Does anyone know if it is appropriate to wear the "Army Dress Whites" for a wedding?

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Mar 2016 09:20:25 -0400

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2016 9:28 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Mar 2016 09:28:44 -0400

Phased out in 2014, I believe.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Mar 22 at 2016 9:33 AM

Capt Mark Strobl — Tue, 22 Mar 2016 09:33:44 -0400

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member - In addition to any regulation that someone else may post, I strongly suggest that you check with the bride. Usually ONLY the bride wears white.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2016 9:49 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Mar 2016 09:49:53 -0400

To my knowledge they are not authorized any more.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2016 9:52 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Mar 2016 09:52:28 -0400

Does the Army still have the Dress Whites?

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Mar 22 at 2016 10:06 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Tue, 22 Mar 2016 10:06:16 -0400

*UPDATE*

Here's the Reg..

18–1. Authorization for wear
The male white mess uniforms are authorized for optional wear by all male personnel. Personnel normally wear these uniforms from April to October, except in clothing zones I and II, where they may wear them year-round (see CTA 50–900). See DA Pam 670–1 for uniforms currently classified as male white mess uniforms and for authorized variations of the uniform.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2016 11:39 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Mar 2016 11:39:08 -0400

White Mess....but not after labor day...and only if the bride insists.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Mar 22 at 2016 12:01 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Tue, 22 Mar 2016 12:01:33 -0400

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member, the Army White Uniform (looks very similar to dress greens) was phased out in 2014. If you're asking about the white mess (black tie and cummerbund) or white evening mess (white tie and white waistcoat) uniforms, take a look at AR 670-1, paragraph 18-3, subparagraphs a. and b. Either could be worn it seems, but as previously stated, only from April to October, and the wedding should be held after retreat.
Either uniform is pricey.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Mar 22 at 2016 12:54 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Tue, 22 Mar 2016 12:54:36 -0400

Only if you want to look like a waiter....or a cruise ship captain ;o) Seriously though, assuming that you are within the seasonal window, as with all things wedding, it's up to the bride.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Mar 22 at 2016 1:57 PM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Tue, 22 Mar 2016 13:57:10 -0400

Here is the deal, the bride and her mother have the last word! LET ME EMPHASIZE IT IN BOLD LETTERS!!!!! THE BRIDE AND HER MOTHER HAVE THE LAST WORD!!!!! IT'S ALL ABOUT THE BRIDE!!! This is a very important and significant moment for them and it could potentially be detrimental for your emotional health the rest of your life. Keep the uniform within regs.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2016 4:33 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Mar 2016 16:33:19 -0400

I would think this could be seen as up staging the bride.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Mar 22 at 2016 11:30 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Tue, 22 Mar 2016 23:30:09 -0400

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member In 1974, I was fortunate to met the 4th CSA, Leon Van Autreve, he was resplendent in 'whites'! Outstanding appearance! (Shh, spouse and daughter were also).

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2016 12:07 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 Mar 2016 12:07:05 -0400

Depends do you want your wife to be mad at you during the wedding. Generally the bride is the only one in white. You are allowed to, going by military standards but i'll speak with the bride first and her family.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2016 12:08 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 Mar 2016 12:08:26 -0400

Only wear white after labor day

Response by SGT Alicia Brenneis made Mar 24 at 2016 12:40 PM

SGT Alicia Brenneis — Thu, 24 Mar 2016 12:40:11 -0400

The only one who should be in white at a wedding is the bride. It is taboo and traditionally disrespectful to wear white to a wedding. So unless it's a military family who would enjoy its members wearing dress uniforms I would avoid it.

Response by CW2 Glenn Stearns made Mar 24 at 2016 1:45 PM

CW2 Glenn Stearns — Thu, 24 Mar 2016 13:45:09 -0400

It is appropriate if the bride says so...there is no regulation against it. It is a viable uniform for formal occasions that are suitable for dress blues or mess blues. If the bride is also military and wants to be in whites and groom as well that looks great, however military in the wedding party may or may not want to follow suit (pun intended.) I prefer blues for all formal occasions personally and I was married in blues at my first wedding. I'm retired now so probably won't wear them again until my funeral, and will have never worn whites. Not buying a set just to have them either. Bottom line keep the woman happy and hope the trickle down theory works for good things as well as the not so good. Best of luck to you all!

Response by CW2 Carl Swanson made Mar 24 at 2016 2:50 PM

CW2 Carl Swanson — Thu, 24 Mar 2016 14:50:12 -0400

Just to be fair, the officer pictured is a Squid. I don't think they have anything other than Mess Whites and Choker Whites.

Response by Capt Debo Adejumo made Mar 25 at 2016 11:40 AM

Capt Debo Adejumo — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 11:40:47 -0400

Is it just me, Marines did any of you catch the medals on the Devil Dog on the right of the caption picture?

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Mar 25 at 2016 7:11 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 19:11:09 -0400

The Army Dress White Uniform for males or females is extremely expensive, and there are very limited opportunities to where throughout a career. If you are focused on Whites, rent a Tux.