Invited to a wedding, what to wear?

Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
1

DH is going to be a groomsman (or was that best man? I’m really out of touch with wedding etiquette) and the co-men(?) will be wearing matching retro-50’s/bowling style shirts like this: http://www.daddyos.com/retro/bb3.html

The bride’s dress is a secret.

I’m not entirely sure if the groom is wearing one of those shirts, byt may be.

The kids and I are simply guests but were invited to the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner (which is generous of the wedding party, yes?).

After the wedding reception, the couple is taking off on a big Harley to catch a cruise boat.

What should I wear as a guest? (dress, pants, solid colors, more black and white, no red? anything at all- ha ha)

2

(That’s not the actual shirt the men are wearing but as similar as I could find.)

3

I’m guessing they haven’t stated on the invite any particular style of dress? If they’re going with a retro theme it would be great if you could find a cocktail dress with a bit of a flared skirt. I’d probably stick with solid colours or black rather than something patterned.
Early ceremony and reception - lighter colours
Later ceremony and reception - darker colours

Don’t shoot the messenger, this is just my opinion. Hope you find something you like.

4

The location should give you a clue as to dress. A few weeks ago, a friend of ours attended a wedding that was held at a mutual friend’s farm. She wore a jean skirt, tank tops and boots and fit right in. If it’s on a beach, then you wear a summer dress sans shoes. If all else fails, ask what you should wear.

5

Thanks for your input.

The wedding and reception is in a fancy hotel. I’m very excited about the whole thing.

When I realised the bride was being secretive about her dress, I thought to ask if there was a color we should avoid but decided to she might think I was prying about the dress.

Perhaps I can ask that politely as it gets closer to the date.

Since the wedding is early (11 am) a light colored cocktail dress (do they go below the knee?) might be a good choice if I can’t get any more clues before the day. The invitation didin’t say anything about dress but I may have heard the bride say the word ‘casual’ today.

I’ve only been to three weddings- a ‘shotgun’ highschool one in a livingroom, a very long Catholic mass one (get up, get down, get up) in a giant church, and an Indian one (big fun!).