Definite no on the second dress. If you are a pear, it is not going to flatter (I also personally don't like it but that is beside the point if you do). Not sure about the first one - how are your arms and shoulders? It is going to draw attention right to them. If you have a bit of a belly, the ruffle should disguise it, but a large chest could put the proportions off. If you try that dress, make sure the ruffle lays correctly when it is on. Also, does your bust balance your hips? If not, I'd suggest something more substantial up top. And how are your legs and knees?

If you have a nice waist, how about one of these:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/tadashi-shoji-lace-sheath-dress-regular-petite/3481331?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=BLUE+LAGOON&resultback=900&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-1_3_B

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/tadashi-shoji-lace-inset-pintuck-sheath-dress-regular-petite/3799985?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=LAPIS&resultback=2800&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-1_8_C

This one in navy is a little ordinary but could be very dramatic with a hat and the right makeup
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/maggy-london-illusion-yoke-crepe-sheath-dress-regular-petite/3855290?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=BLACK&resultback=6700&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-1_18_D

Anonymous wrote:It is rented by my friend- who is marrying a french man! Small world

13:32 here. Yes, that chateau is well situated. We've had film crews there for period dramas, business receptions, etc. Other chateaux in my family are in the deep countryside and don't attract anyone.
Watch out for the entrance to the drive - it meets the highway directly and can be tricky.

Hat: used to be a requirement for elegant chateaux weddings, now less so but still very tasteful, particularly for close family and friends of the wedding party.
Length of dress: floor-length dresses are not fashionable, even for evening, contrary to here. You can come in a very elegant and expensive light-colored suit (that's what my mother wore for my wedding), or a fancy cocktail dress, with hat, of course!
Color: no white, no black, but you knew that. Early September is still considered summer, so light colors are good. Have relatively matching shoes, bag and hat.
Jewelry: Simple dress, big jewelry; Busy dress, simple jewelry.
Style: the most elegant and stylish you can find. Not too skin-showing, unless you're a teen or young adult. It might be cold inside, so bring a matching cardigan, jacket, etc. Fabrics in the top, bottom and hat need to be the same weight.

It is rented by my friend- who is marrying a french man! Small world

I bought an awesome dress to Nordstrom, which is now wrinkled upon my arrival. Try to buy something travel friendly.

Anonymous wrote:it is at:

CHATEAU DE CHAMPLATREUX

Epinay de Champlatreux, D316

It is outside of Paris.... now what dress?

Oh my goodness, the chateau belongs to my mother's first cousin!
I've known the place ever since I was a little girl!

Is it a wedding in the family, or are the wedding party renting the place?

It is September wedding (the first week of September) , and it starts at 5:30 until late...

The more important question is when is the wedding (date) and time of day. Paris is cold and rainy with the exception of late July/August (it's the same latitude as Montreal so think Canadian weather). You will likely look very uncovered next to European guests without some kind of jacket unless it's outdoors at the height of summer. The French are almost always more covered up to the elements than Americans, in general. Is this a long lunch following a daytime civil ceremony? I would be more inclined to look for a dressy/sexy suit. Plus chateaux tend to run cold (damp, not much sunlight).

Find a suitably dramatic hat. Then find a dress that suits it. (If this is anything like my friends' weddings in France...)

it is at:

CHATEAU DE CHAMPLATREUX

Epinay de Champlatreux, D316

It is outside of Paris.... now what dress?

The first one is nice and simple, the second one isn't, and looks a bit see-through.

Out of curiosity, OP, may I ask where the wedding is? I am Parisian.

Op here- please post anything you may like better- hoping to buy a few from Nordstrom and return what looks bad on me

Out of those two the first one.

Anonymous wrote:or this....
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/aidan-mattox-beaded-dress/3744612?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=5605&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-2_16_C

Ugly pattern. I like yours OP

or this....
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/aidan-mattox-beaded-dress/3744612?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=5605&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-2_16_C

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/halston-heritage-draped-tier-satin-dress/3765021?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=6686&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-1_18_D

what do you think? Want to be stylish- but I am a pear shape size 8! PLEASE help.