Wedding guest dress help

[Northerngirlabroad]

I've been invited to a formal wedding in the spring, dress code is cocktail dresses. I haven't been to a wedding for over a decade and I don't think I've ever been to an event this formal so I would love some help! I'm on a serious budget at the moment so need it to be as cheap as possible, very happy to get from Vinted if necessary. I would really appreciate any help!! I'm 5'4" and a size 10. Thanks in advance!

A dress code for a cocktail dress does not indicate a formal wedding, it indicates a flash wedding. In any event, I've never been given a dress code for a wedding.

If we attend a black tie event, I usually wear a simple, knee lengrh, silk, velvet or lace frock or black/navy silk trousers and a dressy top.

Any of these would work:

https://www.nobodyschild.com/products/green-floral-broderie-anglaise-fern-midi-dress-d254470

https://www.prettylittlething.com/burgundy-woven-bandeau-ruched-skater-midaxi-dress.html

https://www.nobodyschild.com/products/olive-cowl-neck-midaxi-trixie-bridesmaids-dress-d243077

https://www.karenmillen.com/product/karen-millen-mesh-plunge-strappy-detail-maxi-dress_bkk26666l

What are your thoughts about colours , length, style OP. ? What would you normally wear to a wedding ?

Thank you so much, these are good ideas! I love the first and second ones but can't really pull off strapless any more. Will have a bit of a search along these lines though.

See this is my problem, I don't really know what I'm looking for!

I haven't been to many weddings in recent years - the last was 10 years ago and before that was my own, 15 years ago. I'm 42 now and there were a flurry of weddings when I was in my mid twenties but nothing much since then. In general, I feel like I know my own style now, but this invite has made me realise that I have absolutely no idea about dressing up any more 😬 I don't even really go 'out out' these days so don't have any idea about what is on trend or would look good / not out of place. I like green in various shades, also purple and navy, although it will be spring so navy possibly is a bit dark. Pastel colours don't generally look good on me, they make me look a bit washed out. At previous weddings I mostly wore strapless, structured just above the knee dresses from Warehouse / Oasis (shows my age!), and I do like a bit of structure. I'm fairly slim but have a bit of a bulgy tummy so I'm not keen on anything clingy. I like the idea of something floral but haven't found anything that looks dressy enough. I don't think I can get away with strapless or spaghetti straps but am open to other styles.

I think I’d have the same dilemma with this dress code probably. The last wedding I went to was in the winter and I wore a dark red velvet dress although I kinda wished I’d worn a men’s style evening suit. Cocktail dress + wedding + spring = not my favourite combination

So if the budget is tight you obviously have Vinted as an option but no opportunity to try on which might be a risk for you. Although if you’re paying £20 for a better brand it might be worth a punt. Mango is not on my usual rotation of shops but they always have a lot of dresses snd seem to be the budget version of Massimo Dutti. ( who I like). At this time of year they have a lot of party dresses on offer and some real bargainous prices although no idea what the quality would be like. Not too many sleeves in evidence and a lot of red as you might expect. Worth a scroll through though since the style of them is more elegant than the price would suggest.

Green. Roman always worth a look, especially on a budget. Even though probably a bit looked down on here at S&B. 🙂
https://www.roman.co.uk/leaf-lace-sequin-midi-dress-14292334

I went to a fairly dressy wedding for the first time in ages recently, so I know how you feel. Everyone was wearing long dresses, so even though your invitation says cocktail, I suspect you might find the same.

What about this?
Green Frill Sleeve Lola Midi Dress https://share.google/ejD8orOhL36la9fKY

Nobody's Child has got a sale on at the moment with a few possible options in your size. Some of the colours might be too autumnal though.

Dress 1

Dress 2

Dress 3

Dress 4

Dress 5

Dress 6

Mango is a good idea and I love all of these dresses, will have a scroll through to see what else they've got too.

Yes true, prices are pretty good. And I think you're right that green is the way to go. I'll have a look...

Some really lovely dresses here too, thank you for finding these!

Thank you everyone for taking the time to offer advice and find options. I'm feeling a little more confident now, will have a look this week and try a few options.

If you're on a budget, but are willing to try eBay/Vinted, you'll get much better quality if you look at some of the higher-end high street brands (Reiss, Whistles, Jigsaw etc) than buying some of the cheaper brands above.

Also, cocktail dress doesn't usually mean long - some of the above are more like evening/ball gowns!!

Something like this green Whistles one perhaps? I have had this dress myself (too big for it now!) & it's really nice. Would look good with a simple blazer & great heels & jewellery.

https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/7147187567-whistles-tiered-green-dress

That one above is a 10 btw, despite the listing - as is this which is even cheaper!

https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/7169607299-whistles-green-dress

A Jigsaw dress in 10, which is a lovely shape. Still on their website.

https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/7407280092-jigsaw-long-green-dress-size-10

I have this Jigsaw dress myself - it's silk, ankle-length & elegant. Wore it with a navy blazer, strappy gold sandals & gold clutch bag with a chain.

Your accessories can make any of these look suitably "cocktail" (I agree with a previous poster, it's a really annoying dress code!!).

Annoyingly, I cant find any other online images of it. It's slightly halterneck/cut in at the shoulders (but fine with a halter bra), & is a slim A-line - ie not voluminous but not straight either. Just under the bust is an inverted pleat down to the hem, which makes it sit really nicely.

https://www.vinted.co.uk/items/6767512164-green-silk-dress

I think I missed this earlier, love this one, thank you!

What time of day is the wedding ceremony, and where will it be held?

These are great options and very good prices! Thanks for digging these out. The Jigsaw ones in particular are lovely.

It's at 1 o' clock and it's in a fancy castle.