Wedding Resources

what should i dress in a wedding ceremony?

It's my first time to attend an American wedding. I'll go with my host family. The bride and groom are friends of my host family members'. Should i bring some gifts to them? If so, what should i bring? ( It's my first time to meet them.) What should i dressed in? ( casual or formal?) What should say to them? ( some good wishes?) Sorry. So many questions i've got. But i really need you help. I don't want to do anything offensive in the ceremony.

Public Comments

1. Yes, your first American wedding must raise any number of questions. Dress: This can vary depending on the couple getting married: You should ask your host family (your sisters if you have any) what would be appropriate. Gifts: This would not be expected of you but it would be a nice gesture, particularly if it is something from your own culture, maybe something that is traditionally given at weddings (apart from money, of course). What to say: You can just say congratulations, oh, and tell the bride she looks beautiful. Have fun.
2. Ask your host family the proper dress for the wedding. It varies with the type of wedding. You would not be expected to bring a gift, as I think you are an exchange student and just going with the host family. Hopefully the host family will include your name on the gift they give. But, if you want to be safe, if you can give something typifying your home country that could be used in the house, it would be nice. Something simple. Or ornamental picture frames are always good gifts and can be gotten inexpensively. Proper etiquette dictates that you say "Congratulations" to the groom, and "Best Wishes" to the bride. Please discuss all your concerns with your host family, that is what they are there for.
3. All these things are variable based on the particular affair and the relationship. Your host family would be a much better source of information - they know the family hosting the wedding, and they should have an idea how formal / casual the affair is going to be. A simple cocktail dress should be alright, but check to be sure. A really safe bet would be anything you might wear to Church too. Under the circumstances, I wouldn't think you need to bring a gift - a card should suffice. If you feel compelled to bring a gift, make it a token type of gift - a gesture to thank them for inviting you. Something small, maybe even something typical of your country that you want to share with them. As for what to say - a simple congratulations, best wishes for a life of good health and happiness together, and a thank you for having you at their wedding.
4. How exciting! I love weddings. Dress: Generally, the later the wedding starts, the more formal it is. If it is a morning or early afternoon wedding, a more casual dress is usually appropriate. If it is an evening wedding, a cocktail dress is usually best. That can vary depending on the couple getting married, so ask the mother in you host family to be sure. Gift: A gift would not be expected from you, but if you want to give something inexpensive but thoughtful, that would be appreciated. Is there something traditional from your country that you could give? What to say: Congratulations to the groom. Tell the bride she is beautiful. Best wishes and/or it was a lovely ceremony to the couple. Any of the above would be appropriate. As for how to act during the ceremony, that can vary depending on the religion of the couple. You can't go wrong just following what everyone else is doing.