Dress for October wedding, which one to pick?

[Anonymous]

Going to my sister in law's wedding on October 15, in Germany. It's a small wedding (50 guests or so) in a small castle in a vineyard in Dresden. Wedding at noon, then boat ride on the river, then reception at 7:00 PM. Not too formal but not too casual.

I purchased two dresses at White House Black Market today because I could not decide on one. It's rare that dresses fit me so I bought the two, planning on returning one once I decide which one works best, so that they would not sell out of my size.

So I came in looking for this one which I saw on their website:

http://www.whitehouseblackmarket.com/Product_Images/570027966_070_normal.jpg

It is very pretty in person and it fit fairly well except at the top where I would need to take it in a little bit. It is very forgiving of my tummy and looks very nice when the skirt opens up. I don't want to draw too much attention to myself so I'm wondering if it's too much dress. I'm 5'1 and 106 pounds and the dress it does not overwhelm me, but it does say Look at me!

Second dress I tried on was the one below:

http://www.whitehouseblackmarket.com/Product_Images/570028349_1010_normal.jpg

It fits perfectly and is somewhat more understated than the other one, and very pretty also, but in a less "Look at me!" way.

I will try them on for DH tonight but was curious as to what others think. FWIW, I have a 3 year old and a 9 month old so some running around and carrying around will be taking place with dress on. Possibly dirt and baby food on it too.

Which one would you pick?

And sorry in advance if my links don't work, I haven't tried posting with links before. .

Thanks.

[Anonymous]

I really love the first dress - it's stunning. I like the silhouette of the second dress but do not love the print.

[Anonymous]

I like them both, but I think the first one is an evening dress.

[Anonymous]

Agree w/PP - first dress is completely stunning but for evening. Second dress is more appropriate for the events you have described.

[Anonymous]

I love the first dress and since the reception is at 7pm it is an evening event so go ahead for the more dressy one!

[Anonymous]

OP here, so the second one (black with colorful flowers) would work best for afternoon wedding and onto the reception is what you are saying.

The grey one not so much?

I actually thought of keeping both and changing, if they were not so expensive...

[Anonymous]

the 2nd works for the wedding, but i don't think it's formal enough for a reception. it looks very garden party to me (not to say it isn't pretty, but reads more daytime appropriate). i do like the grey and vote for you keep both and change. plus it is always nice to have a backup.

[Anonymous]

I like the second one better, but the first one is pretty too. Wear what speaks most to you!

[Anonymous]

Oh--or ask the bride if you're close enough!

[Anonymous]

I'm short too, and you have to be careful with bold prints...they can overwhelm a small frame. Can you look for a dress with a similar shape, but maybe not as bold of a print?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm short too, and you have to be careful with bold prints...they can overwhelm a small frame. Can you look for a dress with a similar shape, but maybe not as bold of a print?

The first one is a jacquard and the I think the second with the large red flowers is sateen so both fabrics are dressy. from the photo the red flower dress looks like cotton. I prefer the first since when you see them side by side on the website all you look at is the loud flowers. Since it might be chilly the first also should have a little dressy sweater.

[Anonymous]

PP, both dresses are satin, the red one is a much heavier satin than the grey.

After reading all comments here, and trying them on again, and talking it over with DH, I think I will keep both. I will wear the red flower one for the ceremony and boat ride, and the grey one for the reception.

I could look further for other dresses but with a month to go and still having to find a flower girl dress for DD, plus formal wear for a 9 month old, I am ready to call it a day and stick to these two dresses.

Thanks everyone for your input!

[Anonymous]

They are both great dresses! Sounds fun!

[Anonymous]

Both so fun, stylish and appropriate

[Anonymous]

Good choice. My BIL got married in Germany some years ago and the schedule was much as you describe. Lots of people changed into dressier clothes for the reception. However, you might want to consider a jacket for the part of the day you are going to be outside. Could be chilly in October.