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

I like the dress you posted. That timeline is fucking mind-boggling.

The dress is lovely! I don't think there is really a polite way to ask WTF they are doing during that bonkers timeline. Hopefully they will serve a full meal, but who knows. You will find out. Report back!

I think the dress you posted it perfect!!

Yes, please report back and let us know what it was like. I agree about the timeline being a little confusing.

First of all, I love your dress. The silhouette is so flattering, the color is beautiful, and the shoulder embellishment takes it to a level that makes it work for an afternoon wedding. I agree with you on the formal gown issue - I don't think they're particularly appropriate at a wedding that starts at 10:00 AM. Besides, this is not a black tie wedding; they're evening events.

I would assume that they are hosting a meal - especially since they are asking their guests to devote seven hours to their wedding. Secondly, their wedding schedule does go through the lunch hour (unless there's a gap, and the 10:00 ceremony time and 12:00 cocktail hour time does suggest there may be a gap). A two hour cocktail hour is excessive, and most people prefer the standard one hour, but you have the right to assume that there will be plenty to eat at such a long pre-event. As far as a regular reception meal Is concerned, yes, I believe they should host one ad probably will. When we advise brides to have a non-mealtime reception, we're referring to a much shorter time span -- you cannot skip hosting your guests with a meal if you are asking for seven hours of their time (there's no way around that -- unless you want to watch your guests leave).

What to expect? I'd hope for the best, but I wouldn't feel comfortable asking the bride about the particulars. Hopefully, you'll have a nice time, but remember, you are free to leave a wedding reception if you aren't being fed, or you walk into a hosting disaster.

@Rachel, thank you for your response! That was good insight to see it from a pro's perspective so I'm hoping you're right I think I'm just used to invites stating "dinner and dancing to follow" or something similar but this one gave no indication of what to expect and neither did the website so it did throw me for a loop. Really I just want to know if I should bring some granola bars in my purse and what kind of shoes to wear (sexy shoes or dancing shoes lol).

@VC and @cantwait, I will definitely post an update after the wedding!

The word "formal" is confusing here. Most people would say their wedding is a formal event, but few people mean black tie optional when requesting "formal attire". It's more of a formal vs. casual event distinction, when they actually might be talking about cocktail or semi-formal attire as "formal". I'd also check out their venue to see if that gives you any hints!

I think the dress you posted is great! I also think light colors are perfect for the time of day!

I think your dress looks fine. I would be more concerned about when I am going to be eating with that timeline.

I love the dress you have in mind!

Beautiful dress

As pps have said, your dress is gorgeous and appropriate.

As for their wacky timeline ... my interpretation is not they they are having cocktail hour for two hours, but they will have open bar only for two hours. Since those times overlap, that's probably what they meant...? I'm sure they will feed you since it's a long timespan. They better!! Keep us updated!

I think that dress is super pretty and appropriate!

Lovely dress. Looks perfect. I will always dress up for a wedding unless it's been stated that it's casual dress.

That dress is gorgeous and looks totally appropriate for a daytime wedding!

The dress is perfect

I think the dress is just fine, no matter how they might be interpreting "formal".

That timeline is weird AF. I think @Amber might be on track with her "2 hours of open bar" guess, but who the hell knows?

Looking forward to the report!

So there's potentially a 1-1.5 hour gap between ceremony and reception, and the cocktail hour is two hours but blends into the reception time? I'm so confused.

IMHO, asking people to dress a certain way UNLESS it's truly black tie.

I think that dress is just fine!

And the timeline sounds weird to me too...

I agree with the PP's, that dress is perfect!

I'm having a morning wedding followed by a brunch reception on a Sunday and noted that this is semi-formal. Basically I think the reasoning behind the morning "formal" weddings is so guests don't roll up in tank tops and flip-flops. Hopefully their cocktails will include mimosa's and Bloody Mary's, that's a treat on a summer afternoon

The dress is great! Do you know the bride? Could you ask her about the timeline? Like "oh I'm so excited for you wedding, how is the day going to go?" Or something like that? Asking on the pretense of friendship/fellow bride etc?

That dress is very nice! I am also having a bunch/morning wedding and while we didn't tell people what to wear I would expect lots of tea length dresses and khakis which is fine by us