Help! Marquee wedding, what to wear?

[JassyRadlett]

Right. Going to a wedding this weekend in a part of the country not known for its warmth at the best of times. Have just found out the reception will be in a marquee so I'm now thinking that the short-sleeved cotton frock I'd planned to wear isn't going to cut it as I'm not sure how well heated the marquee will be!

I have a couple of other options (eg Boden 3/4 sleeve skater dress in dark blue) that will just about do but don't feel quite right for a spring/summer job.

Any brilliant ideas on what could be procured from a high street shop between now and Saturday lunchtime? If it helps, I'm 5'9, a size 10-12 and mildly pear shaped, and have a wide range of shoes to mix and match with.

Thank you!

which shops can you get to? Any department stores?

I'm near Kingston, and will be going to Norwich so options incl most high street chains, John Lewis.

Kingfishers -- good idea on blazer, it would prob need to be quite short as the dress is slightly A-line. I don't have one but perhaps a jersey style one would work? If I can find a decent one - any ideas gratefully received!

Maybe some opaque tights?

Opaques won't work but there will be tights no matter what. Think I'm more worried about upper half which is where I get cold. Think it will be a mad dash round John Lewis tomorrow am for something suitable, whether blazer or whole new outfit. This is a major wardrobe gap for me so I don't mind spending if I find the right thing...

Its shoes that can be a problem with outdoor weddings I find. Wrecks your heels walking on grass and uneven floors. Nice wedges not always easy to find.

You might find the marquee has heaters, it did in the last wedding I went to. But I agree a jersey blazer might be useful - it's a good addition to your wardrobe anyway, whether you need it for the wedding or not.

What about a pretty camisole as well? actually I was thinking thermal vest

Thermal a v good idea. I've already got a nice vest/cami for under the dress but I might bolster it a but.

Any tips on where to find a nice jersey blazer.

I am from the southern hemisphere where if you are having an outside wedding you can at least guarantee it won't be freezing cold. I feel for the happy couple - but I'm not good at being cold either!

I think you'll find the marquee is (over) heated, but don't you just need a little cardi?

Zara for blazers!

Oh god, you've just reminded me of the coldest wedding I ever went to. Down south, in Salisbury, in June, but it was raining in that light drizzle way and I was wearing a silk dress and a silky cardigan type top. Not worth putting up an umbrella, so everyone was slightly damp.

If I had known how cold it was going to be I would have worn thermals and tights under the dress.

Cold church too, made of thick stone. Had to have a hot bath afterwards to warm up before bed. The hotel had its heat off as it was 'summer'!!

I agree that wedges are best on uneven soft ground. A big woollen shawl is also handy for that extra layer.

I hope those who predict heated marquee are right. I've been to 'summer' weddings before where it has been distinctly chilly. And I'm a total wimp about being cold.

Good tip about Zara - thanks!

My own wedding was a distinctly drizzly day (and later it tipped it down). But fortunately we were all nice and warm and dry inside with a view of the river.