This mid-June, I have been invited to my boyfriend's sister's wedding in Paris. Prior to the wedding, there will be many formal dinners and "cocktail" hours to attend. I am informed that it will be formal in term of dressing, however, during the day, to not wear black, since it's summer in Paris. (Too warm?). Would some experienced traveller or locals advise on what would be appropriate to wear to the wedding ceremony (in the church), the Cocktail and dinner? I truly respect the bride to dress nicely for her wedding, and would like to blend in meeting his relatives for the first time. Would mid-June weather permits open toe sandals? Capris? simple knit top? I'm considering to bring my loafers, would brown leather or cream suede be more appropriate for the weather? Would it be rainy? Thank you so much!!

A lovely summer suit would be appropriate wear for the wedding events, with heels ... and if you enjoy wearing hats, this is your chance.<BR><BR>It can be quite warm in mid-June, but you can't always predict the weather. <BR><BR>Capris are fine (and comfortable) with a simple top during the day, if the weather is cooperating.<BR><BR>PB

It is not possible to answer this question PROPERLY without knowing several things. <BR>My first suggestion is to contact your boyfriends sister. SHE is probably the best person to ask about this and would probably be very happy to assist you in this. While I would not take issue with anything PB said about France,as he is the "true expert" on this forum, I would question the advice given about the clothing. <BR>In the U.S. for example, it would not be possible to answer this question without knowing several factors. There's dressing for a Sunday afternoon at the Plaza-type wedding and there's dressing for a Black-tie evening at a synagogue. Both are weddings but you would not dress the same for both.<BR>Be safe. Speak to the bride.<BR>Have a nice time.

I would concour with Pam. I'm french, but there isn't any "official" rule stating what is considered acceptable or not in a wedding party. It's highly dependant on the families. Ask the bride and follow her advice.

Ask the bride is certainly the right thing to do.<BR><BR>However, I have been told before (and this applies to ladies only) that<BR><BR>- you should not dress in a totally white dress (or suit) at the church, provided only the bride can wear white on that day!<BR><BR>- you should not either dress at church in black only (as this is not a funeral). However having a black evening dress for the cocktail party afterwards is quite OK.<BR><BR>In the former "high" society, wearing hats at a wedding used to be compulsory, but it is no longer the case.<BR><BR>Also don't forget that the wedding has to take place first at the townhall in France before going to the church, nnless the couple has been legally married at the townhall in the days before the religious wedding.<BR><BR>Last point: mid-june weather should reasonably allow you wearing open toe sandals (but fancy ones).<BR><BR>Hope this helps.

Thank you very much for the advise. It truly helps. The wedding itself will be very formal, in an old church (Saturday, late afternoon). Followed by coocktail hour and reception on the grounds of Vaux de Cernay abbey. As per Joelle, I have been advised to not wear black either to the church, since it's not a funeral.