Appropriate guest attire for a (semi?) formal wedding?

Forums: Weddings, Wedding Guest Attire, Formal Attire, Semi-Formal Attire
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I am somewhat hopeless when it comes to dressing nicely. I am going to a formal wedding in mid September and need to get a sense of what appropriate attire look like.

I've browsed the web, but am getting mixed messages.

Help!

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Type: Discussion • Score: 16 • Views: 29,347 • Replies: 102

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Is it evening or afternoon?

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@Roberta,

The wedding is at 4:30 and the reception (link: http://www.saintclementscastle.com/) is at 7pm.

From some site:

Quote:

For women, semi-formal attire is somewhat flexible. Women can wear a dress, pant suit or dress suit. Preferred fabrics for semi-formal attire for women include silk, velvet, rayon, cashmere, high quality polyester brocades, or velour. Usually, anything silky goes. Except for cashmere, a wool business suit is not considered semi-formal attire since it is not dressy enough.

Hem lengths in semi-formal attire dresses vary. Dresses can be cocktail dresses, no more than an inch above the knee, or they can extend to the ankle. Dress suits, for example, a silk suit, usually has a hem length slightly above, at or below the knee. Pants suits, again in silk, polyester, or cashmere, tend to be worn at the ankle. One can also wear dressy tops and tuxedo pants made out of appropriate fabrics and still fit into the semi-formal attire group.

Generally semi-formal attire also means dress heels for women, usually in colors coordinating with one’s outfit. However, a dressy flat or strappy sandal with the appropriate outfit is also considered semi-formal attire. Low, comfy flipflops are not dressy enough to be called semi-formal attire.

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One opinion:
http://theglamourouslife.com/articles/daily-fashion-glam-tip-what-to-wear-at-someones-wedding.html

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I would suggest a 3/4 sleeve solid color gown that comes to about your knees for the shortest acceptable length

Formal, yet comfortable.

I suggest solid color instead of pattern because you dont want to compete for attention with the bride. SHE should be wearing patterns, or bright colors, or what ever she wants. The guests should be a bit 'muted'.
But thats just my opinion.

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Trying to consensus build - a cocktail dress which is knee-length or longer in muted colors. What if I only have black shoes?

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How about this (can't snag the photo, so follow the link)? http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=463254&CategoryID=22120

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It means, for women, a nice dress that is not frumpy or hippie-ish and not business like.

Could be a pant suit as well, if you're more comfortable in that.

I wouldn't wear something 2 piece, like a skirt and a top. That's too informal, and looks like you're going to work.

something like....

http://www.nexteve.com/images/D/F6234a.JPG

http://www.myoffstreet.com/images/products/image580/54164750DyWzUcSsxR05kjH1.jpg

http://www.smh.com.au/ffximage/2007/02/18/samba_hgear_gallery__325x400.jpg

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@littlek,

nice

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@littlek,

littlek wrote:

How about this (can't snag the photo, so follow the link)? http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=463254&CategoryID=22120

Oh!!!

That's lovely!

Just Perfect!

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@littlek,

littlek wrote:

I am going to a formal wedding in mid September

formal or semi-formal?

any particular cultural affiliations?

1 Reply

With that purple dress = black heels would be ok?

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@ehBeth,

All I can tell you is the time and location - both indicate possibly formal, but definitely at least semi-formal.

No cultural affiliation (besides white New England). Her family seems much more classy than his (which is my side).

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@littlek,

I like that!

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Black heels are always okay. I think that dress is perfect, too. To me, semi-formal is something you'd wearing to a company dinner party or an awards ceremony or a fancy occasion without being glitzy. Sophisticated but chic. I want to wear something like that for my wedding (casual but elegant) and am having the devil of a time finding anything. Something I could wear dancing or dining. BUY THE PURPLE DRESS (and yes, wear black heels)... you can glitz it up a bit with jewellery.

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@littlek,

I like the purple too. I'd say the black shoes would surely be ok, but hey, I'm a rebel. I think getting purple ones would be too matchy cute.
Yes on jewelry..

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@littlek,

perfect! If it fits, looks good on you, and is comfortable then you're done. Unless.... like me last year... you have a quandary about whether or not to wear hose.

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@ossobuco,

I liked Chai's turquoise dress too, but think the purple one looks more like littlek...

Those are cool pajama like things, but too pj-ey, to mw.

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@Mame,

There are a couple of reasons I am reluctant to buy that dress (though I love it). One is the price (I know it's a good one, but it's still 100 bucks). The other is that CT in mid September can be pretty damned hot - it's not likely to be, but it could be.

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@JPB,

Hose are so out now in Milan...

(not entirely kidding, but you couldn't get me to wear hose for lots of money. Luckily I don't have to give business speeches.)

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Appropriate guest attire for a (semi?) formal wedding?

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