Good news again: We’re hosting! The ceremony and reception will be at our house next Saturday evening, post-Shabbat. And we are cooking for it. (The event is small — only close family — so 15 people).

The bad news: We asked the bride and groom what they would like people to wear. And the bride said, “Nice…casual.” To give you an idea what that might mean, she plans to go barefoot for the ceremony.

So much for my hopes of amping up the holiday sparkle for this special occasion! GAH.

My closet may not be the best in the world, but thanks to YLF, it isn’t often these days when I feel completely at a loss for what to wear. But this time, I am stumped. And I think it might be best to have a few options available depending on what I learn when they arrive chez nous on Thursday.

I think the bride is going to be wearing a dress along with her bare feet, but I can’t be entirely sure.

The mother of the groom and mother of the bride will probably wear dresses…but what kind of dresses? I can’t ask the bride’s mother because she is in Germany until the wedding, and I have never met her. I can ask the MOTG but I expect she is going to be just as confused as I am about the whole thing. Her typical style is a bit boho. Sister of the Groom will also wear something a bit boho. Little sister of the groom (our daughter) is doing her usual androgynous tomboy thing and wearing a “suit.”

Here are a few options I put together for consideration. Comfort is an issue, since I will be cooking, serving, and taking photos as well as looking pretty (er, I hope). I do have an apron I can throw on over top of any of these.

Option 1: My initial plan was simply to wear the David Meister dress. (Pic 1) As is or with a statement necklace for sparkle (which I would have to buy). The earrings do have a bit of sparkle, by the way. Pros -- comfortable, easy to pop on, feels good. Problems -- does it read too "dressy"? Also, these shoes do not want to stay on my feet with hose and I am not going bare-legged. Ugh.

Option 2: (pic 2) Tux shirt, asymmetrical pleat skirt. Pros: Comfortable (except the shoes). Easy. Cons: The darn shoes. Also, Mr. Suz is not a big fan of the skirt, but I love it.

Option 3: (pic 3) Pencil skirt, tux shirt, jacquard jacket. Pros: comfy. Shoes stay on feet and are super comfortable. Cons: Maybe a bit too much like what you might wear to a business party?

Option 4: (pics 4-6) Vintage brocade top with pencil skirt, with or without jacquard jacket. Pros: Too sparkly for something that is supposed to be "casual"?

Option 5: (pic 7) same top with a flared skirt.

Option 6: Some version of fuchsia silk jacket with slouchy pants and some or other top. It doesn't really look good with the vintage top.

Bonus pic: DD all set for her semi-formal in her "suit." (GAP Perfect Trousers, mum's vintage Hobbs blazer passed along to her, white shirt, dad's tie.

I have a bit of time to shop this afternoon. I could look for a sparkly turtleneck sweater like Angie's to wear with a pencil skirt and pants, or some other items (e.g. statement necklace, lace pencil skirt, etc.) I am open to suggestions and would spend a little money but don't want to go crazy for this, as I rather thought I was set for the event. Grrrr.