I've received a short-notice invitation to a Saturday wedding in Missouri, with no dress requirement listed. The church ceremony is at 4:30 pm, and the reception is at 7:00 pm. The reception is being held in a banquet hall.
I have also been asked to perform (sing live) while guests are filling the church. I live in California, and will only see the church, etc., at the rehearsals on Friday before the ceremony.
My issues are:
1. If there is no dress requirement stated, which do you assume? Do you wear two different outfits to the ceremony and reception, or the same one? If you wear different ones, what type of clothing should you wear for each?
2. I also have to think about not outshining the bride, while still looking presentable as a performer. Singing live in the church will bring a lot of eyes my way. I don't want to look tacky, loud, or over the top.
I don't own a little black cocktail dress and am plus-sized. I'm stressed about trying to find such a dress on short notice. I'm leaning toward using what's already in my closet.
I've attached options. For my figure, A-line dresses are best, but I just don't know what to do with what I've got.
- I am leaning toward the cream shrug with camisole, it does not reveal as much cleavage as it seems to on the hanger, and I'd put this with black pants. Is that OK? What kind of shoes would I wear with this? I tend to wear kitten-heeled strappy sandals so if that doesn't work I'd have to go buy some.
- I have a black and red lace cocktail dress, but I'm worried it's best for the reception, or not at all. I have a black wrap to go with it, discreet black purse, etc. A line cut, full skirt.
- The only other option is the springy colored blue number, but I'm worried it's too casual.
- Searching online I found another option I could try to buy at the last minute, but I'm thinking it, too, might be over the top.
If none of these is appropriate all I've got left are business skirts and tops, and nice jackets. SOMEthing has to work. Thanks!
(This post was
edited by TWQadmin on Apr 11, 2006, 7:42 AM)
Etiquette Now
WEDDING ETIQUETTE EXPERT
Apr 11, 2006, 11:06 AM
Post #2 of 4
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Re: [thmilin] Need Women's Attire Input for 4/15 Wedding
[In reply to]
Dear Singer,
Because you will be on view, you would have to dress a bit more formally than the other guests. So, the black dress seems best as long as you wear a wrap in the church.
Re: [Et.byRebecca] Need Women's Attire Input for 4/15 Wedding
[In reply to]
Thank you! But, do I wear the dress to both the church and the reception? Or is it too formal? The forum moderators edited my post (removed the photos) - the cocktail dress is a jazzy number, black satin with a slight black petticoat to push the skirt out. So it's a very full skirt.
I've attached the image ...
(This post was
edited by thmilin on Apr 12, 2006, 1:41 AM)
Re: [thmilin] Need Women's Attire Input for 4/15 Wedding
[In reply to]
It should be fine for both. You will be known as the 'singer' so it is fine that you are 'dressed up'. Plus, an event held at that time could be cocktail attire.
It really isn't necessary for people to change clothes for the two events. Rebecca Black, Etiquette Now
Need Women's Attire Input for 4/15 Wedding
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