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Gen
Champion June 2019

Don’t want to overshadow a casual bride

Gen, on August 17, 2018 at 12:41 PM Posted in Wedding Attire 0 19
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So I have a friend who is getting married in a couple months. She is having a very non-traditional wedding and is definitely not a typical bride. They are inviting about 25 people and are having their ceremony and reception in the private room of a restaurant at lunchtime. She’s shown me a picture of her dress and it’s knee-length, dark pink with purple flowers with flowers.

I’m trying to figure out what to wear to this... I’d like to wear a casual maxi dress because it’s going to be in late October and I get cold easily lol. But I’m worried that if my dress is too fancy it will overshadow the bride. I would ask her opinion, but I guarantee she’ll say she doesn’t care (she’s the type of person to really not care) but I still don’t want to do that to her.

Would it be inappropriate to wear a maxi dress (a casual one) to a wedding like this, or should I stick with something knee-length like her? Really not sure what the etiquette is for such a non-traditional situation

19 Comments

Latest activity by Gen, on August 17, 2018 at 3:13 PM
  • Gen
    Champion June 2019
    Gen ·
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    Just realized it posted "with flowers" twice and it won't let me edit ugh ignore that lol

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  • Catti Labelle
    VIP July 2018
    Catti Labelle ·
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    A casual maxi dress is fine. A dress isn’t automatically more formal or showstopping because of the length, if that’s what you’re thinking. If it’s casual, then it’s casual. And no one could ever upstage a bride or groom, even if they tried. Guests are there for the couple, so no one cares about anyone else’s outfit. Don’t sweat it!
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  • Gen
    Champion June 2019
    Gen ·
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    Very true. That’s what I was thinking but just wanted to make sure it wouldn’t be weird to wear a long dress when even the bride isn’t wearing one lol. Thank you!
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  • Jennifer
    Master September 2018
    Jennifer ·
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    I don't think anyone could ever upstage a bride - I think you are worrying too much. The maxi dress would be fine.

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  • Laura
    Devoted August 2018
    Laura ·
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    Or you could do a simply jumpsuit as opposed to a dress.

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  • Gen
    Champion June 2019
    Gen ·
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    I would hope not, just because her dress is really not a wedding dress at all (it’s just a pink/purple cocktail dress) makes want to be extra sure that I don’t overdress
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  • Gen
    Champion June 2019
    Gen ·
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    Oh that’s a good idea!
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  • MrsV1027
    Master October 2018
    MrsV1027 ·
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    My dress is not long and I expect there will be people wearing long dresses. Now I'm wondering if my guests are questioning what they should wear since my dress is shorter lol

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  • Gen
    Champion June 2019
    Gen ·
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    Haha, I mean it’s not just because her dress is short, it’s also because it’s not white and it’s not a “wedding dress” it’s just a colorful cocktail dress!
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  • E
    Dedicated September 2018
    Emily ·
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    I think you're fine. Accessories and other layers could help you "dress down" more if you're really concerned. Like - I wear a cardigan practically every day at work, but wouldn't wear one to a typical semiformal to formal wedding because it doesn't seem to fit the vibe. But in this situation, I'd feel like a cardigan as a cover-up would make me feel less awkward. Or if you're usually a statement jewelry kind of person, maybe tone that down - that kind of thing.

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  • earias
    Champion December 2017
    earias ·
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    I think if this was a real concern of hers then she would have chosen a different look. As it is, since most guests dress well for a wedding then this is a risk she took that someone's dress may be "fancier" than hers. I wouldn't worry about it. What you described sounds fine for this occasion.

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  • Jane
    Expert May 2019
    Jane ·
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    I'm sure she'll be fine with whatever you choose... at the end of the day there are only 25 people there and she has chosen you to take part. She just wants to be with the people she loves and thats you

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  • H
    Expert July 2019
    Hannah ·
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    I agree with this. If you were one of 25 people, then I'm guessing your close enough where if you asked and she said she didn't care, she probably wouldn't be lying. I wouldn't stress.
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  • C
    Master July 2018
    Cuoghi ·
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    Everyone will know who is getting married. I wouldnt worry about it
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  • FutureStephD
    Super March 2019
    FutureStephD ·
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    I feel you on this! FH's brother is getting married in a backyard in October in Illinois where the invitations says "dress casual" and I just can't bring myself to wear jeans to a wedding. I've been thinking of wearing a maxi skirt and top (so I can pick a short or long sleeve top depending on the weather).

    Anyways, I think you are good with a long casual maxi!!

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  • Gen
    Champion June 2019
    Gen ·
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    A maxi skirt sounds great for that. There’s no way I could bring myself to wear jeans either haha. Thanks!
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  • Andrea
    Master January 2021
    Andrea ·
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    I think you'll be okay. Especially if the bride isn't wearing a traditional wedding dress, you'll be fine. Of course it's always best to ask the bride, but if she says it doesn't matter, then it really doesn't. Like other brides have mentioned, no one could ever upstage a bride even if they tried to. It's super dope that you're being considerate and asking though, it's always better to ask when it doubt.

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  • April
    Super November 2018
    April ·
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    I think the casual maxi is fine.

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  • Gen
    Champion June 2019
    Gen ·
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    Haha yeah I felt like if I got an overwhelming “NO DONT DO THAT” reaction from people on here then I wouldn’t even bother asking her 😂 I’ll definitely send her a picture and ask her opinion before I decide though. Thanks!
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