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Dressing

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Wedding guest advice

Aquamarine

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We’ve been invited to a late-summer wedding to be held outdoors in the early evening, in the bride’s backyard. Invite says semi-formal, low/no heels advisable. This is a second wedding for both (they are in their mid-50s, I’d guess) if that matters. They are a casual, outdoorsy couple.

I’m worried about the heat and humidity (it’s been brutal here all summer) and not really looking forward to wearing a restricting dress and shape wear. Do you think this EF dress is an OK option? I’d accessorize it, of course. Hubby will wear a suit.

Bateau Neck Cap Sleeve Dress

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Dressing

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Cardiff girl

Veteran

I think that that looks nice and with some judicious accessorising would work very well for a casual ,hot summer wedding.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

This is a very casual dress. It's far too casual if hubs is in a suit. It's the knitted fabric that makes it very casual.

Aquamarine

Veteran

Thanks, Cardiff girl. I suspect there may be a wide range of dresses/outfits, at least on the groom’s side. I don’t know the bride very well, hence my hesitation.

Angie, I was afraid you’d say that! I understand your point.

bridgie

Veteran

Aquamarine, Bumping up your post. I was writing you a lengthy reply and suddenly it was all swooshed away. When I first started to read your post, I really thought you and I were invited to the same wedding. However, the wedding I will be attending is in the groom's backyard and he is my son.

In a few day's I will be posting a similar question, yet with several different twists. I was hoping you would get more comments and some ideas I might use also. You did get your question answered however, by Angie.

If I may, could I please ask if you have made a decision what you are wearing and care to share it?

Sal

Veteran

From the pic the dress looks good to me but in a knit it might read casual. I think this type of idea is right though. What do you have in the closet? I know late afternoon can be hot but the direct sun should be fading.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Like Jen, I said yes to the dress before I read that it is knit. From your descriptions of the couple and the venues, I think it would work. But Angie’s right about you in this and hubs in a suit. Can he step his look down a notch?

The Cat

Veteran

Well, we are not talking about men in DARK suits here (and the equivalent attire for women), are we?

Remember that "a suit", just like "a dress", can be in various colours and qualities. Imagine, for example a light summer suit in linen.

Generally, I don't see why a woman in a knitted dress can't attend a party together with a man in a suit. I see lots of examples of this every week. Nobody where I live ever make comments about things like that. But perhaps this is one of the cultural differences between Northern Europe and North America.

JAileen

Veteran

I would definitely wear that dress to a backyard wedding. Your husband’s proposed outfit might be too dressy. How about slacks and a blazer for him?

hgr

Just a thought...maybe consider also wearing a summer hat to protect you from the sun and heat. I can remember attending an outdoor summer wedding that was running late. A lot of the guests walked to a tree for shade. It was not pleasant waiting in the direct sunlight. Also, bring a bottle of water.

Aquamarine

Veteran

Bridgie...I haven't decided yet what I will wear. I did order some "cocktail" type dresses from Nordstrom and Bloomingdales, but none of them have worked out so far (either too heavy/hot or too short). I may try a few others, but am hoping the weather forecast will become clearer and that may decide what I do wear. I have several appropriate, cocktail dresses *for cooler weather* in my closet. If the temps should drop, I would be OK in one of those, I think.

Aquamarine

Veteran

Sal...the dress does *look* fine in the picture, but it is a knit and very light weight, which was why I was hoping it was OK. If there's any color I could get away with wearing in a knit, I do think it's navy blue.

Anonymous

It does seem casual to me, compared to hubs in a suit. What do you have for accessories?

Aquamarine

Veteran

FashIntern....I suppose my husband could wear a sports coat and slacks, no tie, but is that really semi-formal? I have Googled and Googled and have read lots of varying advice. He always feel better in a suit and tie for things like this...you know, better overdressed than underdressed.

You know, I went YEARS without going to a wedding and now am the age where my friends children are marrying AND weddings are getting more and more creative AND couples are not that traditional either. It's puzzling trying to figure out what to wear.

Another thing is dress color...whenever possible, I default to black. It's my thing. At night, in a posher venue, it feels fine. But for daytime weddings, it seems too somber.

Aquamarine

Veteran

The Cat...honestly, most people wouldn't notice and probably wouldn't care, especially for a wedding in someone's back yard. But I suppose I wouldn't be here on YLF if I was one of them!

Aquamarine

Veteran

JAileen...Yes, slacks and a blazer could be an option. I guess I don't know if that's "semi-formal" either.

Aquamarine

Veteran

hgr...I hadn't thought of that AT ALL. Yikes, I've never worn a hat with a dress. I wouldn't know where to start.

Aquamarine

Veteran

suntiger...I'm not worried about "dressing it up." I have loads of accessories and shoe options to add some bling.

Anonymous

I'd consider something like this Boden one semi formal. Dressy but not maxi, sequins, etc.

Tessa Midi Dress

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