Often people come to me with the question, "What should I wear to so-and-so's wedding?" This is a perfectly legitimate question and perhaps more people should ask this question since I've seen numerous people (mainly men, of course) who come to weddings in less-than-adequate attire.

Note that this is not a page about what you should wear to your wedding. If that's what you're looking for, there are innumerable sites available. So many that I won't even provide a link—just go to any formal wear website and I'm sure you'll find what you're looking for.

Now, down to business: someone's wedding day is perhaps the most important day of their life (alongside the day of their birth, baptism, and death). Think about it: in every household in America there is an entire photo album dedicated to that single day. The wedding is the start of a life-long journey, a fundamental change in the way people live and it's a huge party!!

So, we agree that the wedding is an important day, yes? Now, know that you are a guest at this event. Let me repeat that: a guest; you are there at the behest of the [bride's] family. It's not your God-given right to show up, especially if there's a free reception.

With this in mind, it should be clear that you'll want to be dressed somewhat nicely. If I haven't convinced you yet, be aware that you might be forever enshrined in that photo album (as someone in the background, most likely) and you'll want to look good, for the bride's sake at least, if not your own. Of course, you probably don't want to be better dressed than the groom, but at most weddings, this won't be a problem.

"What should I wear then," you ask. A jacket is a must. I'll let you slide without a tie but only in a "casual" wedding, like one which is outside or in which two hippies are getting married or something, and only if you have a nice shirt and you pressed it. However, I would suggest having a tie—remember, it's one of the most important days.

Enough said: you should know what to wear now.