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.

That dress you posted would be great op

@hibbledibble

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.

This is lovely!

Couple of long non-bridesmaid dresses I would consider if attending a wedding.

I think your second one is lovely. Actually so is the first but too bridesmaid like. If you are wanting to wear long I think you have to go with a pattern. Or at the very least enquire as to what the bridesmaids are wearing to avoid that.

The problem is the solid colour not the length as you can still wear 'fun print' maxi dresses

It was just unfortunate you chose a colour close to the bridesmaid dresses

The second one you picked is lovely

That definitely looks like a bridesmaids dress, I can see why the confusion arose!

A cocktail dress is wedding appropriate unless there is a dress code specifying formal attire.

I agree with others, the blue dress is evening formal. It is the fabric and style that makes it evening formal.
Uk weddings are never evening formal. I think this may be different in US?
Even if there is an evening do, most people don't chaneg, they are in same clothes for daytime and evening do, and so it is daytime formal.

Nothing wrong with a maxi dress, or ankle length. But day time maxi, not evening.

That dress is divine (first one) but unless its down as a "Formal dress" then I'd say it's too much. The second one is fine stylistically but its hideous imo, looks like paint splat.

If you post on Style and Beauty @hibbledibble with your requirements, you'll get plenty of help

@BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz ; what website are those dresses from please? I really like them!

Totally fine to wear floor length dresses, just not one that looks like a bridesmaid dress

Shein

A traditional wedding tends to morning suits not evening wear.

@BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz

Couple of long non-bridesmaid dresses I would consider if attending a wedding.

The pink and black one is lovely.

This is the perfect year for finding a not bridesmaid-y looking dress for a wedding as shops are full of them.
I'm wearing a long dress to a wedding next month.
The blue one you posted OP is far too bridesmaid like. The others are fine. And lovely!

They might look lovely in a pic but they’re Shein, who make terrible quality clothes with dodgy sizing, and they have appalling ethics as a business.

OP the second dress is stunning. Perfect I’d say. I couldn’t wear it cos I’m a short arse but would also want to cover my legs due to psoriasis. This looks like it would be comfortable to wear all day

If you don’t want to show your legs wear trousers or a jumpsuit, OP. A black tie dress like the first picture is over the top.

@BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz

Shein

Haven't they got a spectacularly awful ethics rating?

It genuinely baffles me that the mums at play group would tell you that the first dress is fine.
Maybe it varies by region or something but most weddings I attend are knee length 'going out' dresses or jumpsuits. Possibly even nice top and trousers! If I saw someone in the long blue dress I would assume they were a bridesmaid.

I guess the opinions on this vary!

Jumpsuits to me would seem far too casual as well. Gosh, I must sound very out of touch. I'm on the hunt now for a not too formal, not too casual dress now. Hope I get it right.

www.silkfred.com/boutiques/cutie-london/clothing/short-sleeve-maxi-dress-in-polka-dot-pink

Something like this is smarter than a beachy maxi dress but not OTT for a summer wedding. Silk Fred have loads of wedding-appropriate dresses. Good luck!

www.silkfred.com/boutiques/danna/clothing/blush-pink-green-yellow-floral-dress-with-frill-detail

Or this...

I would still dress formally for a wedding.

Maxi is fine - but I agree that the style you chose is very bridesmaid-y and that will be why you were confused for being one.

There are lots of maxi dresses that don’t look like a bridesmaid dress.

@Waspsarearseholes

www.silkfred.com/boutiques/cutie-london/clothing/short-sleeve-maxi-dress-in-polka-dot-pink

Something like this is smarter than a beachy maxi dress but not OTT for a summer wedding. Silk Fred have loads of wedding-appropriate dresses. Good luck!

Thank you, these are gorgeous.

www.monsoon.co.uk/mai-stripe-satin-tea-dress-green-24285007.html