Wedding issue

ShopperL · ‎05-06-2012

I have a dilemma. I was invited to a niece's wedding (hubby's brother's daughter). I've seen her about 5 times in her life and wouldn't recognize her if I ran into her at a store. We are flying to the wedding, renting a car, staying in a hotel so this is costing a few bucks. Got a save the date card and it is a black tie optional event. The last thing I want to do is purchase a gown that I will only wear once. I just retired and funds are precious at this point. Would you purchase a gown, wear a nice fancy below the knee dress or some other option? I'm looking forward to seeing my other nieces and nephews at the wedding so I want to go. What are your thoughts?

kaydee50 · ‎02-07-2011

I would not buy a dress that I'd probably only wear once. Shop your closet. I bet you already have something appropriate. And remember, it's the bride's day. What the guests wear is of very little importance.

Shelbelle · ‎03-09-2010

My son is getting married in April, I will wear a gown, but I would assume most of the female guests will not be in gowns, but more dressy cocktail attire. I dont see a need for you to wear a gown.

rockygems123 · ‎06-04-2012

@ShopperL

I have been in this situation for an evening charity event, wore a merino wool fitted below the knee dress with organza sleeves and it worked out well, didn't feel out of place. Found this info online:

"Yes, you can wear a cocktail dress to a black tie optional wedding; it is considered an appropriate choice as "black tie optional" means guests can choose to dress slightly less formal than full black tie attire, allowing for cocktail dresses as a suitable option for women. "

roeroe1005 · ‎03-13-2010

Anyplace where you can "rent" a dress? I remember they were popular a few years ago, probably before covid.

I would go for the below the knee dress if you already have it. When my nephew got married in October, the bride wanted everyone to wear a gown/long dress. I had just moved back to be closer to my family and could not afford to buy a gown. I wore dressy wide leg pants (only worn for very special occasions) with a dressier top.

If you have any thrift/consignment shops, check them out also.

Don't make yourself crazy over it.

lgfan · ‎10-19-2012

A pantsuit with a nice blouse would work out well for the wedding. A brooch or fancy scarf could also make it look more elegant.

jackthebear · ‎03-11-2010

@ShopperL wrote:
I have a dilemma. I was invited to a niece's wedding (hubby's brother's daughter). I've seen her about 5 times in her life and wouldn't recognize her if I ran into her at a store. We are flying to the wedding, renting a car, staying in a hotel so this is costing a few bucks. Got a save the date card and it is a black tie optional event. The last thing I want to do is purchase a gown that I will only wear once. I just retired and funds are precious at this point. Would you purchase a gown, wear a nice fancy below the knee dress or some other option? I'm looking forward to seeing my other nieces and nephews at the wedding so I want to go. What are your thoughts?

Amazon has tons of dresses that could work
or Poshmark ebay

TJ Maxx and Marshall are getting dresses

those are more economical options

Love my grandkids · ‎11-24-2013

@ShopperL Oh lots of good ideas here! And don't stress about the wedding of someone who is basically a stranger. I'd also shop for "pre-loved" clothing. Our city has a number of them. Do an internet search in your area. Best of luck.

drizzellla · ‎03-14-2010

@roeroe1005 wrote:
Anyplace where you can "rent" a dress? I remember they were popular a few years ago, probably before covid.

I would go for the below the knee dress if you already have it. When my nephew got married in October, the bride wanted everyone to wear a gown/long dress. I had just moved back to be closer to my family and could not afford to buy a gown. I wore dressy wide leg pants (only worn for very special occasions) with a dressier top.

If you have any thrift/consignment shops, check them out also.

Don't make yourself crazy over it.

We visited a thrift store. And there was a "nicer than an average dress" on display. I would have bought that dress BUT I could not think of any occasion I would ever wear it. I still think about the dress and think I should have bought it anyway.

Since the nicer dresses are usually only worn once, they are in wonderful condition. I know all my formal dresses were worn once.

Can't hurt to check thrift stores out. Believe me, after attending numerous niece's weddings, thousands of miles from our house. We were always shocked when we got our credit card bill after the wedding (and not in a good way).

Janey2 · ‎06-07-2010

I have gone to many black tie events and never wore a gown. Many of the guests wore knew length dresses. If you have a nice black dress ( or any other color for that matter) wear it. I am sure many of the guests will do the same. Dress it up with jewelry and a pair of great shoes.