What is the best type of dress to wear to a formal wedding?

Question

i am going to the wedding of my boyfriend's sister whom i have never met. he wants me to wear something formal but not too formal. being a man, he really cant give me any good ideas as what would be appropriate, lol. the last wedding i went to was a casual one. any ideas would be appreciated.

i appreciate all the answers you all have given me so far. this is an evening wedding (7pm) so that's why i think he is telling me to wear something more formal than you would if it was in the afternoon! he's wearing mostly all black so i definately will need something that is not too dark.

Answer 1

Deja vu! My boyfriend's sister is getting married in August and it is a formal wedding and he told me the same thing! Luckily I am close to his mom and sisters so I asked them what I shoudl be wearing. I was told a long dress or gown would be just fine and a better choice than a shorter dress. With that and the color of the bridesmaids in mind I went out and found a dress I fell in love with. I showed the dress to the mother of the bride, the bride herself and the MoH (bride's sister) as well as my boyfriend and was given all-around approval. My dress is a long rose-colored satin gown that will accent the bridesmaids green dresses.

That being said, if you know anyone in his family who is a female (mother, another sister, aunt, grandmother) ask her what she suggests. The word "formal" can be taken many different ways which is why I felt the need to ask as well.

If you know no family or friends who are going to ask, go with tea-length but nothing shorter. Formal implies evening and short dresses are not usually worn. Plus you are the bride's brother's date so you get the option of being a little more dressy than the average guest! I'd say stay away from poufy prom dresses, anything the same color as the bridesmaids or anything that screams Red Carpet at the Oscars. Otherwise, you'll be fine!

I found a great selection of dresses at Macy's and since it's graduation and prom season you'll probably find something on sale!

Good luck and have a great time!!!

Answer 2

I'm not entirely sure why someone would say don't wear something that goes to the floor. I'm also not sure why anyone would say don't wear something formal if you're not in the wedding...if it's a formal event, you should most definitely dress in a formal manner.

I highly recommend that you get more information from the bride directly (or perhaps the MOB). If she's planning a formal event, she may be hoping that all of her female guests wear evening gowns. My daughter is having a formal wedding, and I know that this is her wish.

For many weddings, a cocktail dress is appropriate. However, the bride in question may be concerned about her guests wearing black, which is the most "common" color for a cocktail dress. Alternately, you should be sure you know the colors of the wedding, and find a dress that is not the same color, or you may be in conflict with the wedding party.

Answer 3

Don't wear something too revealing. This is not a hot date, it is a wedding! Look through your prom dresses. If you have one that isn't too revealing or "flouncy" wear that. Otherwise go shopping for a dress that you can wear multiple times at other formal occasions that is comfortable and fits your body. The skirt length needs be at least below the knee. You don't want something with a small train or drags on the floor with heels. I would suggest looking at some bridesmaids dresses because while some can be really weird there are a lot out there that are very tastefull and beautiful and can be worn again and again. Just be warned, you will probably have to pay a pretty penny for a nice bridesmaid dress like that!

Good luck!

Answer 4

What time is the wedding? Generally the later the wedding, the more formall the attire is to be worn. If you want to play it safe though, I'd get a simple dress, maybe in a nice color that you like--or even black if it's a more formal wedding--and wear that. Keep it fairly simple, that way you can accessorize it more casual or more formal.

Answer 5

I suggest that you find a dress that you feel comfortable in .. I usually wear this comfortable black cocktail dress. It is great for wedding in the summer and in the winter. But you might want to keep in mind the weather at the time of the event. Just make sure it is not too low cut or tasteless. You want to enjoy your self and not be self-conscience all evening. You also do not want to outshine the bride. I suggest going to the knot.com they have plenty of ideas on what to wear for different weddings/seasons.

Answer 6

I was in the exact same dilemma for a wedding that I'm going to with my fiance this saturday. I just went shopping around for what felt right and I got a dress that looks similar to the one in the picture but is a chiffon fabric. You might wanna check out Davids Bridal, I got mine there at a good price cuz it was on clearance.

http://www.davidsbridal.com/bridesmaids_detail.jsp?stid=1674&prodgroup=110

Answer 7

If by formal you mean that "Black Tie" was specified on the location, you need to wear a long gown.
If it's just by inference that they don't want it to be 'casual', and nothing is printed on the invitation, just wear a pretty tea-length dress.
Otherwise, one would just wear a pretty, modest dress - of whatever length.

Answer 8

Wear light colors ( peach, sky blue etc) a dress that goes best with you frame and body type. Soemthing weather appropriate. Not too formal, somthing you could wear with a nice jacket.

Answer 9

I would wear something like a cocktail dress in a neutral color - perhaps a navy or beige/taupe. Summer dresses can always be dressed up with a shawl and the right accessories as well.

Answer 10

What about a cocktail dress? That's more formal than your average dress, but less formal than an evening gown.