Outfit for a wedding in America

[TeamSledward]

I've been invited to my cousin's wedding in America.
I've been invited to the Rehearsal Dinner on the Friday evening, and then the wedding ceremony is at 5.30 on Saturday, followed by cocktails, dinner and dancing.
Then there is a Sunday breakfast reception (coffee, juice and light snacks, apparently...)

WTF do I wear?!
I have a lovely flattering black lace dress that I would like to wear to the wedding, but I have concerns. I wouldn't wear black to a British wedding, but is that acceptable in the US (especially with a cocktail party after)?
And what about the Sunday do? Any weddings I've been to here, where we've stayed over, everyone just rocks up to breakfast in the hotel bleary eyed and wearing their jeans.

I'm 5'2, and a larger lady. Big boobs, apple shaped, but cracking legs (even if I do say so myself!). Size 16 waist, with an 18/20/22 top, depending on which shop I go in.
And on a budget too! Don't really want to spend more than £75 on a dress, would love to spend less that £150 on outfits for all three occasions.

This is why i Love mumsnet. You get advice about hair care, tourism and links to the most ridiculous hats , all in one short thread

:o
Multidimensional, innit?

Have only skimmed thread - but definite NO to jeans at rehearsal dinner. A nice, not too formal, dress.

And also no to a facinator. The reason Americans compliment people so much on them is that they think they look funny, and are being polite, IMO, but I'm happy to be proven wrong.

OK - here goes :)
Dress up, not down
Hair immactulate
Nails also immaculate
Yes to fascinator

You'll do!

I wore a hat to a posh wedding in NYC. Was the only one but I wanted to show I'd made the effort for my friend who expected it from me being British.

Is there any chance of shopping once in the US? For your size you'll have loads more choice and all much much cheaper.

No to the jeans.
Fascinator -- maybe bring one but play it by ear. It might be ott.

There are nail places everywhere you turn around. Go for something a bit more restrained than this.

loads of time for clothes shopping. And your body clock will be out so you'll be able to start really early in the day :)
Mani/ pedi with your mum sounds the way to go!

I don't know about public transit in DC but when I was there it was chockablock with taxis. I don't remember them being grossly expensive either. I wouldn't bother renting a car.

Public transport ideas here.

Those nails are spectacular

Oh, I forgot nice nails. Americans do like their nice nails.

The only Americans I know are academics, but never the less, they frequently discuss their nails, where they have them done, the cost, blah, blah.

When I was in LA, even my nail biting feminist Dsis became engrossed in these nail conversations. Until I pointed out there is no way we would be having these discussions if we were in the UK. Then she stopped dragging me into salons to ask for their price list.

Huh - MNHQ must have thought lollypoppy's post sounded like an advert too (I thought so but was too chicken to say).

Ok, what have you decided on, TeamEd?

And remember American's don't tend to get absolutely wasted at weddings like us Brits. Not that you would, of course, but just saying.

I like that dress a lot! Love the twist on the front. You'll look fab. Please post pictures after!

I don't know about all American weddings of course but the ones I've been to in the States were pretty booze-soaked :o
There's usually at least one utterly smashed American relative who takes on the role of complete drunken arse so everyone who's only moderately smashed can feel a little better :)

Really lovely dress.