Flip-flops and shorts? Really??!!
By Adrian Cavlan
Maybe it’s time for someone to say something.
I am not an individual who likes to dictate standards to other people in their business, but I think that an annoying trend has gone too far without any real commentary:
I am talking about the ever-lowering standard of on-the-job appearance by many in the event service industries.
Not attacking any specific profession, but it seems like every time I turn around these days, I see some “professional” photographer or videographer roaming around someone’s wedding in Levi’s cords, an un-tucked plaid hipster shirt and grubby sneakers (this of course among guests dressed in suits and ties or nice dresses), taking pictures as if it is normal and acceptable to do this.
What on earth do these people think they are doing, going out to rake the yard? Change the oil? Oh, wait: flip flops. It must be family-trip-to-the-beach day…?!
A little effort goes a long way… and a lack thereof really shows!
The answer is NO. This is a day that somebody (very likely the person paying) feels is important. They have invited all of their family, friends, co-workers, etc. to come join them for such a big celebration that they decided to splurge and hire outside professional vendors to come in and provide services.
Just what do these vendors think they are telling those wonderful people who are hiring and paying them for their services when they show up in attire that says they have no idea or simply couldn’t care less about the environment that they are being invited into?
What are they out to prove? Do they think they are cool? That others think they are cool? Do they think anyone at that event will EVER refer them business?
Look: if this vendor is you, I am politely asking you to have a little respect for your clients, for their guests, for your fellow professionals, and mostly, for yourself.
Here’s a hint: look at least as good as the average guest that is attending this event so that you won’t stick out and make a you-know-what out of yourself and that wonderful individual who is paying toward your next month’s rent and food.
All you have to do is ask your client “what is the attire for your event?” If you can’t bring yourself to do that, at least take heed of these few hints:
- Generally at a wedding (and most higher-level corporate events), wear a suit and tie. If you’re busting it hard with the physical work and you just can’t deal, well, then skip the tie I suppose but keep the suit. And regarding shoes, they make very comfortable work shoes these days that look dressy enough (brands like Ecco come to mind), just keep them scuff-free, if not polished.
- One level down from that is a sportcoat with coordinating slacks and a dress shirt with tie. This is a harder look to pull off with class than a suit, which is by default pre-matched for you, so you should know a little about colors and textures before going down this road.
- For informal daytime or picnic-type events, it may be acceptable to be in a dress shirt or even a nice polo with khakis (don’t do denim). Same kind of shoes suggested. This is about as casual as it should ever get. (Unless it is a themed event and your client has specifically requested certain attire. But even those can be done with class…)
- Remember too that it is totally possible to have cool and unique style without resorting to being disrespectfully dressed, but also remember that it is not a fashion show: resist the temptation to show up in attire that makes you seem like you are trying too hard to look like a rock star or a fashion model. Save it for the club: the day is about the client, not a faux-cool vendor who’s obviously trying too hard to get attention.
So, that’s all. That’s my rant… my opinion.
Except for one other hint: don’t have a beer at the event. And don’t plow through the hors d’oeuvres either. And if you get invited to enjoy the buffet for dinner, please only go through once and don’t pile your plate like you’re trying to build an Egyptian pyramid in miniature.
So, sorry if I offended anyone. That was not my goal. I only hope that a few people read this who will benefit from it and maybe up their game a little bit.
Happy Holidays : )
14 Responses to “R-E-S-P-E-C-T: DJ Adrian channels Aretha Franklin for the Wedding and Special Event Industry”
Well said my friend. From one who pretty-much only owns shorts (and prefers flip-flops) I still get bummed whenever I see someone at am event like these dressed like a slob. Anyone that does this I hope gets whatever bad reviews (yelp?) they can so others don’t have to be disappointed on their big day. This is why you and SnM are doing as well as you are and constantly growing. Hope others out there take this to heart and join in on doing what should be a no brainer. Stay awesome.
Thank you Brent! I think it is a very illustrative point that even people who generally dress super-casually still understand that it is sometimes appropriate to jump up a notch and be in the moment of a friend, associate, or *client’s* special event.
Adrian- I completely agree. I find it odd that someone would think being an artist gives them the right to dress inappropriately for a formal event. We are not hired to stand out. Even if you are behind a camera, you’re job is to make the bride and groom stand out and capture those moments. Jennifer attended a wedding where the DJ wore jeans and a sequin vest, and it was a very nice wedding.
Thank you Glenn. I believe that a sense of unique style, tastefully expressed, is even *more respectful* to the person putting on the event, as it signifies that *you* attended, not just a “McGuest” LOL!
Totally Agree my friend. I worked with a photographer a few weeks ago. His assistant came in with a flannel shirt and jeans with RED SNEAKERS!! I know I’m not the snappiest dresser, but I do dress the part.
Sean, the snappiness in your personality more than makes up for any self-perceived lack thereof in your attire : ) Thanks for the post!
Adrian, thank you for your thoughtful post. A wise man once said, “Be Impressive.” May I please add; be impressive in all ways, at all times, especially when representing yourself and your industry in public.
Thank you Jim. Yes, indeed it is hard to be impressive as a professional when the very first thing people notice about you – your appearance – puts you nearly out of the game to begin with. Wise words!
Yep! Very well said.
Thank you Austin!
Good afternoon Adrian,
I appreciate your sentiments. I’m sure many brides will as well.
An inappropriately attired “professional” at a wedding is like another female guest showing up with a white dress on. Anything that anyone does to take away the focus from the guest(s) of honor, regardless of the celebration, is a party foul and social fail. It’s one of the many reasons I’m not a fan of alcohol.
I think the guidelines are simple when it comes to fashion… you simply dress for the occasion. I’m all for the “dress how you feel” spirit too, but pay attention to the invitation.
As far as formal and semi-formal gatherings go, my mother’s advice has proven to be sage over the years… “Being well dressed is a beautiful form of politeness.”
Best wishes and continued success,
Marcello
Marcello, thank you for your thoughtful response and for the wise and spot-on anecdotes. Have a terrific 2013!
Adrian,
I think many brides will appreciate your suggestions. For their sake, I hope professionals will take a look at how they dress and ask if they truly fit the elegance of the day.
I used to send a videographer over 15 events per year. I stopped doing so after he continued to send out a poorly groomed and dressed videographer. I know they have to “dress light” so they can manage their equipment, but every other videographer accomplished “light” and “appropriate” very nicely.
Good luck!
Thank you for your comment Miles. I would agree – how could a bride on her wedding day possibly envision anyone, let alone a hired vendor, showing up dressed without any respect for her special day? And I love your comment about dressing “light but appropriate”! I hope some readers who need to will take heed of that excellent guideline.