We are not mormons and are honored to attend the reception of the daughter of a friend. I have seen some weird things online about recommended guest attire at the reception: men no ties? For women, in So. Cal., must we wear hose, and have sleeves? Should we or should we not wear heels? We do not want to offend, but also can’t afford to buy a bunch of new clothes. Thanks much!
One Response to “We are not mormons and are honored to attend the reception o…”
Bruno Rubio
2009-01-02 22:09:22
Dear friend,
I think your efforts to be culturally sensitive are very admirable. Fortunately, most of the things you've read on the internet are not correct. Not only are ties not prohibited, but in fact Mormons may be the most tie-happy people on the planet. Of course ties are not required, but guests at a Mormon reception are more than welcome to wear them if they like.
For women, hose is neither required nor prohibited. Also, heels are fine. My own wife went through a high-heel phase. She had to give it up because of bad knees.
Mormons do encourage modesty, but we're hardly Amish. Mormon skirts are usually knee length or longer, but I doubt you'd be wearing a mini skirt to a wedding reception anyway. :) Mormons typically cover their shoulders as well, so I suppose at least some sort of sleeve would be best, though it could be a short one.
I wouldn't buy new clothes just for the reception, though. If you don't have a blouse with sleeves, I'm fairly certain that your Mormon friends will understand. We recognize that it would be silly to require the whole world to adapt to our unique culture. :)
I think your efforts to be culturally sensitive are very admirable. Fortunately, most of the things you've read on the internet are not correct. Not only are ties not prohibited, but in fact Mormons may be the most tie-happy people on the planet. Of course ties are not required, but guests at a Mormon reception are more than welcome to wear them if they like.
For women, hose is neither required nor prohibited. Also, heels are fine. My own wife went through a high-heel phase. She had to give it up because of bad knees.
Mormons do encourage modesty, but we're hardly Amish. Mormon skirts are usually knee length or longer, but I doubt you'd be wearing a mini skirt to a wedding reception anyway. :) Mormons typically cover their shoulders as well, so I suppose at least some sort of sleeve would be best, though it could be a short one.
I wouldn't buy new clothes just for the reception, though. If you don't have a blouse with sleeves, I'm fairly certain that your Mormon friends will understand. We recognize that it would be silly to require the whole world to adapt to our unique culture. :)
Hope you have fun at the reception.