Weddings.... Dress code??

[benjamieson]

I guess I'm lucky living where I do.

With most weddings here being 'beach' affairs, I normally wear a short sleeved linen white shirt (of which I carry a spare in my bag - I'm in 90 degree heat and 100% humidity most days) and a a pair of khaki cargo pants with lots of *big* pockets (enough for two flashes, card case, remote triggers, polarisers and a lens cap or two). I've shot church/formal weddings in the same gear and never once had a surprised look.

Honestly, I don't think the Bride, Groom, or majority of guests, are actually focused on the photographer any more than they are on the waiter - they're a little pre-occupied, oddly enough!

Look presentable, don't stand out, don't get in the way and be polite to all around you (sometimes 'firmly' polite!)... you'll be fine.

[thenimirra]

Now that my wedding bookings are picking up and I've shot several this season, I think it's foolhardy to where a suit. Photographers are working professionals. Most weddings are all day affairs, and you need to be dressed comfortably enough to get down on the floor if need be, get up on a ladder or other place to shoot from above and be prepared to be walking on your feet nearly the entire time.

As a woman, I usually wear black pants, a white shirt and my black Domke vest with dark, yet comfortable shoes. I shot with a professional male photog and he were dark pants, a dark polo shirt and comfy shoes as well, and a belt with shoulder holders to fit all of his equipment and lenses.

I'm usually incredibly sore and tired after shooting a wedding. Why would you want to compound that by wearing something extremely uncomfortable to "blend in" with the guests. You are not a guest. You are a paid professional who needs to be prepared to get ANY shot in any situation. How can you do that in a suit and tie and loafers?

[Olsona3]

I have been to quite a few weddings lately, mostly as a guest, but one as the co-videographer. My partner and I wore black pants and comfortable but nice looking shirts. I felt like we fit in pretty well with the guests and we were both comfortable enough to last the night. I would have preferred more comfortable shoes, as I was wearing fairly dressy shoes but my partner just wore black tennis shoes and no one paid any attention to them at all.

[candleman]

i'm always smart-casual.
smart enough to blend in, cashaul enough to not bother about wrinkles and dust.

i always wear all black, it helps you stay a little more inconspicuous too,
make sure you can roll sleeves up or are able to "strip off" a little if it gets very hot,
i keep an anorak in my backpack (with my lenses and junk) thats waterproof just incase it starts to spit.

[Pratchettsmom]

So far as wearing what the guests wear, well, I've been to nice, formal weddings where guests, usually the early to mid-20's crowd, have showed up in jeans.

I photographed my brother's wedding about 10 years ago and wore a nice black dress and comfortable shoes. I didn't want to detract from the bride and groom, and wanted to look professional. For the record, the person performing the ceremony, the bride's sister-in-law, a notary, wore black as well.

I think that for guys you can't go wrong with black slacks and a dress shirt and dark shoes. They don't have to be uncomfortable, but certainly sneakers wouldn't be appropriate.

If however, you live in Central Florida, as do I, there are times when perhaps nice docker-style slacks and a polo shirt would be appropriate, say for an outdoor wedding.

Originally Posted by kirbinster

You should wear the same thing as the rest of the guests wear so you don't stick out. Want to be professional----- then look professional.

[JerBear]

I usually wear dress pants, shirt, tie and a nice blazer, but the most important to me are the shoes. I will spend hundreds on a nice formal shoe that is comfortable. If it does not have a rubber sole on it, I will have them replace it with one. No need to go sliding around while on the move. In all the weddings I've done, approx 1500, I have never had one that wanted tux's worn.

Also,

Originally Posted by Jim Bryant

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

My experience is that most, maybe 60 to 75% of the couples I have shot, are no longer married. Sad, but true. It strikes me that with all of the turmoil over gays being allowed to get "married", that it will change everything, should think about the fact that "marriage" today is not what it was 40 years ago. Back then, people took the vows seriously and are still married today. Now the attitude is "Let's give it a try".

On the plus side though, I have had about 25 repeat customers. I have one that I have done 3 times, in fact, the last time I talked to her, I said jokingly that the next one would be on me..... I think I might end up shooting myself in the foot with that comment.


Good Shooting

JM

[yourcpa]

Rece.ntly my daughter was married, the photographer dressed in black so as to lend in, the video guy showed up in a bright colored jacket and a tie that lit up (I kid you not) There he is in his obnoxious glory in the background of several important shots - thank heavens for photoshop.

From the perspective of the customer, blend in with the guests

[zephod]

Dockers, polo, and a pair of doc martens. You can personalize those three and fit in to nearly any ceremony. I do suggest 'knowing' what type of wedding you are going to be shooting as well. A Hindu ceremony differs greatly from a Catholic High Mass in a cathedral. The setting coupled with a level of comfort you can work with should determine your dress. If you put together the outfit I mentioned and include a nice jacket to go with it you should be able to blend in and disappear during the ceremony.


Just my .02
Doug

[JerBear]

Originally Posted by yourcpa

Rece.ntly my daughter was married, the photographer dressed in black so as to lend in, the video guy showed up in a bright colored jacket and a tie that lit up (I kid you not) There he is in his obnoxious glory in the background of several important shots - thank heavens for photoshop.

From the perspective of the customer, blend in with the guests

Reminds me of the times when the Video nuts come into the church with their million watt lights and the bride wonders why she can't get beautiful ceremony shots with candles and star burst.......

Our contracts state in bold that we are the official photographer and all others, including the Video photogs respect our requests. If they don't, we are not responsible. Good thing that the technology has gotten to the point that video should not need lights that ruin the effect of candle light services.

As to their attire, I have asked a few of the DJ's and Video folks why they dress like clowns, their response is that the DJ is there to entertain and the Video guy wants to folks to look at the camera while shooting. Oh well......


Good shooting

JM

[DennisBZ]

If its a coat and tie wedding, I usually wear a black collared polo or dress shirt and dark jeans. Other than that, I wear white collared polo or dress shirt and jeans or khaki pants. I have a pair of comfortable black driving shoes that I always use.