jp
Senior Member
I think that generational and regional culture does play into it, too, but like attire for job interviews, there are certain unspoken guidelines one can use to decide. Each band and situation is different.
If playing a wedding for a close family member, neighbor (as with the OP), or a friend circle, one should be able to figure out what's acceptable. If you're in a working band booked by an agency, and the customers are unknown, that's where the professionalism should kick in. Also, as a side note, like in an interview situation, no one ever complains if one's overdressed, from which one can always dress down.
Dress culture for the Pacific Northwest is an interesting mishmash of hipster wear, technical clothing, and everyday duds. For regular parties--unless someone tells you it's formal--everything from a couture one-off to a Patagonia puffy is acceptable. Dressy for younger generations also has a different definition nowadays, esp. when we see "celebs" wearing super expensive high fashion streetwear and limited edition $20K sneakers to a wedding.
If playing a wedding for a close family member, neighbor (as with the OP), or a friend circle, one should be able to figure out what's acceptable. If you're in a working band booked by an agency, and the customers are unknown, that's where the professionalism should kick in. Also, as a side note, like in an interview situation, no one ever complains if one's overdressed, from which one can always dress down.
Dress culture for the Pacific Northwest is an interesting mishmash of hipster wear, technical clothing, and everyday duds. For regular parties--unless someone tells you it's formal--everything from a couture one-off to a Patagonia puffy is acceptable. Dressy for younger generations also has a different definition nowadays, esp. when we see "celebs" wearing super expensive high fashion streetwear and limited edition $20K sneakers to a wedding.
No one is saying wear tuxes, and even a fresh clean pair of jeans will do...but at the very least a casual button up shirt. I don't care if every attendee of the wedding looks like an extra from Sons Of Anarchy, the day's entertainment can still rise above it. It's not like people attending rock concerts outdress the act their going to see!! When you're a focal point, a little class goes a long way. (Could even lead to more bookings) Not to mention, over 1/2 the population knows jack %#+* about music performance and couldn't tell you if a band is tight, in tune, in key, on time...or not. Just like countless restaurant visitors eat w/ their eyes, not their tastebuds....presentation absolutely counts. A good looking band, oddly enough, probably even sounds better to some folks. 
