Dress Code for weddings..

[SwissJon]

I'm sure we've had this before, but what do you wear to a wedding you're shooting? I was at one last weekend, the photographer wore black trousers and a White cotton short sleeve shirt with a collar.. Loose enough for him to work in, but still looking fairly smart.

The videographer looked like he'd been in the pub all night, he was unshaven wore dirty jeans and a scruffy tee shirt.. I'm sorry, but I kinda think that spoils it.

When I go to work, I wear reasonably smart clothes, and sometimes a tie. When people go to work and their work is weddings, I feel they should make an effort, especially when everyone else makes such an effort with their clothes.

[cyber3d]

I've shot three weddings only. But, I've always made it a rule to wear black (clean, nice not too dressy, easy to move around in clothes). First reason is to blend into the background and not be a distraction to the event. The second reason is so that I am not in any reflections. The third is 95% of my clothes are black

[i speak in math]

Originally Posted by SwissJon

I'm sure we've had this before, but what do you wear to a wedding you're shooting? I was at one last weekend, the photographer wore black trousers and a White cotton short sleeve shirt with a collar.. Loose enough for him to work in, but still looking fairly smart.

The videographer looked like he'd been in the pub all night, he was unshaven wore dirty jeans and a scruffy tee shirt.. I'm sorry, but I kinda think that spoils it.

When I go to work, I wear reasonably smart clothes, and sometimes a tie. When people go to work and their work is weddings, I feel they should make an effort, especially when everyone else makes such an effort with their clothes.

I wore khakis and a blue striped polo the other day. I dress for the ability to move quickly first. Nothing should be in your way. A tie can get caught up on your neck strap (if you use one). A tucked dress shirt might limit the amount your arms can be lifted. Don't miss the shot because you wanted to look good, that's not why you're there.

[SwissJon]

Originally Posted by i speak in math

I wore khakis and a blue striped polo the other day. I dress for the ability to move quickly first. Nothing should be in your way. A tie can get caught up on your neck strap (if you use one). A tucked dress shirt might limit the amount your arms can be lifted. Don't miss the shot because you wanted to look good, that's not why you're there.

Sorry mate, I don't agree, you can move about easily in a loose fitting White shirt, and light black trousers, they don't need to be posh, just not rainbow colors. You don't need to look scruffy to be able to move..

You may be there to take photos, but when everyone else is in suits and maybe spent several hundred on looking good, you should at least not look like someone from the local pub.. It makes it look like the bride and groom have gone cheepie cheap.

[i speak in math]

Originally Posted by SwissJon

Sorry mate, I don't agree, you can move about easily in a loose fitting White shirt, and light black trousers, they don't need to be posh, just not rainbow colors. You don't need to look scruffy to be able to move..

You may be there to take photos, but when everyone else is in suits and maybe spent several hundred on looking good, you should at least not look like someone from the local pub.. It makes it look like the bride and groom have gone cheepie cheap.

I have no idea what you disagreed with. You have 5 commas separating clauses that could be interpreted differently if some of them were meant to be periods.

Originally Posted by SwissJon

Sorry mate, I don't agree. You can move about easily in a loose fitting white shirt and light black trousers. They don't need to be posh, just not rainbow colors. You don't need to look scruffy to be able to move

The above implies that you agree with me that you can move faster in loose shirt.

Originally Posted by SwissJon

Sorry mate, I don't agree [that] you can move about easily in a loose fitting white shirt and light black trousers. They don't need to be posh, just not rainbow colors. You don't need to look scruffy to be able to move

In this version, you imply that wearing a loose shirt does not let you move faster.

[kelleyrie]

Well im a woman so I guess my response won't help the guys but...
Every wedding I've helped out at has been different. The last one was in a pasture and barn so I wore jeans, boots and a black lace shirt. At an evening wedding I wore black pants, sequined black top amd pearls. The day wedding at a country club I wore a cotton button up shirt, short sleeve jacket and long dress shorts. I like to fiyt in with the feel of the event but stay comfy.

[OsmosisStudios]

Dress like you're a guest, unless the bride and groom specify otherwise.

[i speak in math]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

Dress like you're a guest, unless the bride and groom specify otherwise.

If the guests are wearing tux's and that would limit your ability to get the shots you needed, would you still wear it?

[mosgood]

I think the photographers'/videographers' attire should reflect the style, location, & attire of the wedding party & guests. Obviously, one wouldn't want to show up in tails to a hoedown barn wedding, but one ought to look better than just presentable. You are there to do a job...I feel it's important to dress for the occasion. Looking like you just rolled out of bed after a long night of partying will not get future jobs either. I would not hire someone if they showed up looking haphazard at some event where I was a guest, even if he did an ok job.

[Hill Country Hack]

For almost all weddings I'm more inclined to kahki pants and a collared shirt. Polo shirts are ok as long as they are clean, in good repair, not faded if colored and not looking like one slept in it or just picked it off the floor. Comfortable shoes are a must.

If shooting a very high end wedding, then I'd upgrade to slacks with a standard shirt and maybe a tie. The tie can be ducked into the shirt if needed or even removed if it is getting in the way while working. I would still wear comfortable shoes. A jacket would be an individual choice. Maybe show up in one for the intial greeting of the bride/groom/bridal party, then take it off for the work.

Impressions and perceptions goes a long ways. The customer may be less likely to get snippy and more easy to please if the photographer shows up looking professional.

For me, a photographer should be like an umpire in baseball. If the guests don't remember you were there, then misson accomplished.