Formal wedding invite

[nancy324]

if it is black tie required, people will dress to the nines....typically most women wear ankle length dresses or below the knee....if it is optional, you can go with a a very dressy cocktail dress (above the knee)....BCBG Max Azria usually has a good selection...

Conversely, I also have a closet full of dresses I can offer you... what size are you? lol

Hope that helps!

That does help, RenaPP. Thank you. I'm not sure I agree with you about the red, though. I think it makes sense to stay away from white, or anything that looks like a bridal gown, but I'll just be a guest at a large wedding, not in the bridal party. I can't see anyone caring if I wear red. If anyone else disagrees, let me know.

 

[story1267]

Nancy, I think the one-shouldered dress with the boning is drop-dead gorgeous!!!!!! I think red is fine at a wedding - the only time I'd think twice is if there were cultural implications but that may not be the case at the wedding you're attending.

 

[nancy324]

Nancy, I think the one-shouldered dress with the boning is drop-dead gorgeous!!!!!! I think red is fine at a wedding - the only time I'd think twice is if there were cultural implications but that may not be the case at the wedding you're attending.

Thanks, Suzanne. It's going to be an unreligious Jewish wedding in New Jersey. It's a culture I'm pretty familiar with, and the only rule I'm aware of is "huge cash gifts only".

 

[story1267]

Oh, Nancy! LOL! I thought that might be the case .

 

[Conni]

Nancy,

Much better on that second choice. I would really kick it up a notch with a gorgeous wrap ( maybe something with a few crystals to catch the light ) and seriously dangling earrings that just scream confidence.
Oh, and extremely high heel sandals are a must, imo....

Sorry, but I am really having fun dressing you up!

 

[GMonkey]

I vote the black Calvin Klein. Simple, elegant, wearable.

As they say...better dead than red.

Bright red in formal wear can look a little cheesy. A dark red with a blue undertone is nice, however.

 

[lcobb2]

So pretty! I love it!

Klaudia, you have great ideas and great taste, but I know what you mean. I don't get anxious so much as obsessive-compulsive. It's like I have to try on every dress in the world before I choose one.

BTW, is this a bit too cheesy? It comes in petite, I love the dark red color, and the price is relatively low. I don't want to break the bank for a dress I may never wear again. Michele? Others?
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2952482...Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6014150&P=4

 

[wake up eager]

Had to chime in to say this was a fun post - loved reading all the suggestions.
I've been consumed with work (and just spent a week with DH and DNephew on vacation - who talk about cars and guys things no-stop...) and it is sooo nice to sit and listen to women talking about girl things.

Ahhh.... Nice....

I love the navy dress Kluadia shared...
http://weddings.about.com/od/weddingguestinfo/ss/WearFallWedding.htm

My experience has been to find something that you feel the best in... it has to be something that you don't have to think about once there... Keep looking until it clicks - its worth that feeling of ease and confidence you'll feel when you get there.

Have fun! (and thanks again for this fun girlfriend shopping experience...)

 

[pugw]

Have fun! (and thanks again for this fun girlfriend shopping experience...)

Yes, it has been fun. My son is getting married on that same day so I will also be looking for a dress. It will not be formal though.

I love these two but they cost a fortune. The first comes in red as well and the second comes in petite and is my fave.
http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main...02&srccode=cii_10043468&cpncode=24-32718703-2

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3001228?cm_cat=datafeed&cm_pla=dresses:women:dress&cm_ite=bcbgmaxazria_jeweled_jersey_gown_(petite):241419&cm_ven=bizrate&mr:referralID=cefbdc0a-29c0-11de-a8aa-000423bb4e95

 

[GMonkey]

Yes, it has been fun. My son is getting married on that same day so I will also be looking for a dress. It will not be formal though.

I love these two but they cost a fortune. The first comes in red as well and the second comes in petite and is my fave.
http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main...02&srccode=cii_10043468&cpncode=24-32718703-2

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3001228?cm_cat=datafeed&cm_pla=dresses:women:dress&cm_ite=bcbgmaxazria_jeweled_jersey_gown_(petite):241419&cm_ven=bizrate&mr:referralID=cefbdc0a-29c0-11de-a8aa-000423bb4e95

I like the second one the best, too. A v-neckline is almost always flattering, and it's sexy without showing too much. When I go strapless, I'm always afraid that something is going to fall out, no matter how well it fits.

 

[Pearlstrand]

Not formal enough

Nancy, it's a beautiful dress but I don't think it's formal enough for black tie.

DH and I attended a black-tie wedding a couple of years ago, and I wore a floor-length gown. While there were some shorter dressed there (the minority), they were worn by the teen-to-early-20-year-olds.

I was glad that we dressed up as much as we did and had a great time. Maybe you can find something similar on top that has a longer skirt.

In the meantime, if you love that dress you should buy it because you never know when you'll need it for a less formal wedding!

Hope this helps.

 

[Shadowpup]

Gorgeous dress!

Everyone has a different idea about what is formal enough. Since this is a family wedding, I'd ask someone - the mother of the bride, the bride herself, or another person involved in planning the wedding who you can trust to give you an honest opinion. That will save you from worrying. Also, it will show the wedding party, especially the bride, that you're wanting to honor her/their wishes, which is a nice way to welcome the new bride into your family. When it comes to family weddings, it often really *is* the thought that counts far more than the dress!

Most evening weddings I've attended, that dress plus jewelry and a dressy but conservative suit jacket over it would work, if the spouse is in a tux because of the family wedding photos. But, for a truly black tie affair, with all men in tuxes, I'd expect to need a full length gown.