Wedding Attire

kristi_ann81 · #1 09-23-2003, 05:36 PM

I have the wedding of a sorority sister to attend in about a month. I am baffled as to what I'm going to wear. The wedding is at 5:00 pm in a beautiful old Catholic church in downtown Atlanta. The reception follows at a place overlooking the park downtown and the city in the distance. I'm having a tough time deciding on what to wear because they did not specify "black tie." Also, with the wedding being very late afternoon, but not after 6, I'm not sure how formal to get. Most of what I've read on the internet just says cocktail dresses and not black or white.

I would love some suggestions on good colors for that time and date (October 25th is the date, just starting to cool off at night in Atlanta at that time of year). Also, while looking at cocktail dresses I've discovered some are long and all I had considered were shorter dresses. What is the etiquette on this? And I assume my boyfriend should just wear a dark suit? Seems like its so easy for guys!!

Oh, and in case it matters, I'm a dark blonde about 5'4" and a size 2. I know some styles and colors look better on different people, so just for reference.

Thanks!!

littlebritches · #2 09-23-2003, 06:05 PM

We are the same size. I would think something semi-formal, so a cocktail dress would work. I would probablywear something with red in it. Unless the bridesmaids dresses are red!!

kristi_ann81 · #3 09-23-2003, 06:07 PM

Red is exactly what I was thinking!

I think I look good in red and that way its not black. I just don't want to stand out too much if everyone else is in black or pastels or something, but oh well.

honeychile · #4 09-23-2003, 06:38 PM

There is the nicest picture in one of the latest Adelpheans (our magazine) of the wedding of an ADPi who worked at International HQ. All of the many ADPi's who came wore some kind of azure blue! The sheer volume made it outstanding!!

So, yes, I think red would be awesome! (and unless the invitation states black tie or formal, your date can wear a suit, and tea length or shorter would probably be best for you).

littlebritches · #5 09-24-2003, 12:53 PM

Be sure to check what the bridesmaids are wearing!!

Best of luck to you!!

Eclipse · #6 09-24-2003, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by kristi_ann81
The reception follows at a place overlooking the park downtown and the city in the distance. I'm having a tough time deciding on what to wear because they

No attire advice, but do you know the name of this reception place? It sounds EXACTLY like the place I had my reception 7 years ago!

kristi_ann81 · #7 09-24-2003, 01:37 PM

The reception is at Park Tavern. I haven't been inside before, but I'm from Atlanta, so I know where it is at. I think it will be beautiful!!

As for the dress search....

I have talked with a million different people who all have different opinions on wearing a black dress to a wedding. I think the consensus was that the young and fashionable are all wearing black dresses to weddings these days. So....right now I'm leaning towards a black dress I found that has long sleeves, but with slits down the arms, that way I'm not too cold and not too hot for the wedding/reception.

Greekgrrl · #8 09-24-2003, 02:34 PM

There are so many many gorgeous things you could wear to a wedding that *aren't* black, I don't see the need to go with basic black.

Plenty of hip and classy dresses are out there in pretty colors, and black has just never seemed festive enough (to me) for a wedding. Besides, if all the trendy folks are wearing black, wear something different and wonderful and start a *new* trend. I consider myself fairly fashionable, and I'm definitely young (23), and I'd never wear a black cocktail dress to a wedding. Note: black with flowers or a pattern or something is ok, I think.

Just my semi-conservative anti-black-at-weddings $0.02.

~Greekgrrl

kristi_ann81 · #9 09-24-2003, 02:39 PM

Well, I agree with you completely about wearing something different. I was really set on getting a red dress, but from my mall shopping yesterday, as well as 2 days of internet shopping I have to say that retail is lacking in dresses that are colors other than black. The few I found that weren't black weren't quite formal enough for the event. The few red dresses I found were a bit on the "slutty" side and I didn't feel they were wedding appropriate. I did finally find a deep purple dress online that came with a cute matching jacket (in case I get cold) and I'm down to that one or the black one I found.

Guess I'll keep searching....

Greekgrrl · #10 09-24-2003, 04:45 PM

I'm not sure what your price range is, but I'd highly recommend Nordstroms for dress shopping. They have a wide selection and everything is nicely sorted by garment type. There's an absolutely gorgeous copper taffeta dress they have there (I'm not sure if that's a color you can wear either) that would work well with a shawl or cardigan for cooler weather.

Cocktail dresses in black are everywhere, I agree.

But it's so much more fun trying to find something different.

If Shelli Segal and Betsey Johnson are out of your price range (my personal faves for dresses), XOXO and other juniors brands carried at Dillards and Famous-Barr (I'm not sure if you have either of those where you are, but any mid-range department store should have them) often have cute stuff for semi-formal dances that are pretty versatile and very wedding-appropriate.

Can you tell I'm a shopping junkie?

Good luck finding a dress and congrats to your sister on her wedding.

PS Your PM box is full! Everybody wants to give you dress advice, I guess.

kristi_ann81 · #11 09-24-2003, 04:51 PM

Sorry, cleaned out the PM box!

I'm trying really hard to avoid the black, but its tough finding other colors. I live in Columbia, SC and there's not a whole lot of shopping selection out here. I'm from Atlanta though and going back next weekend, so I'll have to go hit the better stores!

Maybe I'll have better luck there!

Thanks everyone for your advice!! I'm still working on it....

ilovemyglo · #12 09-24-2003, 05:18 PM

I have the perfect dress ofr weddings and such- it is a burgundy colored dress, with cap sleeves, it does the wrap around at the waist and ties in the back.... it is great for warmer weather, and I can add a cream cardigan for the fall- not good for winter though!
Let me see if I can find out who it is made by, I always get compliments on it!

Soemthing like this-

Or this:

Kristin AGD · #13 09-24-2003, 05:29 PM

I have an evening reception on October 18th. It is at a very classy hotel. My sister is wearing this...

It looks very nice on. And it isn't too formal or too casual.

I have a dress. But it is a blue crepe, and I don't know if it is wintery enough. I am driving myself crazy. And then to find shoes and accessories. The blue is definetly summer, but could maybe go fall. I wish I had a picture so I could ask for help too

.

Eclipse · #14 09-26-2003, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by kristi_ann81
The reception is at Park Tavern. I haven't been inside before, but I'm from Atlanta, so I know where it is at. I think it will be beautiful!!

I think that is the new name of the place I had my reception!! It was called Piedmont Grove back then. Across the street from the Grady High School football field on the corner of 10th and Monroe. Overlooking the park and a beautiful view of the Atlanta sky line. There are floor to ceiling windows, so it is magical with the lights dimmed. Beautiful!!

Have a great time!

BTW, Deep purple sounds beautiful! I would go with that!! I love jewel tones in the fall

xo_kathy · #15 09-26-2003, 03:39 PM

Don't do black, it's SO boring!

Only do red if it's not jump out and grab you red - you don't want to outshine the bride!

I have a great chocolate brown dress with copper beading on it. I wear it to a lot of weddings and get lots of compliments! I think rich colors for an October wedding - not pastels. Good luck!