What is the thought process here?

[Jennasis]

On the lost luggage excuse... Wouldn't you carry on your wedding clothes if you were tight on time between the flight landing and getting to the wedding? Wouldn't you consider wearing your wedding clothes on the flight?

I would. Other people may not. Woulda, coulda, shoulda. In the end it seems that important thing is that they were able to get to the wedding.

It does sound as thought he person you encountered at that wedding may just have been a thoughtless slob. There may also have been something else at play, such as one of the many scenarios presented. I hope that the one incorrectly dressed part-goer did not put too much of a damper on your evening, nor the bride and groom's.

 

[declansdad]

OP here...

I was not the bride. I was a guest. I don't recall a specific dress code noted on the invitation but the simple fact that it is a wedding tells me to dress nicely. The location being a country club also tells me I should dress nicely.

The fact that this fellow didn't even tuck in his shirt (it was a plaid button up kind of shift) tells me that he just didn't care about looking like a slob at this wedding of someone he supposedly cares about.

If jeans, button up shirt, and tennis shoes were all he had, he could have made them look as nice as he could. He could have tucked in his shirt.

So there was no dress code that you know of but you feel that the person wasn't dressed appropriately. That's fine. What did the bride and groom think? They are the only people who matter.

 

[Pigeon]

On the lost luggage excuse... Wouldn't you carry on your wedding clothes if you were tight on time between the flight landing and getting to the wedding? Wouldn't you consider wearing your wedding clothes on the flight?

The flight was delayed by six hours. No, I wouldn't want to sit on a long plane ride in formal clothing.

 

[jlima]

I still think there are lots of options (with no dress code)-like a Knights of Columbus Hall-the church's hall...etc............rather than having your reception around fire engines?

Where I am from (South Louisiana) there are volunteer fire departments; and having a reception hall to rent for events is a fund raising arm. The buildings are big enough for fire equipment on one side; and meeting/reception space on the other. Very common.

My sister had her reception at a Shriner's Hall. It had a permanent fabric-swagged ceiling in pastel colors, it was used for weddings so often. My brother had his reception at a volunteer firefighter's hall.