Wedding attire and teenagers

[snorkle]

We've been invited to what I think is a rather formal wedding & I'm not sure exactly what is expected to wear.

The invite states that it's a civilian ceremony and military guests are requested to wear civilian attire and also that hats are optional for ladies! Apart from that there's no stated dress code.

The ceremony is in church at 2pm this autumn. What sort of suits for dh and ds14? Would DJ's be OK or will people be in Morning suits? Ds actually has a DJ for orchestral performances, but nothing else remotely formal.

Suggestions for dd(13) would be welcome too - she tends to prefer being a scruffy moo, but will probably secretly enjoy getting a posh frock.

Can't help with the etiquette side of things, but if your children are that old I would say that they should be smartly dressed. Younger children can get away with it, but at this age they should be dressed 'properly' - whatever that means!

It has always seemed to me, as the mother of boys, that it's a lot easier to do smart/posh with girls than boys.

I bought both of mine new suits when our nanny got married, and they only ever wore them once and it cost me a fortune, so not sure I'd recommend suits, but don't know what the alternative is for a boy.

you don't wear DJs for a 2pm do unless it specifically states Black Tie
Lounge suits are fine if they don't have morning suits and DS could probably just squeak by with a non-matched jacket and trous if he prefers.
Try Topman or River Island for reasonably-priced teenage-boy suits.

DD will need daywear (skirt & jacket / dress & jacket / suit) not a glam dress.

BecauseImWorthIt - agree they're big enough to have to be dressed properly and I too think boys are more difficult.

Mrs B, Thank - I had a feeling DJs weren't the thing (so annoying when he actually has them!) and that was helpful advice for dd too. Can you tell me if I have to have a new dress - the one I own has been worn to several weddings & people might recognise it (that doesn't bother me at all, but is it a faux pas?)

If you don't care then wear it - it's not an etiquette issue

If it was bought for summer weddings will it still be ok for autumn? No shoes / sandals / tights issues etc?

It was bought for a winter wedding about 12 years ago . It should be OK unless it's unseasonably warm. I'll need to be prepared for that eventuality too I guess. Cheers!