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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Shorts at a wedding

66 replies

Holesinthewalls · 09/09/2023 12:47

Is it OK for a man to wear smart shorts to a wedding evening reception on a hot day? Unsure of the dress code but the venue is at a farm.

No-YABU
Yes-YANBU

Thanks!

OP posts:
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Holesinthewalls · 17/09/2023 16:02

Just an update on this.
DH did wear shorts to the reception (smart shorts, clean trainers and a smart shirt).
The general dress code seemed very formal, despite being on a farm, and he was in the minority - there were 4 other men who wore shorts, a more casual style than DH, and they were there for the whole day.
The general opinion among other guests was they were too hot and wished they'd worn shorts. The bride said she didn't care what anyone wore, but wished more people had worn shorts if they would have been more comfortable.

OP posts:
StaunchMomma · 09/09/2023 21:37

Generally I'd say no but in this heat exceptions need to be made.

thedevilinablackdress · 09/09/2023 19:10

GrumpyPanda · 09/09/2023 18:46

That's what linen is for.

Have yet to see any Italian man in shorts, let alone at a wedding.

Yes linen is great, love the stuff. But if the man in question has a smart pair of shorts, no point in buying something else.
Italians certainly tend to dress very smartly, very classic..but a little staid. I like a bit of eccentricity.

Tinybrother · 09/09/2023 18:51

There are loads of nice, smart restaurants where it’s fine to wear shorts - those that don’t have a published dress code excluding them

GrumpyPanda · 09/09/2023 18:46

thedevilinablackdress · 09/09/2023 12:59

Yes, why should men have to melt in the heat.
And dress code!? Do weddings come with stated dress codes now?
All the unstated 'rules' grind my gears enough as it is!

That's what linen is for.

Have yet to see any Italian man in shorts, let alone at a wedding.

becarefulofyourheart · 09/09/2023 18:43

Ifailed · 09/09/2023 13:19

Whose been invited, the man or the shorts?

I like this answer, it’s coming with me.

rwalker · 09/09/2023 18:36

I was at a wedding other week in hot weather one guy had shorts on smart and tailored but really stood out and tbh they had a group photo of all the guests and I would say he spoilt it

I’d take them and change them after reception and meal
for night do
shorts at night do are fine

bluejumping · 09/09/2023 18:32

I think it's probably normal nowadays

TerfTalking · 09/09/2023 18:32

Blinkinbloodyhayfever · 09/09/2023 13:44

No. A child yes, an adult man no. Shorts are great for casual wear, but for a formal occasion, absolutely not. My dh wouldn't even wear them in a British restaurant.

I think this is a good comparison actually.

if you wouldn’t wear them to a nice, smart restaurant you shouldn’t wear them for a wedding.

I agree with you, it’s no from me.

Els1e · 09/09/2023 18:27

I went to a wedding recently and lots of the people were in smart, tailored shorts. Looked fine.

bigredboat · 09/09/2023 18:21

What about a kilt?

DRS1970 · 09/09/2023 18:20

Only if he is aged 6!!!

JMSA · 09/09/2023 18:14

I'd say no.

BackToOklahoma · 09/09/2023 18:13

We went to a wedding last year in 30 odd degree weather. There were a few men in shorts, they looked great.... so yes.

FakeFool · 09/09/2023 18:02

Yes, of course.

RuthW · 09/09/2023 16:07

Yes for an evening do

KatherineJaneway · 09/09/2023 16:07

Definite no.

Flakey99 · 09/09/2023 15:58

Wear whatever you want to. It's just an extravagant party after all.

thedevilinablackdress · 09/09/2023 15:47

@Megifer I support your post 100%
👏

Tinybrother · 09/09/2023 15:27

The women will likely be wearing dresses, so plenty of people will be taking insect bites into account, that’s not a reason not to wear shorts if overall you’re more comfortable.

Megifer · 09/09/2023 14:56

They're fine, its 2023 and you're going to an actual wedding not a made up Mumsnet one where no one can wear a square cm of white, or pastel colours as that can be mistaken for white from a distance, or red, or black, or green I believe, or anything with white polkadot, and can't be too floaty/tight/long/short and no shoulders/cleavage/bare arms.. No crazy coloured hair either.

Decent looking shorts in million degree heat at a farm wedding are of course fine.

purser25 · 09/09/2023 14:47

Wear trousers and take some shorts to change into if you feel it is appropriate

Kissmas · 09/09/2023 14:47

"I work in this industry and several weddings in this weeks heat, not one person in shorts, not even the kids. Night do, possibly, daytime no."

🤣 as if. Mine always wear shorts to weddings

DeltaAlphaDelta79 · 09/09/2023 14:46

user1497864954 · 09/09/2023 14:43

I've nothing against shorts in the right environment. I tend to have a few pairs of trousers with zip off lower legs so I can cover up a bit more in the later evening without having to get changed!

Good thinking. I have never found any I've liked that weren't cargo type trousers, but wouldn't rule them out.

Honeychickpea · 09/09/2023 14:45

I think smart shorts is up there with smart trainers as an impossibility.