Wedding Dress Code : Garden Formal?

Deborah

Hi Ladies,

We are attendinng a wedding in late January and the dress code is "Garden Formal". My interpretation of this is the wedding is "Formal" but it is a garden wedding so cosideration needs to be given to appropriate footwear

The wedding is at 5.00 p.m. Do you think its appropriate to wear something Angie categorises as Formal Daytime? Its definitely not black tie. Or do I move more to the cocktail dress for this time of day?

Would really appreciate your advice ... .thank you xxx Deborah

12 years ago

Dressing

13 replies

Latest reply was from Deborah

shipskitty

Veteran

That is how I would define it. I was curious and googled "Garden Formal" to see if anyone had a better definition but the only thing that resonated was one that said "think Pretty Woman at the Polo match". I'd be thinking appropriate footwear, skip floor-length skirts, maybe a hat?

12 years ago

Anonymous

Hmmm. That's a tricky time of day. I'm conjuring up images of chiffon, pearls and embelished sandals that you can take into the grass if neccessary. A hat would be nice if the sun will be a problem; I'm guessing you are having your longest days of the year right about now.

12 years ago

JennyAnne

(website)

Veteran

Oh my goodness, they are crazy with the dress codes! As someone who recently went to a "black tie" wedding in a gown and felt overdressed, I'd say cocktail dress with a shoe that won't spear into the ground.

12 years ago

nancylee

Veteran

I'm envisioning a midi or tea length dress....maybe with a hat, like others suggested. I'd stay away from dark colors, too.

12 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

I immediately thought of Pretty Woman at the Polo match too. I'd keep the dress knee to midi length, on the dressier side... something more than you'd wear on a regular Sunday. I'm thinking "Easter wear" although Easter where you are is probably much cooler than it is here. A hat is a great idea too!
Are you close enough to any of the family to call and ask what they are wearing?

12 years ago

Beth

Veteran

Easter-wear comes to my mind, too. As do some of Kate Middleton's outfits she's worn at daytime weddings, minus the headgear:)

12 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I'm thinking a pretty polka dot frock with your killer red shoes!

12 years ago

Lantana

Veteran

Will you wear a hat Deborah, because if so that might direct the rest of the outfit. Chuckling about Pretty woman oh, and I echo Angie on the Killer red shoes. Now they wouldn't be grass spikers, would they?

12 years ago

Diana

Veteran

I think I'd go with a midi length or at least a long cocktail dress with, as everyone has suggested, non-grass spiking shoes. Speaking from experience, having to extricate two inches of heel every time you take a step does not lend itself to elegance... Plus if your heel is underground, it kind of negates the whole leg-lengthening aspect! I think an ideal shoe would be like Angie's red Kate spade pumps with the thicker heel.

Otherwise I think floral is always appropriate for a garden wedding. Although I have worn black to weddings on occasion I think I'd avoid it for a garden wedding. And a lot of garden weddings I've been to provide parasols for shade, which is a super fun accessory... If they will not be provided it might be fun to bring one.

12 years ago

HelenInCanada

Veteran

Midi-length dress, non-stiletto heels (maybe a beautiful wedge?), and a dressy clutch. The details are up to you!

12 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Mm. I think that means the affair is formal and taking place in a garden. At 5 pm in January, it will be cold and dark. I'd be tempted to do the tuxedo look. Or a long skirt.

12 years ago

Vicki

(website)

Veteran

I think a midi-length dress would be perfect for this affair in some lovely color. Proper shoes would be a consideration, depending on the ground you'll be on, so ballet flats, sandals or low heels may work. It sounds like it's going to be a fun wedding.

12 years ago

Deborah

Veteran

Sorry it took me so long to get back here. Thanks everyone!! I have been looking around for a dress with some color but have not been successful. I have a lovely black midi length dress that I think I will try with my red pumps and some accessories and bring the color in that way. It is going to be warm but given its a 5.00 p.m. ceremony followed by dinner I think black will be ok. I am reluctant to purchase a new dress unless I can find something fabulous in time, otherwise I am happy to wear something I already have and all my summer special occasion dresses are black at this stage...I am working on this.

12 years ago

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