To go to a wedding in formal attire?

[hibbledibble]

Not been to a wedding for a little while due to covid. The last one I went to, I wore a formal, ankle length dress, and I felt distinctly over dressed compared to most guests who were generally wearing something I would wear to the pub. (Floral dresses). Awkwardly, I wore the same colour as the bridesmaids too, who didn't wear matching dresses, so some people thought I was a bridesmaid. There was no mention of a dress code, or colours not to wear in the invite, and it was a traditional church wedding.

Going to a wedding this summer, which will also be a traditional church wedding, and wondering is formal for weddings out now? What is acceptable to wear as a female guest. Obviously not going for white or black, but wondering regarding style and formality.

For context, I wore a dress similar to the picture below previously.

Yabu to go to a wedding in a bridesmaid esque dress.
Unless you live in a box you'll know that full length formal is not the done thing for a wedding. There have been royal weddings heavily covered in the media in recent years that you can use for reference as a guest.

I’d deff go less formal than that!

Pretty summer dress, shoes you can dance in, something to cover your shoulders (nice jacket?), and a hat if that’s your thing - job’s a good ‘un.

That dress is very bridesmaid like. I think full length dresses are fine though if they're patterned.

Personally for a church wedding I would wear knee length, shoulders covered and possible hat.

In the UK traditionally to a church wedding would be knee length dress, jacket to cover shoulder in church and a hat.

In the UK as weddings are in the daytime dresses shouldn't be long

That’s dress is evening wear for ball and isn’t really appropriate for a wedding.

You'd honestly have to live under a rock to not know that a formal dress such as the one pictured screams bridesmaid.

For reference of what is appropriate why not use what you saw others wearing as a guide. You could also Google wedding guest outfit ideas and there will be
Thousands of appropriate ideas.

It’s not so much formal vs informal as it is daytime formal vs evening formal. The sort of thing you wear to a church wedding has a lot more in common with what you’d wear for a day at the races or a garden party at Buckingham palace and less in common with what you’d wear to an awards ceremony. Your dress looks more “evening formal” to me. I doubt I’m using the proper terminology but hopefully you get what I mean.

The dress in the pic is beautiful. Wear what you want - whose business is it to tell you what’s ‘acceptable’?

No not that dress, it’s really bridesmaid like.

A bright cocktail dress with a little jacket, or like a PP says a floral maxi dress could work better.

I got caught out as a ‘bridesmaid’ once- I had a hot pink dress which was knee length and flared, but the actual bridesmaids had long fushia dresses on. Then DH went and caught the bouquet, so I was carrying it into the reception venue and the MC tried to direct me to the top table, and got really pissy when I wouldn’t go 😂

That is literally a bridesmaid dress.

Unless the dress code is black tie, that's too formal.

Hmm, some comments a bit on the harsh side. I cover my legs due to a medical condition, and had shown the dress to other mums prior to choosing it and they said it was fine, so it is clearly not just me. I'll take on board the comments that a different style is required though.

Formal for weddings is daytime formal - look at what the women of the Royal Family wear at weddings garden parties and Royal Ascot. Floral dresses feature heavily, as do pastel suits

What you are proposing might be suitable for a black tie wedding - this would normally be specified on the invitation (but also guessable because it would be an entirely evening event)

That's not typical wedding guest wear, no! It's quite bridesmaid.

Less formal than that. Calf length or above if a dress. Unless it's a floaty maxi dress.

Google it. Wedding guest uk. Click on images.

Have a look at pictures of guests at recent royal weddings - it will give you a very good idea of what is de rigeur.

I would think if you wanted to cover your legs then a midi or maxi dress would be fine , but look for something less formal. That looks like a dress for a ball .

@RancidOldHag

Formal for weddings is daytime formal - look at what the women of the Royal Family wear at weddings garden parties and Royal Ascot. Floral dresses feature heavily, as do pastel suits

What you are proposing might be suitable for a black tie wedding - this would normally be specified on the invitation (but also guessable because it would be an entirely evening event)

Came on to say exactly this. Formal daytime attire (morning dress) is expected for a wedding. Very different to black tie. That dress is black tie I'm afraid so unless stated on the invite avoid 'ball' type dresses

Look at what the Royals would-wear to wedding to get the idea of what wedding formal is. No big floaty long things: mainly floral/pastel shift dresses, jackets, skirt suits.

What about this op?

Formal for traditional UK weddings is (baring regional differences such as kilts or cultural difference such as saris and similar) knee length (or midi) dresses, coat dresses or jackets )basically covered shoulders) with a hat. Trouser suits have become more popular. Less formal weddings mean mini dresses or short suits can be worn.

Formal does not mean full length for guests. That dress in your picture is a Bridesmaid or Prom dress.

@hibbledibble

Hmm, some comments a bit on the harsh side. I cover my legs due to a medical condition, and had shown the dress to other mums prior to choosing it and they said it was fine, so it is clearly not just me. I'll take on board the comments that a different style is required though.

Surely a maxi dress would be a good compromise if you wanted to cover your legs.

Did the other mums think you were part of the bridal party? I honestly can't imagine people agreeing the pictured dress was suitable for a guest.

It's a lovely dress and I wouldn't mind you wearing it at all. As long as you are not clashing colours so ask the bride/groom about scheme. Some happier jacket or wrap would be lovely with it

I asked the mums at playgroup, maybe we all live under a rock!

Would something like this be acceptable then?

I'm learning a lot here.

I suspect they were either being polite or rather nasty I'm afraid. If you don't want to show your legs and tights won't do, then go for a trouser suit or an all-in-one.

It's fine to wear long dress to the wedding🙄