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Original poster

Is it ok to wear a floor length dress to a wedding (as a guest)

38 replies

Flo99Ora · 21/11/2014 13:50

I am invited to a wedding over Christmas. I have a stunning floor length red dress which cost £250 (was a gift) and have never had the chance to wear. Seems such a shame and I was thinking perhaps I could wear it to the Christmas wedding?

I have checked with a bridesmaid and the bride is wearing a traditional big white dress and the bridesmaids are in blue so I won't look like I am trying to be in the bridal party iykwim.

But I am still a bit self-conscious about wearing such a show-stopper dress as I normally wear something really boring that blends into the crowd!

OP posts:
notyummy · 21/11/2014 13:53

I would say yes to a festive wedding. Might not work in spring or summer but quite appropriate in winter! Have a wrap etc to help cover up if you feel self conscious? I went to a feb wedding this year btw and there were of a number of ladies in full length. They were the minority but not in a bad way!

Leviticus · 21/11/2014 13:54

I have (summer maxi dress) and it turned out it WAS the same colour as the bridesmaids Blush.

Go for it. The fact it's a Christmas wedding will help you pull it off.

Viviennemary · 21/11/2014 13:56

I'd say that it wasn't really appropriate to wear a show stopper dress if you're not the bride or bridesmaid.

lambbone · 21/11/2014 13:56

Can we see it? It sounds lovely!

Thumbwitch · 21/11/2014 13:59

I have done so, and it wasn't a maxi dress, nor the same colour as the BMs; but it didn't do any showstopping because quite frankly no one was looking at me, they were all far more interested in the bridal party!

HeartHasShattered · 21/11/2014 13:59

I don't think floor length is a problem, but show stopping probably is. The only really amazing dress at the wedding should be the brides.

kaymondo · 21/11/2014 13:59

Depends on the style of the dress I think. Lots of people wear maxi dresses to summer weddings but they are more day-to-evening dresses. I personally wouldn't wear a full length evening dress to an all day wedding event.

Original poster
Flo99Ora · 21/11/2014 14:05

It's the Ghost 'Diana' dress in red
Not sure how to link on my phone

OP posts:
Thumbwitch · 21/11/2014 14:09

Oops, pressed post too soon - Hmmmmm. It's a very beautiful dress but I would say with all the lacework that it looks too much like a red wedding dress and I wouldn't do it, sorry.

ireallydontlikemonday · 21/11/2014 14:10

It's beautiful but I would be inclined to cover up the top half somehow for the ceremony, the top is very evening dress. What time is the wedding? It would work if it was in America where the dress code is often black tie and weddings are in the evening.

Leviticus · 21/11/2014 14:11

I was going to say the opposite - that it's a nice simple line without embellishment so not OTT.

It's lovely.

Imnotaslimjim · 21/11/2014 14:12

I'd wear it but agree with Monday. If its a day wedding, cover the top half if possible. Maybe a white fluffy bolero?

RoganJosh · 21/11/2014 14:13

I think it's lovely and absolutely fine.

superram · 21/11/2014 14:18

I would have liked it if you wore it to my wedding. Go for it, maybe with a shrug for earlier inthe day?

Hoggle246 · 21/11/2014 14:23

Lovely dress! I think you will get away with this IMO - yes lace is quite bridal but seeing as it's Christmas I'd imagine it wouldn't look out of place on a guest. BUT do you know a lot of people going? I'm asking because it would be useful for you to get a sense of what effort other people will be going to. If it's quite a glam crowd this dress will be perfect, if it's more understated then you might stick out a bit - so if that's not your style you wouldn't want to spend the day feeling uncomfortable.
Anyway, hope you get to wear the dress, it's beautiful!

StardustGirl · 21/11/2014 14:23

I'm not sure If it's okay for wedding... Anyway it's a lovely dress in marvelous colour!

MehsMum · 21/11/2014 14:32

Oh, go for it: it looks gorgeous.

I wore a long dress to a wedding - but I was one of the minority not swishing elegantly about in a sari!

Original poster
Flo99Ora · 21/11/2014 14:38

Thanks all, will have a think and ask around other guests

OP posts:
happygirl87 · 21/11/2014 14:44

Yes yes do! I'm getting married on Dec 20th, and would hate it if a guest felt they couldn't. If it's mine you're coming to then don't worry Grin

notyummy · 21/11/2014 14:48

Oh how beautiful! I hope you do wear it. I always think it's a real compliment to the couple when people really make an effort for a wedding. (Unless they have been told it's casual or they are parading around in layers of white tulle of course!)

dannydyerismydad · 21/11/2014 14:52

Its beautiful. I love people making a big effort for weddings. I'd be delighted if you wore something like that to my wedding.

slithytove · 21/11/2014 14:52

Most women wore floor length dresses to my 4pm Christmas wedding

slithytove · 21/11/2014 14:53

I think that dress is fine!

Maybe a black wrap as well?

PrincessOfChina · 21/11/2014 14:55

I think a Christmas wedding has more leeway for a dress like this. Is it an indoor wedding? Do you have to go from church to venue etc?