May 15, 2027 · Bay Head, New Jersey

What To Wear

The dress code is formal. A church at four o'clock, then a garden and a house by the water until late — dressed up, and warm enough to stand outside after dark.

If You Read Nothing Else

The Short Version

Suits

A Dark Suit And Tie

Navy, charcoal or black, with a tie. A tuxedo is welcome and is not expected — roughly a third of the room will be in one.

Dresses

Floor Length Or Cocktail

A gown, a midi or a dressy cocktail length all read correctly. A jumpsuit does too.

Shoes

Think About The Grass

Cocktail hour is on a lawn. A block heel or a flat will thank you by seven o'clock.

Children

Dressed Up, Not Uncomfortable

A party dress or a collared shirt is plenty. They will be on the grass before the first course.

For The Avoidance Of Doubt

The Mood Board

Images to come — the captions are what each frame will hold.

I

Black tie optionalA dark suit, a tuxedo, and where the line between them sits.

II

GownsFloor length, in the palette below.

III

Cocktail lengthMidi and knee length, dressed up rather than down.

IV

Seaside formalWhat the light actually looks like at six o'clock in May.

V

LayersThe wrap, shawl or jacket that makes the evening comfortable.

VI

For the childrenParty dresses, collared shirts, shoes that survive a lawn.

A Suggestion, Never A Rule

The Palette

Swatches to come. Wear the colour you feel best in — this is here for anyone who would rather be told.

Deep navy

Slate

Sage

Champagne

Dusty rose

Bone

Worth Bringing

A Short List

A wrap or a jacket. The reception runs outdoors into the evening and the wind comes off the water.
Shoes you can stand on grass in, or a second pair in the car.
The church is not air conditioned. A layer you can take off helps.

Best Avoided

Two Requests

White, ivory and cream — those are spoken for on the day.
Stiletto heels, for the lawn's sake as much as your own.

Beyond that, there is nothing you can wear that will bother us. Come as you are comfortable.