Summer wedding - dressed up or not?

[Em308]

It’s my siblings wedding in summer and I’m struggling to find an outfit. Last wedding I went to was about a decade ago so I’ve no idea what wedding guest outfit etiquette is anymore! I’m just shy of 50 and overweight, I don’t want to be uncomfortable all day so was considering a flowy boho style dress but I’m worried this will be too casual? Any advice?!

Ask your sibling?

Flowy boho style dress sounds fine for a summer wedding. I wore a floral maxi dress from Monsoon to my friend's wedding last summer and got loads of compliments on it. The important thing is that you look like you've made an effort but you should feel comfortable too.

I doubt my brother will care!

Flowing boho is fine, as long as it’s worn with nice sandals , hair and make up done, jewellery, nice bag etc. And not all black or all white!

If that’s your style personal style and what you feel comfortable in then go for it. There’s not a rule that says once you hit 50 or size 16 you have to wear a pastel satin sleeveless shift dress with matching cropped jacket and coordinating hat and bag.

What size are you and what is your budget, @Em308?

Is the wedding a grand city event, or a barn dance or somewhere in-between?

And when you say you’re ‘struggling to find an outfit’ - what’s the issue, exactly?

I’m 5 ft 4, size 16 with a fat tummy (2 stone weight gain thanks to medication 😢). The wedding is country house style, and budgets up to £150. It’s my shape that’s making finding an outfit a struggle, plus I’m not really sure what people wear to weddings these days - although thanks to pp I’m happily going with maxi dress I think.

I know it's not the same but we got married abroad not so long ago and the only guest (that wasn't our parents/children) wore a maxi dress which was bright and vibrant. It was absolutely gorgeous.

I didn't have any bridesmaids as it was an extremely small wedding but she certainly makes the pictures look good too.

Maybe something so out of your comfort zone for a change. It's certainly made me reevaluate what I'd wear to a wedding!

a really nice maxi dress will be perfect in my option !

I would get my make up done professionally if it was a special day and nice blow dry and bag/ jewellery

I just made my poor DP feign interest while I modelled about 6 dresses potentially for his sister's wedding - I'm 38, also a size 16 (although apparently not as far as Lipsy is concerned 😒) and while normally pretty unbothered by my chubbiness (or clinical obesity if you want to be all scientific about it!), for some reason the idea of being showcased in wedding photos next to my winsome children and still very trim and handsome partner is making me a bit anxious and no dress seems quite right. Had a lightbulb moment today when I realised it's not the dresses, it's me, and that isn't going to change significantly before July so I might as well just say fuck it and go with the comfiest one. The worst thing would be to go in something that makes me feel uncomfortable and be pulling and fiddling all day. I want something I can put on and just forget about myself for the rest of the day. I hope you find something that makes you feel fantastic.

Three boho dresses from the very boho Free People. Each just a touch over your budget.

@Gruelle Thankyou for these ideas, I have never heard of Free People. Having looked at the website they have some gorgeous dresses.

While I think of it, you might find some inspiration on this thread:

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/style_and_beauty/4753001-can-we-talk-about-clothing-brands-and-target-demographics?reply=124266319

Very much geared to grown up women who actually enjoy clothes - and culminates in an absolutely enormous list of places to shop. You’ll need a few hours, but it’s worth it.