I'm a long time lurker here, finally got the stones to post something. I've really enjoyed a lot of the discussions that go on here, and I especially appreciate the creative approach many on here apply to your contributions, which leads me to my dilemma.
I'm getting married in a few months time, (no problem about the getting married part, in fact it's long overdue), my issue is what the fux to wear. Basically i don't, repeat DON'T do suits! I've never worn one, and long ago vowed to go my entire natural life never having to. This was explained to my fiance long ago and she's cool with it, but she's gone out and bought her dress, and I don't want to turn up on the day looking like something the cat's dragged in.
Throughout my life, I've always resented the common perception that classic shirt/tie/jacket combo = sophistication, in fact on the few occasions I've had to put a tie on I've felt my brain is instantly staved of oxygen and I can't get that noose off quick enough. Years ago I worked in menswear, and hated having to wear a tie everyday, and I constantly refused the generous staff discounts to purchase a suit of my own. Nowadays I work in the creative industry and I've always been able to dress casually at work, and this being changed would absolutely be a deal breaker for me. The bottom line is I don't want to spend what is supposed to be one of the single most defining days of my life compromised by others expectations of me and spending the day feeling like an imposter in fancy dress.
I've got no problem donning some ironed slacks, polished shoes and a shirt, but every person who hears this intention raises their eyebrows like I was intending to break every taboo of civilised society. I can't believe I'm constantly bombarded with comments like, "you HAVE to wear a suit on your wedding day, that's how it is!" I can't believe, what with the infinite possibilities out there that in 2011, there are no other viable alternatives for bridegroom's attire unless you're planning on doing something really douchey like a Vulcan ceremony.
Please Strut, any pointers on how I can pull this off with dignity will be considered. Obviously I wan't my wife to be to be happy, but equally I know having to compromise on this issue will forever taint what is supposed to be happiest day of our lives, and neither of us want that.
I'm getting married in a few months time, (no problem about the getting married part, in fact it's long overdue), my issue is what the fux to wear. Basically i don't, repeat DON'T do suits! I've never worn one, and long ago vowed to go my entire natural life never having to. This was explained to my fiance long ago and she's cool with it, but she's gone out and bought her dress, and I don't want to turn up on the day looking like something the cat's dragged in.
Throughout my life, I've always resented the common perception that classic shirt/tie/jacket combo = sophistication, in fact on the few occasions I've had to put a tie on I've felt my brain is instantly staved of oxygen and I can't get that noose off quick enough. Years ago I worked in menswear, and hated having to wear a tie everyday, and I constantly refused the generous staff discounts to purchase a suit of my own. Nowadays I work in the creative industry and I've always been able to dress casually at work, and this being changed would absolutely be a deal breaker for me. The bottom line is I don't want to spend what is supposed to be one of the single most defining days of my life compromised by others expectations of me and spending the day feeling like an imposter in fancy dress.
I've got no problem donning some ironed slacks, polished shoes and a shirt, but every person who hears this intention raises their eyebrows like I was intending to break every taboo of civilised society. I can't believe I'm constantly bombarded with comments like, "you HAVE to wear a suit on your wedding day, that's how it is!" I can't believe, what with the infinite possibilities out there that in 2011, there are no other viable alternatives for bridegroom's attire unless you're planning on doing something really douchey like a Vulcan ceremony.
Please Strut, any pointers on how I can pull this off with dignity will be considered. Obviously I wan't my wife to be to be happy, but equally I know having to compromise on this issue will forever taint what is supposed to be happiest day of our lives, and neither of us want that.