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Original poster

Posh wedding.. Help!

37 replies

duckyneedsaclean · 09/08/2015 21:15

So we've been invited to a v posh wedding this Saturday. I have faffed and not bought anything to wear and need help!

The brides parents are a Sir & lady and the wedding party is back at the family pile. It's a day do, ending at 6.30pm.

My budget is about 100, and I'm a size 10/12, 5ft 7 tall.

Argh it's so soon! And so posh! And daytime! Help please?

OP posts:
AuntieStella · 09/08/2015 21:22

What's your usual style?

You need the smartest version of that. Too radical a difference, and you'll feel like an imposter all day. Advantage of truly posh us that they won't say if do anything that leaves you uncomfy.

I would however avoid white (and near whites), black, shiny and see through for a trad daytime do.

duffcake · 09/08/2015 21:25

The smartest weddings I've been to have had the least overdressed guests.
Simple stylish dress, good shoes, great bag.

There are some fantastic finders of great frocks on here, I hope they're not on holiday.

Original poster
duckyneedsaclean · 09/08/2015 21:36

Thanks. I usually go for a maxi dress for weddings, but I'm wondering if long dresses are more 'eveningy'?

I've got a cracking bruise on one calf though so would have to go for leg make up with a knee length!

OP posts:
Gruach · 09/08/2015 21:39

So what do you have and who can you borrow from? (Bearing in mind the realities of days and ££.)

Is there one thing in your wardrobe around which you could build an outfit? Shoes? A piece of jewellery? A jacket?

Assuming that everyone you know won't also be there in their best clothes could anyone lend you something precious (or even vaguely suitable)? Then you can spend your budgeted amount on whatever's missing.

Original poster
duckyneedsaclean · 09/08/2015 21:47

I have a couple of niceish maxi possibilities- one coral with gold belt, one Navy with sheer bit at top. Just not sure if maxis are the 'done thing'.

OP posts:
calzone · 09/08/2015 21:49

Phase 8 has some beautiful dresses in at the moment for under £50.

Original poster
duckyneedsaclean · 09/08/2015 21:49

My friend who knows more posh people than me days I need a fascinator. Really?

OP posts:
MyFriendsCallMeOh · 09/08/2015 21:51

Maxi dress would be fine. Ime, there's an element of eccentricity with aristocracy which gives you a bit more leeway than with WAG-type weddings......

Original poster
duckyneedsaclean · 09/08/2015 21:52

www.phase-eight.com/fcp/product/phase-eight/dresses/amaya-lace-dress/203030751

Thanks for the phase 8 tip! Thoughts on this?

OP posts:
sofato5miles · 09/08/2015 21:54

Lovely dress. Do you have a smart fitted jacket and a broach to go with?

daisydalrymple · 09/08/2015 21:55

You could always browse ebay for a safe brand eg lk Bennett and look at buy it now or sort by ending soon. There are some true bargains to be had if you have a couple of hours to browse. - worn once or twice to the type of wedding you're going to Smile

I'm Not upper class posh me though, so other labels don't trip off my lips / keyboard easily!

BikeRunSki · 09/08/2015 21:55

Friend of mine went to a wedding that was covered by "Hello". She went to a personal shopper at John Lewis, with a similar budget, explained what she wanted an outfit for and they were excellent.

daisydalrymple · 09/08/2015 21:57

Ahh cross posted! You've found one, wow that's lovely and classic.

Original poster
duckyneedsaclean · 09/08/2015 22:00

Some comfort gained from the comments about really posh people being a bit more laid back! I don't think I'd be able to keep a straight face with a personal shopper.

No daisy no smart jacket. And actually on reflection it would show off my fat knees Blush

OP posts:
Original poster
duckyneedsaclean · 09/08/2015 22:01

Or maybe I should just go for it. Ahhh

OP posts:
burnishedsilver · 09/08/2015 22:03

I was at a wedding like that and some of the men were dressed like Rupert the Bear. There's definately a touch of eccentricity.

butmumineedit · 09/08/2015 22:04

Lovely dress, but just a word of caution that Phase eight are terribly slow at sending out stuff that you order online , so maybe get to John Lewis and have a look

butmumineedit · 09/08/2015 22:05

Lovely dress, but just a word of caution that Phase eight are terribly slow at sending out stuff that you order online , so maybe get to John Lewis and have a look

Original poster
duckyneedsaclean · 09/08/2015 22:09

Oh really butmum ? Maybe I shall just get down to John Lewis in the morning.

OP posts:
calzone · 09/08/2015 22:24

Go in and try lots of things on.

I like a fascinator but know others hate them.

Millymollymama · 09/08/2015 22:26

Do not wear a fascinator! Absolutely not posh - it's a look for the cheap enclosure at Royal Ascot but they are banned in the Royal Enclosre. That tells you they are not chic. A saucer hat like Carole Middleton wears is suitable. Or a pill box as favoured by her daughters. Check out sales. Look at photos in Tatler, not Hello! LK Bennett is perfect. Jaeger sale might have something. Jacques Vert or Coast may have something left. Navy and cream always looks good. A lace dress with a pashmina would be fine for next weekend or a modern floral. No to a maxi dress too! Looks like Ibiza beach wear, not wedding day wear. Look at photos of Glorious Goodwood for ideas on how to dress for a summer day wedding. Smart but not stuffy.

AuntieStella · 09/08/2015 22:48

A substantial fascinator is fine.

I think your friend probably means that hats will be worn, and so you need something on your head. Clips and some fascinators look like something random has landed on your head, and should therefore be avoided. Especially wispy/shiny things.

But the sorts worn by the Royals for weddings are fine.

Dowser · 10/08/2015 09:45

Dress is lovely but no fascinator.

I always think people will look at photographs in years to come and think what the hell was I thinking of sticking that on my head.

bettyberry · 10/08/2015 09:54

Get a nice tea dress, big florals would look lovely or something smart but simple probably one that sits around your knee. Not too much sparkle. A scarf or something to cover your arms if the dress is sleeveless and when it comes to heels don't bother at all with stilettos. Stick to courts esp if its going to be outside. Easier to walk on the grass in!

Heels99 · 10/08/2015 10:41

I agree that the personal shopping service at John Lewis great, it's free and thee is no obligation to buy and you get to try on loads of stuff in a short time without all this three things only in the changing room nonsense. I have always come away happy.
I have steered away from fascinators at this years wedding and gone for a saucer hat type thing instead, again John lewis