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Devoted June 2023

Wedding Guest Attire help

MrsC, on July 26, 2023 at 11:39 AM Posted in Wedding Attire 0 15

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Now that my own wedding is delightfully come and gone, I'd like your opinions. You would think I wouldn't need it, being 71 and a "fashionista" - very fastidious about how I look and dress, with a pretty good sense of the appropriate. And of course I've been to dozens of weddings over the years. That said, here's the deal: In mid-September, my husband and I will attend the wedding of the son of his boss and good friend. The ceremony and reception will take place in the venue which is quite fancy. Normally, not a problem except that the wedding begins at 11AM and will probably be over by 5PM. So evening wear is out. My hubby can wear his new black suit, etc, that he wore for our wedding. My ensemble was very bridal looking so that's out, though I might still use the shoes, bag and a shawl that matches. I do NOT want to buy something new - I know I can "shop in my closet", so here's my idea: I have an ankle length sleeveless, black lace column dress that I usually dress up with metallic shoes and a sheer, crepe, or velvet jacket depending on the season. I was thinking that I would wear my ivory wedding accessories: simple leather shoes, shawl, and the purse which is ivory ostrich. I'd wear the ivory pearl necklace my husband gave me for our anniversary/wedding gift and the simple teardrop pearl earrings I also wore for the wedding. I also have soft yellow shoes and a shawl that might be nice with the black lace dress, and a simple black "reptile" embossed bag. Another option is a dress/sweater ensemble. The dress is a street length, sleeveless, spring green and off-white ihkat print; the matching sweater is a shrug trimmed with little silver and off-white beads. I have a simple pewter shoe that I could wear and an off-white beaded bag. I would wear that outfit if it were a "brunch" or less formal summer wedding, but I think it's an actual afternoon reception. PS: the invitation gives no hint as to attire. Your thoughts are welcome, thanks!!

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15 Comments

Latest activity by Jada, on July 31, 2023 at 11:09 AM

CM · on July 26, 2023 at 11:49 AM
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Nothing too embellished or evening. A black ankle length lace dress sounds too formal to wear to a daytime wedding TBH. I'd have to see the ikat dress, but from the way you describe it it's casual, if street length. Personally, I'd wear a knee length cocktail dress if you have anything like that.
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Dedicated September 2023
Rhondayalex · on July 26, 2023 at 12:06 PM
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I'd definitely lean towards knee length to tea length for this event. The black lace you described sounds a bit formal for an afternoon affair. Do you have pictures of the other ensemble you're considering.

Here's a few style ideas I would recommend.
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Devoted June 2023
MrsC · on July 26, 2023 at 12:14 PM
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Hmmm, yes, those thoughts rolled around in my head, which is why I asked. I'm actually not sure if I have a cocktail dress, except a simple black velvet and that's definitely winter. I'll look some more, thanks!
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Devoted June 2023
MrsC · on July 26, 2023 at 12:16 PM
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Yes, these are lovely and definitely my style. I'm a plus 18, though. The teal is a great idea and seasonal. I like the black print too. Hmmmm, thanks!!
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CM · on July 26, 2023 at 12:17 PM
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I agree and should have included tea or midi length dresses too. IMO maxi tends to be too casual or too formal but it depends.
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Champion November 2054
Jacks · on July 26, 2023 at 3:15 PM
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I agree with the others. I would go with a tea or midi length dress.
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Devoted June 2023
MrsC · on July 26, 2023 at 7:41 PM
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OK, so it looks like it is unanimous! Thanks!
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Devoted June 2023
MrsC · on July 26, 2023 at 7:48 PM
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Thanks, everyone, you were all very helpful! So, I took another look at the invitation which did not mention attired, BUT, there was a separate enclosure that said the couple has a website. It took me a while to find it, tried The Knot, Wedding Wire of course, found it on Zola; the QR code didn't work for me. They said that they prefer semi-formal attire, cocktail dresses and suits. And I'm fine with that but I actually do not have a cocktail dress at the moment. But I did find some nice tea length dresses in my style and size on amazon so I don't have to spend a lot, and I have plenty of shoes and accessories. I narrowed my choices down to 2 dresses in dark blue: a simple fit and flare style lace, 3/4 sleeve, and a similar style but a sort of wrap and ruffles style chiffon, which I think may be my choice. I have a lovely new shawl in a dark blue and purple paisley, and some simple pewter shoes.
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CM · on July 27, 2023 at 7:44 AM
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Other budget minded options are ebay or Rent the Runway. A friend goes to many events as part of her job and gets amazing deals on new or barely worn dresses that way.
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Devoted June 2023
MrsC · on July 27, 2023 at 11:15 AM
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I thought of that too, but although I didn't want to buy something, I don't go to that many events, but I realized I do not have a cocktail dress for this occasion. The only one I ever had is black, very formal looking, and has rhinestones all over the bodice. It's lovely but not for a morning wedding, however fancy. Except for a simple black velvet dress and it's well, velvet so it's a winter dress. Also, quite honestly, I'd always wanted a dress in navy blue and so that's what I bought - it's a simple chiffon with an overlay bodice, perfect for my "figure", and the time of day, still fancy enough for the venue. And it can be accessorized beautifully- I have drawers full of shawls, scarves and pashminas, plenty of purses- a few "designer"; appropriate shoes, and a nice selection of good jewelry - I'll probably wear my "wedding pearls" - the lovely pearl and crystal necklace hubby gave me. Pearl and gold earrings, a pearl bracelet, and simple metallic shoes should complete the ensemble. BTW, eBay, along with amazon, are my go-to's for great clothes at reasonable prices. This dress is from amazon and I had points and a coupon applied - came to less than $50! And amazon makes returns so easy! My wedding dress, shoes, purse and headpiece were via amazon and I went through several shoes and headpieces, and 2 dress sizes, before I got what I wanted. The most expensive were the shoes, $60, leather, but they were cheaper than anywhere else for the same shoe, and matched perfectly! I spent less than $200 for the ensemble and I was very happy with the results, got lots of compliments. Thank you for your help!!
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Rosebud · on July 27, 2023 at 12:58 PM
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Yay! Sounds like beautiful outfit. Have fun!
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Devoted June 2023
MrsC · on July 27, 2023 at 2:21 PM
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Thank you!!
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Dedicated September 2024
Jada · on July 30, 2023 at 7:57 AM
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From the way you described the dress and sweater i think it would be perfect to wear
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Devoted June 2023
MrsC · on July 31, 2023 at 9:43 AM
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Hi, Jada, and thanks! I actually thought it might be a little too casual - more appropriate if it were a brunch. I bought a simple navy blue chiffon cocktail length dress (I found the couple have a website and it encourages "cocktail" attire - dresses for the ladies, suits for the men.) I can accessorize the navy dress with simple metallic shoes and pearl jewelry which would be fancy enough for the venue yet appropriate for daytime.
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