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?

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 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.

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 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 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

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 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.

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

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 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 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.

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

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