Dress for royal garden party and wedding

[VegQueen]

I’ve been invited as a plus 1 to a garden party at Buckingham palace which is very exciting. I would like to get a new dress for it that I can also wear to a summer wedding I have coming up. Would love any suggestions on what dress to buy.

The dress code for women is day dress

I’m size 14, 5’ 3 and in my early 30s. I would like something that covers my upper arms and not white or black. I don’t want to spend much more than £100

These are my current ones I’ve found that I like the most but not sure either are quite right

https://www.nobodyschild.com/products/floral-puff-sleeve-zelda-midi-dress-d250628mlt - worried it might look a bit frumpy on me

https://www.monsoon.co.uk/ester-satin-ruffle-midi-dress-green-1000458024.html?utm_content=brand&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADjtA_HxdOn2bCllyyfGwOPEXylY7&gclid=Cj0KCQjwzYLABhD4ARIsALySuCQE3_wv7bJmOMkVEOHkYTlNrmcqGVID0MHLu2tr32EK_c8Nas6UIDIaAvtlEALw_wcB - in green or red but not sure about satin for summer

I love this shape but not sure the colour would suit me https://www.nobodyschild.com/products/yellow-puff-sleeve-zola-mini-dress-d250593ylw?queryID=0ea5d6fd5dedd343ab562bb3f4679cbc

I also love Rixo but its out of budget but just as a sense of my style (couldn’t find anything in their sale/on vinted)

Any thought on my options or suggestions for alternatives?

On a practical note, what time do people normally start to queue up to go in?

I tend to massively overthink, hence not wearing it last year, so thank you for the re-assurance 😊

I'd nip in the bud your child phoning and messaging her little friends.
Way too young to get her used to a phone.

I went to a garden party this time last year (slightly less formal maybe - plus one for DofE awards). I wore a pinafore dress and flats and despite being a bit nervous about the whole thing, had an absolute blast. We queued about ten minutes and the entrance checks were quick and efficient. Everyone super friendly and polite and made to feel very welcome. Really fun day. It was hot but there was lots of shade.

@VegQueen were you there today?