September wedding - all black dress code

[HotGazpacho]

I’m attending a family friend’s wedding in Italy in September and have been informed it’s an all black dress code. Nobody other than the bride will be wearing colour.

I’m finding it so hard to identify something that I can wear that will be suitable for a wedding, but isn’t black tie. I’d imagine the weather will be quite warm.

Mid-40s, 5’ 8, size 12, if that makes any difference. I’d quite like something structured and that accentuates my waist. Budget up to £300. I’d love something McQueen or Westwood adjacent, but without the hefty price tag. Is this a dream too far?

Not in Italy. Black is de rigeur. DH is Italian, and practically everyone wears black. Partly because our weddings start very late (6pm) due to the heat, so it's more of a black tie/cocktail vibe. Also because we're down south, where black is more prevalent. Honestly this is an easy dress code!

I can't tell if either of the bride or groom are Italian or if this is a destination wedding, but if the latter then don't worry too much about looking too dressy. Italian weddings do tend towards more evening than daywear in comparison to British weddings.

Italians don't wear hats to weddings but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't. You will be considered delightfully British by any Italians in attendance if you do!

Ah shame this one is very similar.

https://www.babyboofashion.com/en-eu/products/nefertiti-maxi-dress-black

A few more options

https://goddiva.co.uk/products/strapless-asymmetric-tiered-midaxi-dress-black-by-goddiva?variant=56827356905847&country=GB&currency=GBP&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22280338539&gbraid=0AAAAADz1SfiVzr0ZZD46tULD-75t_pv0s&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIz7WcmvmclAMVZ5lQBh06IzaxEAQYHyABEgLb0_D_BwE

https://www.coastfashion.com/product/coast-sleeveless-ruffle-pleat-satin-back-crepe-dress_bcc09823?colour=black

https://goddiva.co.uk/products/basque-fit-and-flare-halter-neck-midi-dress-black-by-goddiva

https://www.anthropologie.com/en-gb/shop/hybrid/by-anthropologie-backless-sheer-midi-dress?color=001

https://lavishalice.com/products/arabella-velvet-guipure-lace-strapless-midi-dress-in-black?variant=56416622477694&_mcfeed=uk&utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=23686048268&utm_content=197731832634&utm_term=&gadid=801777479178&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23686048268&gbraid=0AAAAADgjO4gK21UzCq6Te_y4Xt_SLCA0J&gclid=EAIaIQobChMInom7oPeclAMVr5lQBh1M0yneEAQYASABEgJk_fD_BwE

https://byemiliarose.com/products/women-s-dress-with-strapless-bodice-and-tulle-skirt?variant=52353075413333&country=GB&currency=GBP&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=google%2Bshopping&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23474743581&gbraid=0AAAABCpUF_9AqtFHZWx3tMLr2R56xXG8l&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIue3Mo4KdlAMVspxQBh0B_RjDEAQYCCABEgL1gPD_BwE

https://www.johnlewis.com/asceno-the-valencia-pure-silk-slip-dress-black/p113397016

https://www.johnlewis.com/forever-new-bianca-woven-mix-knit-dress-black/p115037173

https://lavishalice.com/collections/black-dresses/products/dahlia-one-shoulder-micro-button-midi-dress-in-black

https://www.meandem.com/draped-neckline-straight-full-length-dress-black

This is a lovely dress but if they are having a religious ceremony (possibly not if it's all in a villa?) then it's way too short for an Italian church.

Agree with this, italian weddings definately veer more towards evening wear.

Some fantastic suggestions here, including the fan! I’ve started a list. 😂 I knew the vipers would come good for me.

Apart from the bride, you will all look like you are at a funeral.
The world has gone mad.

I think the idea of all guests wearing black to a wedding is just awful.

I dislike wearing black, I have almost no black in my wardrobe, other than a pair of jeans and some black velvet trousers I sometimes wear at Christmas time with a flashy coloured/sparkly top.

When I went on a posting abroad in 1982 we HAD to have a black outfit in case the Queen Mother (or any other royal) died as we'd have to do state mourning. Ha! The dear love lasted until 2002 😄I still associate wearing black with sombre occasions.

But then nobody's asked me to an all-black wedding (thankfully).

Boden have a strapless taffeta one at the mo.

https://www.boden.com/products/women-strapless-taffeta-dress-black-d1668blk?_pos=9&_fid=32ab4eceb&_ss=c

Black would be the worst thing to wear due to the heat.

I’d hang on until more summer stuff hits to shops later this month and look for a very nice sundress that I could glam up. Or buy that Stella McCartney one on vinted if it’s your size!

Jesus. That sounds dreadful.
Will those people have monitors going around to police the conversations? Not an easy job when (if?) the drinks start flowing.
As for all black outfits, does it apply from top to toe? Or could you break up the deadly sombre outfits with coloured bags, shoes, titfers etc?

The photos will look positively funereal if not.

@tartyflette I’m given to understand that it’s from top to toe. One of the wedding party apparently bought a black dress with a white pattern on it, and was told quite firmly that it would not be acceptable.

I do usually love a black dress but had planned on something lovely and green, with hot pink heels. Alas, alas.

One of the wedding party apparently bought a black dress with a white pattern on it, and was told quite firmly that it would not be acceptable.
What kind of absolute arsehole treats their friends and family like this and uses them purely as props for their photographs? Why would you want to pander to it?

What precisely does the invitation state on this?

I'd tell them where they could shove their wedding.

Do all the guests have to send a photo of their proposed outfit for bridal approval?

https://www.flannels.com/boss-womens-dress-with-cut-out-detailing-332641?cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=22206814024&cq_term=&cq_plac=&cq_net=x&cq_plt=gp&cq_con=&cq_med=pla&cq_pos=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22196645169&gbraid=0AAAAA9YKf-SfbzOg8dQkTpAQH4-ZYif23&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIqubZzY6elAMV7pVQBh0BMwA5EAQYAyABEgJT9PD_BwE#colcode=33264103
This looks lovely!

I have this dress and the material is quite light so I’d imagine good for Italy. celira.co.uk/collections/debut-collection/products/the-black-felicity-dress?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAdGRleARkp0dleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAae4k8LDgoWFwYqPEDgLtozecC-AJIcL9AmgNQZR6wTT7fTFyZbvAXOa7X2oLw_aem_b1Ggpcac1Z1PvcjrhspbdA

I have a very smart black jumpsuit that I bought for evening wear and have also worn to a funeral and a christening.

Looove this 😍