Bar Mitzvah dress code for boys

[RitaZ.]

This is our first time attending a Bar Mitzvah. DS is 14, 5'10" and growing. I'm leaning toward buying him a suit. However, I know that it will be money wasted because he is going to grow out of it soon.

Is the dress code as formal as for a wedding? Are boys expected to wear a suit? Is a dress shirt with a nice tie and dress pants an acceptable alternative?

TIA

 

[SueInBoston]

My son will also be attending a number of Bar/Bat Mitzvah this year. I plan on sending him in dress shirt, tie and black khakis.

ps we're in the Boston area.

 

[mjkacmom]

I put ds12 in a nice shirt, tie, and dress pants. All of the jewish boys had suits, but none of the catholic boys. Dd13 and her friends had cute cocktail dresses.

 

[XYSRUS]

I dress my kids in khakis, dress shirt, tie and navy blazer. Navy blazers are bought at Goodwill-cheap! They look great. Blazer stays on for ceremony and can come off at the party. IMHO. I'm Catholic.

 

[mighty3]

My kids will be dressed up in nice dress shirt, matching tie and khakis.

 

[suzannen]

I dress my kids in khakis, dress shirt, tie and navy blazer. Navy blazers are bought at Goodwill-cheap! They look great. Blazer stays on for ceremony and can come off at the party. IMHO. I'm Catholic.

I agree with this - I would definitely add a blazer.

 

[Cindy B]

My sons attire was black dress pants, white button down shirt, black dress shoes and a tie.

The kids that had blazers and sportcoats just took them off and hung them off the back of the chair the minute they could.

When doing pickup and drop off, I would even see kids in polos, khakis and boat shoes. Now I would never go that casual, but there were always a few that did.

Check the temple. Some of them have more specific dress codes. My daughter actually had a dress code note inside one of her invitations.

I'm so happy that this season is over-- my daughter just finished up about 2 months worth of bar/bat mitzvahs!

 

[disykat]

I have teenage boys. I've find that black pants and a black striped dress shirt work really well for more formal occasions. They look "cool" and they blend in with those who are wearing jackets.

 

[RitaZ.]

Thanks everyone for the tips.

I took DS to Macy's and JCP. Surprisingly, their prices were very similar. Macy's had a sale and a decent selection of dressy clothes. JCP didn't haven't a sale and the quality wasn't the best. So, I called my mom; she is an excellent shopper. She told me to walk away and wait for her to visit this weekend. I listened.