you are concerned that you might make the guests feel like they are somewhat under-dressed, then you can either ‘up’ the dress-code slightly (for example instructing them to wear casual-elegant instead of casual attire broadens the possibilities) or set a theme for the event which will put your mind at ease. You might want to consider an era that the gown reflects, or even just a simple colour dress code. A basic palette of white and black would work, that way your red dress can be the vibrant splash of colour that completes the picture. Here are some ideas that may inspire you:

http://theknot.ninemsn.com.au/wedding-planning/photo-galleries/red-black-white-wedding-details

http://theknot.ninemsn.com.au/community/blogs/editor-blog/2009/12/07/tara-moss-weds-in-red-dress

http://theknot.ninemsn.com.au/wedding-planning/wedding-styles/period-perfect-events

http://theknot.ninemsn.com.au/wedding-videos/the-knot-live/movie-inspired-wedding-theme

http://theknot.ninemsn.com.au/wedding-planning/wedding-cakes-flowers/10-lovely-red-cakes

http://theknot.ninemsn.com.au/wedding-planning/wedding-colours/black-white/black-white