Among Friends

[CalminHeart]

My son is getting married in April. I'm wearing a tea length dress. Yes, I bought it because I'm the mother of the groom.

I don't see any reason a guest would need to buy new clothes.

[hkrgrl]

i agree with most:

you do not need a full lenght dress although i just bought one for a wedding in 2 weeks at Nordstrom. $89, it adorable!  there are many full length dresses that are not gowns

tea length is fine

bridal shops that sell 'used once' are great

some TJMaxx have a formal section

upscale consignment shop, perfect!

"rent the runway' or something similar

one thing that hasn't been mentioned:  the color of the bridesmaids dresses. 

i would steer clear of that.  many mentioned black but i would be sure they are not wearing black. black is on trend. 

very dressy pantsuits are in style.

personally i don't care 'if i haven't seen' whoever.  i would never want to be under dressed for wedding.  would rather to be overdressed than under dressed.

you can do it for under $100.  give yourself enough time to find it. 

[kindred cats]

Whatever you decide to wear, make sure it's very comfortable so you won't be self-conscious in any way.

As the saying goes, I suggest... "You Do You" and don't worry about the whole thing.

Have a great time after all the effort you're putting into going. 

[Tinkrbl44]

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@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?

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@ShopperL 

Do some googling for retailers in your area and online ... and seriously consider RENTING something.  

Seriously.

You didn't mention WHERE or WHAT SEASON and that's important.

One idea .....   If you want to look nice on a very limited budget, look for an expensive beaded top or jacket that could be worn with a pair of black filmy pants.  You get the idea.   

These can be rented.  

[sunshine45]

palazzo pants are wonderful.....they are comfortable and can be dressed up with a simple dressy tank and a nice topper/kimono/shrug.

attitudes by renee

[shoekitty]

I think a simple cocktail dress can be adorned with glamorous jewelry, and knock out shoes and bag.   I have a a black, and a deep green midi fitted dress , both plain. Fabric is beautiful.  I wear with a  kimono cardigan, knock out shoes , a unique lornette from JR, and one of my vintage metal handbags. You can dress things up with accessories

for spring summer I have a beige and gold thread form fitting midi crochet dress with jacket I wear. I call it the wedding dress, lol. It is over 25 yrs old. It's been to TWO of my daughters weddings, my granddaughters, and other  weddings. Total of about 6. It is one of those dresses that never is dated, ever. . I am always bombarded with compliments, even people I don't know come up to me.  I have had it altered, as I lost weight since purchase. But one timeless purchase lasts forever.  I just lucked out. I paid 500 for it on sale in 1999,  thought I was gonna die. Just couldn't find anything else kept coming back to this dress. ETA, it was made by DAMIANOU, now defunct. I actually ran across one, NWT three years ago, and bought a spare, lol for 199.00.  

[Group 5 minus 1]

@ShopperL If you hardly know her, why are you going to all that trouble and expense? Just decline the invite.

[lgfan]

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@Group 5 minus 1 wrote:

@ShopperL If you hardly know her, why are you going to all that trouble and expense? Just decline the invite.

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She may not know her well but it is her husband's niece.  It may not be important to her but it is important to her husband.

[haddon9]

I don't understand those who are saying don't go....why?  It's her husband's brother's daughter.  His niece.  Her niece through marriage.

It sounds like it's important to him so should she stay at home while her husband goes?

The question isn't if she should go or not, but what to wear.

[Group 5 minus 1]

It sounds like, from the first post, they really have not socialized at all. Was there any input from her husband about wanting to attend?