Weddings.... Dress code??

[AnneWynne]

I agree, dress in a manner similar to the guests. If it is suit and tie, wear at least a sport coat and tie. If it is a black tie affair, wear a dark suit. Find comfortable shoes that look like dress shoes and not running shoes to wear with the suit/slacks combo.

What ever you do, do not wear jeans! That is just totally unprofessional, even if guests are in jeans. If it is a casual wedding, wear casual slacks or khakies. You could also wear dark slacks and a polo shirt with your logo tastefully embroidered on the left breast above the pocket.

Ladies, also dress professionally. Have a couple of comfortable dressy outfits (spring/summer, fall/winter) for dressier weddings. Finding comfortable shoes will be harder, but find something you can stand in for hours. You can wear slacks and a nice blouse at less formal, more casual weddings. This makes finding comfy shoes easier (think duty shoes for people like waitresses).

The point is that you do not know who in the congregation may also be planning a wedding and looking for a photographer. First impressions do count. You may be meeting the wedding planner for the first time. The bride's sister may get engaged in the next year. Someone may be celebrating a milestone anniversary. Your approach to your appearance says a lot about how you approach your work in general, at least to the people who see you at work and not the finished product. So you get hot, so you are uncomfortabe. Do you think the bride and groom are any more comfortable than you?

Respect your employers by reporting to work dressed in a manner appropriate to the setting.

My 2 cents.
Anne

[Jim Bryant]

The few weddings I've shot, I wear slacks, nice shoes and a shirt with tie. Last wedding I shot for the neighbor kid, who grew up with my kids. The food was pizza and beer, so you can imagine just how the guest were dressed. Infant, the only the folks that were properly dressed were the parents, and wedding party, it looked as through they were dressed to party.

All-in-all, it was fun. Unfortunately, the marriage lasted all about six months. So far of the three weddings I've shot, only one couple still remained married. So, I don't shoot too many wedding

[sdphil]

I agree with all the advice given about casual, comfortable but not sloppy. However if you choose to wear "snickers" they will probably melt LOL
Sorry I couldn't resist

[jdepould]

Originally Posted by kirbinster

So, under that logic one should never wash their clothing or take a shower as it will just be dirty later. You can convince yourself of anything I guess, but if you go to any high end function you will see that all staff is dressed just as the guests so as not to stand out. I have never been to a fancy wedding and seen a photographer in anything but a suit or tux. Now I am not talking about things that take place at the firehouse or Elks lodge - I am talking about high end where the dress code is Black Tie.

Photographers aren't staff and more than the minister or musicians are. Range of motion takes precedence.

The dirty clothes analogy isn't what I'm saying, I'm saying get a shirt that won't look like you slept in it at the end of the night. You want to be MORE presentable, and the vast majority of dress shirts won't do that for you.

Normal dress shoes are not an option, because not only are they potentially unsafe if you need to be in an awkward position, but your back will be killing you by the end of the night.

I don't have an aversion to dressing up, I'm one of the few people I know who actually owns a tux, but there's no way I would wear clothes that would distract me while I'm trying to work.

[PowerPix]

I would say a professional looking polo shirt with black slacks and comfortable dress shoes (yes, they DO make these!). This way you blend in with the crowd but look professional.

[binah06]

I would ask the bride if she had a preference.

Also I am surprised so many people wear black. I am no professional wedding photographer or anything but isnt wearing black to a wedding bad luck? Black pants or skirt I can accept but not a black shirt. Jeans are also completely unacceptable. What about navy or beige slacks and a button up dress shirt (for men) or blouse (for women)?

[Melinda]

I have only done one wedding and I wore a dress...big mistake! I was told by the groom I was flashing them as I was taking their pictures. They wouldn't stop laughing. Now I know why. It is a good thing that the bride, groom and wedding party were all our friends. Next time definitely slacks and a nice shirt that is high cut on the neck.

[snowboardgirl11]

At the wedding I did in January, I wore black dress pants with a nice dressy purple top. The bride's parents even commented on my professional attire and that it was very appropriate for the wedding. For shoes I wore my Dansko Cabrio clogs....I absolutely love these shoes! For those who haven't tried Dansko shoes and are looking for something dressy, comfortable and good for your back...you must try these! I am a respiratory therapist that works 36-50 hours per week doing 12 hour shifts, and I swear by these shoes. They are pricey ($120) but they are well worth it and will last you for a long time.

Just my opinion!

[Geodar]

I think you can't go far wrong in a smart suit, shirt & tie, you can easily take the jacket & tie off. Ladies in a smart trouser suit and blouse, again the jacket can be removed.
As it is a wedding and the guests will be dressed up to the nines (at most weddings) then it is important you look the part, as said earlier you never know who you impress and may get the next engagement/wedding shoot out of it, of course a lot depends on your manner and photo results as well.
If you are doing and engagement then dress down slightly, smart pants & shirt. A kids party (depends on location), dress casual.
In my experience people respond more to someone in a suit & tie (it seems to gain more respect), they see the suit and think he/she is a professional with an air of authority, which is what you want to ensure you get the shots you are being paid to get.
Geoff

[kencaleno]

Go with the flow-No good looking like a penguin,when everyone else is wearing tee shirt and jeans, or other casual wear-you will be mistaken for a "Jeeves"-a flunkey. Just black shirt and slacks-for society weddings,if guests wear tux's, so do you.