What to wear to a morning wedding? And what kind of reception will this even be?

I would go with a nice tea length dress it's not black tie so this would work. It might be a fancy reception. My idea of a fancy lunch would be what I picture the Kentucky Derby is like for the owners lol

@Kirstie, thanks, the dress I posted is described as tea length and it would definitely be that length on me as I am short. Do you think the dress in the photo posted above would be appropriate? It is chiffon.

Yeah..I'm not sure how to ask but I think that dress would be great, that dress is gorgeous!

I think the dress you posted looks great.

we were once invited to a sunday morning wedding that was black tie optional. i was so confused and just wore a black cocktail dress. people were definitely not wearing black tie and were wearing dresses similar to what you posted.

I think your dress option looks nice.

The dress you posted is nice

That dress is pretty. I think light colors are best for a day wedding.

Formal doesn't necessarily mean black tie. Your dress is fine but still a bit evening in my opinion

I would go formal garden tea attire, which in my mind means some kind of light, pastel, or floral structured dress with a cardigan and nice shoes.

My best guess is that by "formal" they just mean wear something nice - no jeans or what-have-you. I think what you're planning on wearing is just fine. I'm sure they'll serve a meal if they're keeping you between 10am and 5pm.

This is why dress codes should not be listed unless it is an actual black tie event. "Formal" has no standard definition and frankly makes no sense for the event you're describing (morning / afternoon). It just confuses people more than anything.

I think the dress you have posted is perfect.

And since you will be spending from 10am-5pm at their event, they better be feeding you a meal!

The dress is fine.

But what the hell kinda timeline is that?! A 10am ceremony with a two hour cocktail "hour" that begins 2 hours later?

I'd wear a cocktail length dress to the ceremony and add a fancy necklace or earrings and change into slightly dressier shoes for the reception.

That dress totally works.

That's a beautiful dress! The weddings I photographed with this timeline were indeed formal. 4 course plated meal, adult beverages, background music (one had dancing). The only difference was that the sun was still up when the wedding reception wrapped up.

@Ella, exactly, that's what I don't want to happen lol

@Boudreau, I thought light colors would be best too!

@Jenny, I have a few other options with light floral prints as well. They are still contenders but the reason I was more keen on the one posted is because it has sleeves and then I wouldn't have to buy a shrug or cardigan in addition to the dress and save on that expense lol

Ahh Well, yours certainly works! I feel like I can never have enough cardigans though, so if you do buy one, I'm sure you can use it again

@GymRat, yeah I was so confused when I saw their timeline! They are having a wedding mass so that usually takes about an hour or so, so I get that, and I think there is maybe a 15 minute drive from ceremony venue to reception venue but it does seem quite long for a cocktail hour!

@Kathleen, do you happen to know if those weddings indicated on their invitations that a meal would be served? I'm just a little thrown off since there is no mention of lunch, or dancing so I don't know what to expect.

I'm more concerned about that time line- that's fucking odd.

The dress is pretty- I definitely go with "tea" time stuff for morning brunch events and early afternoon drinking.

There is absolutely no reason you need to wear a floral print. That is just preference. The dress you have chosen is great.

God I hope they serve food/drinks during cocktail TWO-hour. I'm sure the wedding party will be taking pics hence the long time.

I also hope they serve you a proper meal from 2-5pm as well.

Please report back! And have fun!