Guest attire: What would you wear?

waterfallchime · August 2013

I'm attending a vow renewal at a camp this autumn. I'm trying to figure out what would be appropriate to wear while still practical for the location.

I need something that can end up smelling like campfire, will keep me warm once the sun goes down, and can withstand sitting on logs or rough benches. We also might have to give in to the multiple requests to "volunteer" to help and end up doing some tear-down or other chores at the end of the night. I don't think I own anything that will work and couldn't find anything at a few stores yesterday, either.

I'd normally wear jeans or cargo pants camping, but that obviously won't do. The only thing I can think of is the hiking dresses they sell at REI, which sound a bit casual for a "real wedding." Any suggestions?

emmyg65 · August 2013

I like the hiking dress idea. Athleta and Patagonia often have cute ones. I'd probably wear one of my cheapie cotton sundresses. I have a bunch from Target, Old Navy and ModCloth. And then just bring a sweater, and maybe some leggings, in case in gets cold. I can't imagine they're expecting guests to be very formal!

itzMS · August 2013

waterfallchime said:

I'm attending a vow renewal at a camp this autumn. I'm trying to figure out what would be appropriate to wear while still practical for the location.

I need something that can end up smelling like campfire, will keep me warm once the sun goes down, and can withstand sitting on logs or rough benches. We also might have to give in to the multiple requests to "volunteer" to help and end up doing some tear-down or other chores at the end of the night. I don't think I own anything that will work and couldn't find anything at a few stores yesterday, either.

I'd normally wear jeans or cargo pants camping, but that obviously won't do. The only thing I can think of is the hiking dresses they sell at REI, which sound a bit casual for a "real wedding." Any suggestions?

The vow renewal is at a camp with a campfire, not a formal venue. You shouldn't be expected to wear a dress or fancy clothes by any means.

Personally, I would wear black bermuda length shorts (or black dress pants, depending on the weather), with a cardi set and dress flats.

DH would wear black or grey pants and a polo shirt with Sketchers casual/dress shoes.

There's no rule that you can't pack a jacket in the car for the chilly evening weather.

ElcaB · August 2013

Hiking dresses exist? How strange.

The smell of campfire comes out easily with one wash, so wear anything that's machine washable and you'll be fine. I'd look at quarter sleeve wrap knee-length dresses, which can be easily dressed up with accessories. Wear flats, obviously. Bring a small blanket to sit on if you end up on a log or rough bench to protect the garment and bring a wrap or pashmina. The dancing (if there is any) and campfire should keep you plenty warm.

Sandra · August 2013

Be it a hiking dress or just a plain summer dress, knee length is probably the most comfortable for you. Make sure you have very comfortable shoes though!

doeydo · August 2013

I would wear a simple dress with knit leggings to keep warm. It doesn't sound at all like a formal event so don't worry about it too much.

waterfallchime · August 2013

Liatris2010, that is basically my response. I told my SO that I don't want to wear anything that can't get ruined. Do you really think it'd be okay to wear jeans? They keep calling this their "real wedding," so I imagine they expect some level of formality, albeit not the same as at a more traditional venue. ElcaB, check REI's site or google for hiking dresses. My sister really likes hiking skirts for backpacking. I don't personally see the appeal and haven't tried them on the trail, but imagine that skipping pants could be nice on a hot day.

itzMS · August 2013

waterfallchime said:

Liatris2010, that is basically my response. I told my SO that I don't want to wear anything that can't get ruined. Do you really think it'd be okay to wear jeans? They keep calling this their "real wedding," so I imagine they expect some level of formality, albeit not the same as at a more traditional venue. ElcaB, check REI's site or google for hiking dresses. My sister really likes hiking skirts for backpacking. I don't personally see the appeal and haven't tried them on the trail, but imagine that skipping pants could be nice on a hot day.

I'd never wear jeans to a wedding, but that's just me...only you know the crowd.

Can you wear some dress slacks or bermuda shorts like I suggested above?

I know I would stay away from wearing a dress when it comes to sitting on a log or a place that might have tons of bugs. Not to mention you think you'll be tasked with "chores" :-p

misssunshine17 · August 2013

I wouldn't wear anything new, even if it is a dress made for that type of wear. I would wear a old sundress and a cardigan and my boat shoes or something well made. I figure if they're picking that as a venue, it's not you problem if you don't dress fancy.

[Deleted User] · August 2013

What about some nice dark jeans, with a nice top that is washable? If necessary bring a different shirt to change into in case you have to do any tear down later so you don't ruin your nice shirt. I like the idea of dress w/leggings but jeans will keep the bugs away better I think

MobKaz · August 2013

I also would typically never wear jeans to a wedding, but the nature (no pun intended) of this venue forces a hand in practicality. Black skinny jeans can be dressed up with longer, flowy dress tops and a pair of cute flats.

ElcaB · August 2013

I still wouldn't wear jeans, but ItzMS had a good point: only you know the crowd.

As a former camp counselor who lived in a tent for two summers and outdoor enthusiast, I can tell you that sitting on a log shouldn't ruin a cotton dress. Can you call the B&G and ask about the environment and/or dress code? Is there information on their website?

KDM323 · August 2013

I wouldn't go. So...I wouldn't have to deal with this nonsense.

I don't like PPD make believe fake weddings.
I don't like people trying to strong arm me into "volunteering"
And I would be really unhappy about being forced to sit on logs, etc at a "wedding"

Whomever these people are sound like horrible hosts...and I wouldn't bother attending their "real wedding". I'd send a card in the mail and have a prior commitment that day that prevented me from attending.

If you do attend, I'd wear dark jeans, a nice top (not incredibly dressy though) and comfortable shoes. And don't feel obligated to "volunteer" for anything.

southernbelle0915 · August 2013

I'd either go with an REI hiking dress like this one: http://www.rei.com/product/795192/prana-quinn-dress or something similar with a cardigan. If it were going to be colder, I would wear dark jeans and a sweater.

"Volunteering" is just that - you volunteer to help. There's no such thing as obligatory or forced volunteering. At that point it's just being given a chore. If you want to help, fine. Go ahead and offer. But if you want to just attend the event and leave, you are absolutely within your right to do that. Just slip out at the end of the event. If they ask you stay and help, let them know you have a prior engagement and don't feel bad about it. People are responsible for hosting their own events and shouldn't use their guests as free labor.

Also, I would get them an anniversary or congrats on your vow renewal card - I absolutely would not pretend this is a "real wedding". It's not.

waterfallchime · August 2013

Sorry about deleting the details I had up here earlier. Too identifiable.

Thanks for all of the input. I'll take all of this into consideration.

Guest attire: What would you wear?

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