City Hall Wedding Dress?

Question

My fiancee and I have decided to get married at city hall and have dinner afterwards at a restaurant we've always wanted to go to but could never otherwise afford. We're inviting our families and a few close friends. I'd like to wear a black dress with a pearl necklace, but have had trouble finding simple, no-frills dresses. I finally found these two from Chadwicks:

http://www.chadwicks.com/product.aspx?PfId=83595&DeptId=8217&ProductTypeId=1#
http://www.chadwicks.com/product.aspx?PfId=9878&DeptId=8217&ProductTypeId=1

The second dress is pictured in brown but also comes in black.

Since we're planning to get married in the fall of 2007, I'll probably need to wear a cardigan.

1. Which dress do you think is more suitable for the occasion?
2. Is there anything wrong with wearing black?

I figure I'd be able to use the dress long after the wedding day has passed and I like a classic look.

Answer 1

I like the sleeveless sheath one. I like the style better, I think you'd get more use out of it after, and the "matte jersey" description of the fabric on the other one doesn't sound good. I also think the sheath one is better suited to wearing with a sweater. But really it's more about what will look good on you and suit your taste.

Since you're getting married at City Hall, you can wear anything you want (not that you can't otherwise, but the more traditional the wedding ceremony the more traditional you'd expect the other bits to be). I think the black dress will look nice, be dressy and flattering, and be really well suited to going out to dinner after.

Answer 2

I like the second dress better, because it's more flexible. It would be suitable at a wider variety of events.

The first dress has short sleeves, and sleeve lengths vary every year, so it would have more of a tendency to look dated. Also, it looks more casual.

I don't think there is anything wrong with a black wedding dress, but, some people would. However, it's your wedding, and more importantly, your marriage, so I wouldn't worry. (And white isn't traditional everywhere, nor has it always been traditional)

Anyway, it sounds like you should dress for the restaurant.

Have you considered getting a dress like the second that comes with a matching jacket? You might not want the jacket on your wedding day, but it will give you more options later with your dress.

Answer 3

It is your wedding so if you want to wear a black dress you should but I don't know why you would want to. There are many casual dresses in off white or ivory that are very pretty and can be used for other occasions. Or even a pale pink or a light floral design would be nice. Before you make a final decision check the website for Newport News fashions. They have alot of nice casual dresses at a reasonable price. I think a wedding should be bright and cheery no matter where it is being held. I am only giving my op ion, the final choice is yours.

Answer 4

I personally don't think there is nothing wrong with wearing black.. but that is my personal opinion. You should be able to wear whatever you want and what you feel most comfortable in. The first one is a little more casual and the second one is more professional and elegant. I would vote for the 2nd one... You can wear it with pearls and even a white cardigan if you think solid black is not appropriate... is really up to you.. I have also seen ladies wear black dresses and still wear a veil.. so it is up to your personal taste.. Now a days no-one really goes with traditional.. I mean people have kids before weddings and so forth SO what you wear should be up to you and what you like.. Best of luck and wishes... Congratulations

Answer 5

yes, you would look weird going to city hall in a big puffy regular bridal gown. I would say change into it after your ceremony, to have the pictures done, but if you're not having a reception right after that then why bother with the dress at all? if you're dying to have a picture of yourself in a 3 figure dress, just try it on at the bridal shop and have a friend snap a picture. save the money for your kid's college funds, they'll thank you when they're 18.

Answer 6

I like the first dress. However, I got married at city hall and everyone was UNDER dressed except for one person and she stuck out like a sore thumb. This would be great for the dinner but at city hall its so casual that it won't matter so don't worry about tradition, black is fine as long as you're happy in it.

Answer 7

I think the first dress is a bit more feminine and a bit prettier for a wedding. I had a white sundress for my outdoor wedding this summer, but I ended up in my black dress quickly after the ceremony because I was way more comfortable in it. Most of our pictures are of me in black... so of course I see nothing wrong with it. Pearls would be great and maybe you could put a bit of babys breath in your hair.

Answer 8

you aren't having a traditional wedding, so there is no reason to have a traditional wedding dress but remember, there are very few chances to dress up so make sure you take advantage:) I would pick something maybe a little more formal but still reusable - but black is perfect acceptable:)

Answer 9

i tried to take a look at the dresses and the picture wouldnt show up. but i am sure they are both bueatiful. as for is it alright to wear a black dress for your wedding. i would say yes. its your wedding and its your choice. i dont see why people act so funny over a wedding. it is the bride and grooms choice, where they have it , who comes, what they wear, the whole thing is up to you both not up to any one else. spoil yourself it is your day. merry christmas.

Answer 10

I don't mind not wearing white (I wore ivory and sky blue). But black is always associated with sadness (funeralish). Maybe try a happier color or red!! But it is your wedding. I like the style of the first better!