Wedding Etiquette?

[theREALjoejoe]

All right, well, I came here last time asking how to cook chicken fetuccini, and many people were glad to post and help out.

Now I come to you guys again asking for details on a wedding.

Well, I went to my youth group teachers' wedding, but I was late and missed the ceremony. It was a very big wedding at our church. I didn't wear a tux, just dressed proper/formal [khaki/slacks, white shirt and tie, etc.] and did not bring a formal wedding gift. [I'm 17].

Anyway, my boss, whom I've known for almost 3 years, is getting married in December and I have been invited. I just got the invitation in the mail, actually. First question...what's the big deal on wedding gifts? There are 2 business cards...one says, "The bride and groom are registered with The Perfect Match JCPenny Gift Registry" and the other says "Our gift registry preferences are located at all Bon Marche stores."

I *think* I've heard of "registering gifts" before, but have no clue on what it actually is.

What are some usual gifts? I'd probably spend maybe up to $100 or so, since Rich is an awesome boss/guy/friend.

Also, is wearing a tux really required? Is it all right if I'm just "fashionable" and wear the slacks/shirt+tie and a nice leather jacket? Not like a bomber style...Pierre Cardin style.

And it'd probably be a good idea to bring a friend along...since the invitation says "Joe & Guest" and I don't want to look like a loner. Hehe.

I think that's all the questions for now, thanks in advance for the help.

 

[compudog]

Certainly invite a guest. The formal nature of the invite usually is an indication of the type of attire. Typically only the wedding party wears the tux/gown. Go to your local JC Penney or Bon Marche and have a look at the gift list. This will also give you an indication of what the couple would like to have, thier taste, etc. The registry is something set up by the bride & groom as a guide or list of the gifts they would like for thier wedding gift. Sometime the mother of the bride helps set up the items. This is also true for baby shower gifts as well.

Hope this helps.

 

[pulse8]

Registered means that they have picked out gifts they'd like at those stores and you can go there and buy them one of it.

Don't wear a tux, wear a suit. You shouldn't wear a tux unless you're immediate family or in the wedding party.

 

[bigrash]

Wear a suit instead of wearing just casual cloths. Wearing a tux would be overboard though. You might wanna bring a guest cause if you don't know many people you might feel left out.

and usally i hate getting gifts from registry because everything is always expensive there. so i just give a check (or cash) with the card.

 

[azazyel]

I wouln't wear a leather jacket but if it's all you got, it's all you got. Slacks, dress shirt, tie and colored socks are staples. Also, did you get invited to the bachlor party?

 

[glen]

One of the simplifying things about weddings is the strict dress code for gentlemen.

After six, wear a black tuxedo.

It is derigor in the South, less so up North, and no one in the West bothers with marriage except a certain population, and they can only legally do it in VT.

 

[theREALjoejoe]

Don't have a suit, never had to wear one.
I see, so I understand what the gift registry is, I'll check it out, then.
Still not sure on the attire, definitely not wearing a tux.
I have a wool-type jacket, the ones you see at Banana Republic, Gap, etc.
I don't know, still not sure on the dress. More suggestions?
Thanks a lot everyone.

 

[ZAQ3211]

For that first wedding a pair of slacks and a gift would have been most appropriate.

As to your boss - ask him if a tux is preferred - for you don't want "uncomfortable" used by your boss or you. If tux rent one. If not, scope out a second hand store. A multi - multi millionaire once chided the up and comers for paying retail while he buys their used clothes in VERY good condition.
We had a fire that burned up my 3 ultrasuede, camel hair, and other jackets.
I found a custom tailored blue blazer that fits very well and is in perfect condition for $15.00.
A dark blue blazer and charcoal or dark slacks will bode you well for such occassions.
I would forego the khakis at a wedding.
If you are in question, opt for the dressier look.
You don't have to spend a fortune.
I have NEVER bought from a registry - it can give you ideas though.
If you want to impress - how aboutr a bread maKer?

ZAQ

 

[theREALjoejoe]

There's the word, "blazer"! I should go find a decent one I can use for future occasions as well.
I'll ask my boss if it's tux preferred, but it seems like only the wedding party and family dress in tuxes.
Thanks for all of the help.