Ask The Celebration Advisor: Hi, Is it appropriate to wear a nice style black dress (knee length) to a GA wedding. The ceremony & reception are indoors and start at 5:00 p.m. The mother of the groom & her mother shared that they didn't think it was appropriate. I emailed the bride and she indicated that it's absolutely fine & appropriate and that i would probably not be the only one wearing black.

We are from the north (Maine)and I have heard that it's o.k. to wear black, especially if it's in the evening. If the bride is fine, should i worry about what the brides parents might think? My thoughts are that black is in now, but i don't want to offend anyone. I was hoping to get a perspective from the pros. Thanks for any
advice/feedback.~ Sharon

The Celebration Advisor: Wearing black? A woman after my own heart! The answer to your question is a simple one. Wedding attire etiquette is on your side with this one. Yes, it is now acceptable to wear a formal black dress (knee-length or longer) to a wedding. However, traditionally one would stray from black as it is a color reserved for highly formal occasions or funerals.

Though you are well within wedding attire etiquette to wear black, I would consider the mindset of the people at the wedding before making your decision. Southerners are big into the more traditional wedding etiquette and way of doing things. Therefore, the mothers of the couple will not be the only ones judging you based on a black dress. Southerners usually associate dark colors with funerals. Therefore even for an evening wedding it will not be well regarded in the South to wear black wedding attire.

If you are attending a less traditional wedding (which can be assumed since the bride is ok with it), you will be okay to wear black according to wedding attire etiquette. The bride is right that many women wear black to weddings these days so you will not feel alone. Just consider the understood practices of Southerners for this wedding.

If you are looking for a great way to coordinate your dress with your groom's tuxedo, here's a wedding attire trend you'll love.

Take a nod from tennis pro Roger Federer. He and his new bride cashed in on the trend among couples which is use the same fabric for both the bride's dress and the groom's tie. Using the same fabric has many benefits. It is an intimate touch that can enhance small, personal ceremonies. It is a showing of unity that many feel is a positive attitude for the start of the marriage. Others think of it as the finest way to coordinate the two wedding outfits.

Whatever your reason, consider asking your wedding dress designer to create the groom's tie from the same fabric as your wedding dress. If you do not have a wedding dress designer, ask your seamstress if there is enough fabric left over for the tie after alterations are made. There are many ways to go about capturing this trendy idea. Just make sure to return to Wedding And Party Network with your photos!

What Color Should Our Wedding Attire Be?

When planning your wedding, the chances are great that you've asked yourself this question more than once. Well for the blushing bride planning her wedding ceremony in 2009, Wedding and Party Network has come to the rescue with the wedding attire color trends of the year. Fret no more; instead, simply decide which colors work together with your plans for Read the rest of Wedding Attire Trends For 2009: The Colors of Choice! »