We received an invitation to a wedding in July. I checked out the website and it says the attire is formal, but the ceremony is at 10am and the wedding is over at 5pm. So I'm kind of confused about what to wear. When I think "formal" I think of floor length gowns but then I don't think that's appropriate for morning/daytime. I've posted a photo of what I'm considering to get for the wedding but I don't know if that is appropriate or if I should spring for something fancier. I know "formal" is more subjective than it used to be, to some its cocktail attire and to others it's black tie.
Also, I'm not sure what kind of wedding this will be. The invitation says cocktails from 12:00-2:00pm and reception from 1:00-5:00pm so it is unclear if there will be a meal served and I'm just kind of confused about what we will be doing the remainder of the reception, like if there will be dancing and whatnot. How do I ask what the reception will be like without sounding rude?