Formal evening wedding attire

[Anonymous]

Can you give advice on formal wedding attire for a Saturday night hotel wedding in May. I assume black is ok, right? Do people really wear gala-quality gowns to weddings? I’ve never been to a black tie wedding and I assume my husband and son will need to rent tuxes. On the other hand, my husband questioned if black tie meant something less formal than a White House gala / red carpet look to 20-something brides in smaller Southern cities. Any links to dresses?

I’m 50, 5’1” and size 12 apple. Was considering this, although I have time to look around. Because I’m so short, I’m nervous about finding something full length and I don’t want to look like I’m wearing a bridesmaid dress.

https://www.jjshouse.com/A-Line-Scoop-Neck-Floor-Length-Lace-Evening-Dress-017264220-g264220

[Anonymous]

No you don’t wear black to a wedding. Any color but black or white.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No you don’t wear black to a wedding. Any color but black or white.

OP here. OK but the men will all be wearing black and white.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No you don’t wear black to a wedding. Any color but black or white.

OP here. OK but the men will all be wearing black and white.

Doesn’t matter, women don’t black to a wedding. Black tie means more formal, not less. Fancy cocktail attire.



Any fancy dress you want, just no black or white.

[Anonymous]

How about this? Reviews seem to think it’s good for a short woman
https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/not-so-serious-by-pallavi-mohan-fringed-halter-dress?category=black-tie-wedding-guest-dresses&color=027&type=PETITE&quantity=1

What is your budget?

[Anonymous]

Or this in green https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/bhldn-pryce-off-the-shoulder-column-dress2?category=black-tie-wedding-guest-dresses&color=041&type=STANDARD&quantity=1&reviewPage=2

[Anonymous]

https://www.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/aqua-embellished-column-gown-100-exclusive?ID=3292937&CategoryID=1005210

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How about this? Reviews seem to think it’s good for a short woman
https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/not-so-serious-by-pallavi-mohan-fringed-halter-dress?category=black-tie-wedding-guest-dresses&color=027&type=PETITE&quantity=1

What is your budget?

That’s pretty. I’ll probably never need to wear a formal dress again having made it this far, so I’d prefer it to be under $400 but may need to go higher to find something. I’ll definitely look at Anthropologie and will stay away from black, sadly. Since I’m a distant relative I’d like to blend into the crowd rather than stand out.

[Anonymous]

Umm. I wear black to weddings all the time…. And I’m never the only one. So that seems like a weird rule to force on OP

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How about this? Reviews seem to think it’s good for a short woman
https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/not-so-serious-by-pallavi-mohan-fringed-halter-dress?category=black-tie-wedding-guest-dresses&color=027&type=PETITE&quantity=1

What is your budget?

That’s pretty. I’ll probably never need to wear a formal dress again having made it this far, so I’d prefer it to be under $400 but may need to go higher to find something. I’ll definitely look at Anthropologie and will stay away from black, sadly. Since I’m a distant relative I’d like to blend into the crowd rather than stand out.

How about this for a slightly lower price point https://www.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/aqua-belted-sequin-gown-100-exclusive?ID=2761764&CategoryID=1005210

Or

https://www.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/bcbgmaxazria-pleated-metallic-evening-gown?ID=4074584&CategoryID=1005210

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Umm. I wear black to weddings all the time…. And I’m never the only one. So that seems like a weird rule to force on OP

Same wrt black at weddings. I’m the same height as you, Op, and have had luck with the Aqua brand at Bloomingdale’s. I do know what you mean about wanting to blend in. I went to a couple of black tie optional weddings last year and the mothers of the groom (one of them being my cousin) wore very lovely but understated long dresses. I was glad that I wore something simple and not flashy.

[Anonymous]

Rent the Runway! If you don't think you'll have any other black tie occasions in the next few years (or ever) it's the way to go. You can order a couple of options and it's still cheaper than buying a nice formal dress.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No you don’t wear black to a wedding. Any color but black or white.

Show up in anything but black at a NYC wedding and everyone will laugh at you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Rent the Runway! If you don't think you'll have any other black tie occasions in the next few years (or ever) it's the way to go. You can order a couple of options and it's still cheaper than buying a nice formal dress.

I love rent the runway but it’s difficult for shorter women who need things altered.

[Anonymous]

OP here, it’s throwing me off because it’s not black tie optional, but black tie. Several of those dresses in the first photo don’t look dressy enough, like #3 and 5. Is a knee length dress ok?