Does 'cocktail dress' on an invitation mean you have to wear above the knee?

[plantsitter]

And if it's a wedding invitation (and men in black tie), is it unforgivable to wear black?

I am huge. I have a picture of a cocktail dress being a pink, satiny tu-tu type affair with a bandeau top. A bit like this maybe. But I will look like Miss Piggy if I wear that.

Thanks in advance!

even Miss Piggy would back away from that hideous dress.

Our wedding invitations said cocktail dress, and by that I meant nice party dress. Not above the knee. My sister wore black to my wedding, I just remembered, and I didn't care (or even notice) but am quite lax like that.

So, wear black if you want and the bride will be OK w it, but do brighten it up w colour in your shoes, jewellery, bag etc. But don't go above the knee unless it's just above the knee. And do make sure you have a glass of champagne while you are getting ready.

If you haven't got a dress / outfit already, have a look at Coast, Monsoon and Reiss websites for ideas. HTH

My God I sound bossy - sorry!

It does help! Thank you. If I can wear a normal party dress, there are loads of lovely ones in Coast and I'm just off to have a look at Reiss now. Thanks.

That monstrosity dress is what I think of when I hear "cocktail dress" too. That and these lovelies.

I would say slinkier than the flouncy dress-and-hat combo usually seen at weddings.

Someone will have a definitive description of cocktail dress, I'm sure.

Cocktail just means Dress Up, but not ballgowns.

It's actually quite 'in' to wear black to weddings - wear black if you feel more comfortable.

wear something you look nice in. It just means wear a party dress and make an effort. Black is fine if that's what you like. Just make sure you don't look funereal - nice accessories, big smile! The only no-no at a wedding is looking like a bride, if you're not actually the bride.

"Cocktail dress" means a short party dress, as opposed to a ballgown/long party dress. It certainly doesn't have to be above the knee, or strapless, or anything difficult.

Which is the most appetising bit of you? Shoulders? Cleavage? Legs? Arms? The best way to approach buying a party dress is to plan to show off you best bit (or bits - two maximum) and look for a dress that does that.

Black is fine. It's white that you shouldn't wear to a wedding unless you are the bride!

I only look good in longer frocks.... I would interpret it as posh dress. Not a ballgown, but can be long or short.

who cares?

i would laugh my head off if the invitation said cocktail dress and dress up as a chipolata sausage. what sort of nobs have a dress code at a wedding

utter wankers?

Well, I secretly agree about the dress code but don't feel like offending anyone by dressing up as a sausage or iguana.

Thanks for the advice; I shall wear a slinky long black dress then with lovely accessories. And may not be the poshest person there but hey ho at least I get to wear a slinky dress.

you sound v. nice! why black though?

Ooh thanks! Only just saw this. Black because I really am quite huge and I saw a long black dress with a 50s type halter neck and a big slit up it which I fancied. Can't find it again now though!

ahem - you cant possibly be huge if you shop in reiss. they only sell small clothes

I don't! I had a look and came to the same conclusion.

It's a code, not a law. Providing your guests w guidance as to what they may wish to wear does not make you a wanker or a nob. Most people I know find it helpful. If you don't, then don't follow it.