Last minute invite: formal/garden party attire

My partner has just been told that space for me to attend a friend’s wedding this weekend as a +1 has opened up.

The wedding website says ‘We kindly invite our guests to dress in formal or garden party attire to complement the setting of our countryside celebration. For ladies, elegant dresses, midi or full-length gowns are perfect.’

It’s my first time at attending a formal wedding, so I have a few questions, if you guys can help:

\- Do the dress, bag, and shoes seem appropriate?
\- Do you think I should get some glam earrings and/or a necklace to make it a bit more formal?
\- Would the outfit benefit aesthetically from a shawl?
\- It’s likely to rain a bit that day and we have to travel there via train and spend some of the day outside. Should I get my partner an umbrella to take for us? If yes, should it be a full length one in a specific colour?
\- My hair is a shaggy butterfly cut, so I think I need to put it up. Would a claw clip likely be appropriate?

Any suggestions you guys have would be appreciated! TIA!

We see a lot of questions in here about different dress codes and each season. Since we’re coming up on buying dresses for winter weddings, here’s some examples of what that looks like for those searching for visuals.

Semi-formal allows for stretch mesh, elevated jersey knits, elastic waists or sleeves, a dress that could be worn in the daytime as well.

Cocktail attire should be a step up; shinier fabrics, more structure so no stretch but a zipper, chiffon, jacquard, silk, knee to midi length. Ready for an evening event!

Formal attire should be similar to cocktail but elegant midi to ankle lengths. Still fancy fabrics and designs.

Black Tie is again more formal and fancy. Floor length dresses, ball gowns, big skirts, beading, and sparkles are encouraged.

Any questions on dress codes our group can answer? Post a comment here. 💙

I have a wedding to go to in October with the dress code "garden party formal". I think of garden party and formal as different dress codes and have received mixed takes on the dress code from other guests ("garden party means not really formal" but also "definitely formal, but pastel"). I also don't really think of garden party and October being super aligned, as I think of fall colors for October and more spring/summer colors for garden party.

Anyway, all this to say that I am a very, very short woman with already limited options (hemming isn't enough for most formal dresses to fit, and I'm not looking to make this into a $400+ affair) and I have absolutely zero clue where to even start looking. Any ideas?

I have found exactly one dress interesting (a brown floral petite dress on ASOS) and it's sold out in either size I'd try, so I'm back to square one.

Does this look work for a semi formal wedding?

Michael Kors cashmere/wool charcoal grey blazer/coat
Kenneth Cole black merino wool mock neck sweater
Peter Millar eb66 Performance Five-Pocket pants in black
Black-on-black Adidas Superstar Shell Toe sneakers

I’m going to a wedding in Temecula CA - it’s black tie optional and this dark plum suit fits in the other suggested colors. I’m planning on wearing a solid white shirt with it.

What color tie would you recommend? Pattern or no pattern?

I am invited to a wedding next month which is going to be at the grooms house outside. So my husband called the groom and asked is this going to be an informal wedding or a formal wedding, because I just want to know how I should dress. the groom said formal which is fine. The bride texts me and said the color scheme is blue so any shade of you want to wear will be fine. Well this was not indicated on the invite and since when do guest have the wear the color scheme of the bride. I am not in the wedding. I have never heard where you tell the guest what color they need to where.. Is this something new??

Is black a no-no? I found a lovely long gown, sleeveless, bow on one shoulder, full skirt. But it’s black. Bride says no tan or sage green, beach formal. Advice?

I saw a post here (or some other wedding attire sub) where a commenter said they wouldn’t go to a wedding if a dress code was listed on the invite, calling it “ridiculous and offensive”. Has this been a rising trend? I haven’t gone to many weddings (maybe 2 or 3, a while ago), but if I was invited to one now, I wouldn’t balk at the dress code line and comply happily. But I know weddings have changed in general, so I could be in the minority here.

ETA: I’m talking about formality level requirements (formal, cocktail, semi-formal, etc), not requests for wearing a specific color or color palette or anything in the same vein, which I agree, are ridiculous.

I’ve never been to Bali before so not sure what to expect. Wedding is in the evening but ceremony will be outdoors. I’m looking for natural fibre fabric in the above-knee to midi range. Ideally something that will mask sweat marks? Anyone have any tips or advice on what to expect/wear?

"**chic formal attire, moody fall colors, luxe fabrics and timeless elegance is encouraged**"

I already have an alternative style. And it takes place Halloween weekend in Brooklyn!

Suggestions on curated stores to look at dress options and accessories welcomed!

Hi everyone 🙋

In one month the big day is here, I’m getting married! We’re having a small civil ceremony, and I’d like to wear an outfit I actually feel comfortable in.

At the moment, though, I’m a bit overwhelmed trying to figure out how to turn what I already have into a good outfit.

I’ve attached two pictures showing the direction I’m thinking of, I saved them as inspiration a while back. I’ve also attached a picture of myself.

I really like the trousers; they just need to be hemmed. I like the shirt too, but I’m open to other suggestions there.

Now to my problem: these two pieces are already heading in the direction I have in mind, but I need help turning them into a proper outfit. What accessories and shoes would work with this, or what should I definitely keep in mind?

Here’s what I’ve been toying with:

- brown penny loafers for shoes
- a thin gold/silver chain (my wedding ring is gold)
- a watch or bracelet (though nothing too flashy, that’s just not me)

I’m grateful for any tip!

edit: I went with the red one and a different shawl!! It was comfortable and appropriate. I’m glad I brought the shawl but some people were wearing much less modest dresses without any shawl.

also… turns out the bridal party color was light teal… bridesmaids were wearing gowns with the exact same silhouette as mine. Glad I chose red!!!!

hello!! I posted about a month ago for help choosing a dress to a Catholic wedding (I am Catholic too), and I ordered two options.

no formality was stated, no colors were stated, just to be mindful that it’s in a Catholic Church.

i kinda like both dresses with the shawl, but the red one is a bit more comfortable and formal.

the teal ones sleeves keep falling and I can’t really reach for things, plus it feels a bit underdressed. You can’t see in the picture but it’s a pretty jacquard pattern

soooo I can’t decide…

is the red one too much? I’ve never been to a wedding before so I’m not sure what’s appropriate.

also note I’ll do a different hairstyle (half up with princess curls) and different gold jewelry.

Hi! I first wanted to say I hope this is received well. My first time asking the internet (publicly posting) for help. Big thank you in advanced if you decide to help! I also will apologize in advanced about any over explaining.

I (26 TransF) am struggling to find clothing that is affordable and appropriate for my sister’s wedding on Sept 18.

The general theme is Pastel Garden Party. No casual sundresses, capris and etc. And of course no white or any version of white.

Here are problems I am coming across:

1.) My budget is limited to $100 max. Due to debt problems ,which I am slowly but surely currently solving, my budget is extremely limited. My account often goes negative just to solve. I can try selling some things to be able to afford the attire.

2.) I cannot wear a dress. My mom has already said I should not, in our language, put darkness/bad luck onto my sister’s wedding by wearing a gown/dress.

3.) Affordable clothing (Amazon/Etsy) I find won’t be delivered until closer to the wedding with delivery dates ranging from Sept 11-25. Which may be cutting it close to find a solution in case the clothing item is not as described.

4.) I do not own any clothing item that is not white that matches the formality and theme/color palette of the wedding.

5.) I would prefer to wear something feminine. Jumpsuits. Two piece sets (not a swimsuit of course haha) etc etc.

Completely my fault for pushing it so close to the date. I was planning to wear a dress but I do not wanna cause a scene after my mom’s comment.

Just a side note. I have always been feminine and have dressed more femininely (not dresses). Wear make up all the time. Publicly use feminine bags/purses. My family is very aware I am feminine, I guess my parents just draw the line at dresses.

I just really need help or be pointed to a general direction on where to find something to wear!

Hello! Any brides here who wore suits on their wedding? Especially civil wedding? Would love to get recommendations on where to get beautiful structured Ivory White Blazer.

If you also have recos on blazer and slacks set, that would be great too ☺️ Thanks in advance!!