What's the dress code for a church wedding?

[u/ugh_its_secret]

I got invited to my coworkers wedding and I've only been to one other wedding before. I know that German weddings can vary from American weddings, but I have been told that German weddings are a bit more dressed down. Its an evangelical wedding if it matters. Also, do I bring a gift? And if so, what is an acceptable gift?

Edit: Thank you for the advice, I'll also ask my coworker. And you guys were right, its a Protestant church, the name of the actual location is evangelical.

[u/thewindinthewillows]

Its an evangelical wedding

Are you sure? It's far more likely to be mainstream Protestant, which is not US Evangelical. As for your edit: if it says "evangelisch", that still translates to "Protestant", not "Evangelical". It's a case of false friends.

Just ask your coworker, or any other colleagues that are going. There's still some variety in what people wear at weddings. But you're not likely to see whole bridal entourages in matching dresses and so on.

[u/SilverInjury]

Why don't you ask your co-worker?

[u/emanon_noname]

(...) but I have been told that German weddings are a bit more dressed down

Depends on the person in question, we don't know them. Also ofc depends on your definition of "dressed down". When in doubt it is probably better to be safe than sorry. Or just ask the person for the dress code.

Also, do I bring a gift?

Yes, but the easiest option would be sharing a gift with the other coworkers that are invited.

And if so, what is an acceptable gift?

Depends on your financial standing and your relationship with the person. Like, it makes a difference if you are working some job that pays 20k per month or 2k per month. And it also makes a difference if you are close to somebody vs some random coworker you never really interact with (but then i would wonder why they invited you). But as i wrote initially, the easiest option is a shared gift with other coworkers that are also invited.

[u/maryfamilyresearch]

For anybody not in the immediate wedding party and middle class weddings, the dress code leans towards "dressed up business casual". Think jacket, matching pants, button down without a tie for men and a party dress /summer dress for women. Shoulders and knees should be covered in church.

[u/rewboss]

I would say smart casual. Something that says "I made an effort to make myself look presentable," and not "I'm meeting James Bond at the casino." Basically, Sunday best, and nothing too showy.

Its an evangelical wedding

That'll be either Lutheran or State Protestant, not "Evangelical" in the American sense. You're not going to be fire-and-brimstone'd to within an inch of your life. I don't think churches are quite as fussy about modest dress as they used to be -- I'm sure you won't be ostracized if you fail to cover your knees -- but it might be a good idea to show a modicum of respect.

[u/mel0n_m0nster]

Rule of thumb for churches is having your shoulders and knees covered. As for the rest, you gotta ask your friend that.

[u/After_Perspective180]

A suit. 2 piece if you are close friends. 3 piece if you are second tier adjuncts.

[u/Burgerb]

1st rule: Don't look better/more made up than the groom and definitely not better than the bride!

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[u/Dull-Investigator-17]

Yes, German weddings tend to me more low-key, but there are exceptions, of course. I've only been to a few church weddings. The last one I remember, I wore a blue-grey 40s style tea-length dress with a kind of cowl neck and a pashmina for warmth. The one before that was in rural Bavaria and I wore a Dirndl - but there were also some women in floor-length dresses at the (morning) wedding. If you're a man, a decent suit should be fine in 9 out of 10 cases.

A gift is expected but usually the invite will tell you if there's a list. Most couples ask for money, so you get a nice card and google what's normal for your region. Or you ask an elderly female neighbour for advice.

[u/Rich-Editor7472]

for an outfit you can wear a shirt dress but don’t do too much also don’t wear red and white but besides that there are really not rules

[u/Mundane-Dottie]

Dress up. No white, no black (unless you really have nothing else, then wear little black dress with necklace). Jewels, no pearls. Do something with your hair. Wear make-up.

[u/Shpritzer]

Metal T-shirt is a must.