Buckingham Palace - What to Wear

[internationalchic]

I apologize in advance, Im American and have just been invited as a date to Buckingham Palace for a meal. My British date lost the invite and is not at all concerned that he can't remember the details like dress, exact time, etc. Its May 4 and he says "early afternoon to evening, dancing involved and he is wearing a black suit, ivory shirt, silver links and tie pin".

What do I wear???? and what should I expect to see/protocol, etc.? Anyone have contact details at the Palace I can ask?

Ive read hosiery is a must. I am torn between two dresses, but think they may be too formal (is that possible?). They are below:

shop.nordstrom.com/S/2943214?origin=sendtofriend&cm_ven=OrderCorrespondence&cm_cat=TEXTNORD&cm_pla=FriendEmail&cm_ite=196533

shop.nordstrom.com/S/2943214?origin=sendtofriend&cm_ven=OrderCorrespondence&cm_cat=TEXTNORD&cm_pla=FriendEmail&cm_ite=196533

sorry, here is the second dress:

www.vonmaur.com/Product.aspx?ID=87451&Sale=n&pg=1

Wow, exciting. Sorry, have no advice about protocol or the appropriateness of the dresses for the occasion. For what it's worth I love the navy dress but am less keen on the other. I'd definately do my homework on timing, protocal and dress code. To get in touch with the palace, have a look at:

www.royal.gov.uk/Contactus/Contact%20a%20member%20of%20the%20Royal%20Family.aspx

Let us know what you find out!

Hope your British date finds the invite - I would have thought Buck House would be very strict on no invitation/no admittance! You had better encourage him to get searching ASAP!

The first dress is stunning - if you wore it with some type of jacket I am sure you would look amazing. It is very Jennifer Lopez but in a graceful and very feminine way.

How exciting for you!

If you phone up they will be able to tell you. Can I come?

I find this highly dubious !

Think you were right MsNorbury - but why would someone make up something like this???

I recommend something from this range.

How strange, I just had a brush with royalty this week. The security was extreme. I had to send ID proof weeks before the event and admittance was strictly with your invitation and more proof of ID.

For what it is worth though the blue dress is beautiful.

erm, your date will need the invite to gain entry, so if he has invited you then he needs to find it PDQ!

IF in the afternoon/evening then it could be a garden party, so a cocktail dress would be appropriate.

yes, choochoo ID so they can do security checks is also protocol.

I think a long dress is too eveningy.

It's too early in the year for a garden party. They take place in July. Bound to need. ID, passport ideal. Does sound very odd though.