What to Wear to a Wedding as a Guest

Carrie0930

I have been invited to a wedding in the middle of May in Cape Cod.  The wedding is at 4pm in the afternoon and the ceremony is going to be held in a tent outside the reception venue. 

The invitation doesn't specify attire but based on the wording that I've seen for invitations on the Knot, it appears to be formal (with wording such as "request the honour of your presence" and spelling out of the date and time), but honestly, I've never received an invitation that did not have the more formal wedding.  Should I go strictly by the invitation?  I'm afraid I would feel overdressed if it ended up not being so formal.  My mother didn't seem concerned about the formality of the wedding.  She is planning on wearing a pantsuit. 

Also, I have read that dresses above the knee are inappropriate for a wedding.  However, I've seen a lot of women wear dresses that fall just above the knee.  Is this okay?

Elle1036

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_attire-accessories_wear-wedding-guest?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:15Discussion:70997fd9-3007-4816-9d7a-2bac00f7c0cfPost:c43a8b07-3e00-4186-8243-37f97bf148b3">What to Wear to a Wedding as a Guest</a>:
[QUOTE]I have been invited to a wedding in the middle of May in Cape Cod.  The wedding is at 4pm in the afternoon and the ceremony is going to be held in a tent outside the reception venue.  The invitation doesn't specify attire but based on the wording that I've seen for invitations on the Knot, it appears to be formal (with wording such as "request the honour of your presence" and spelling out of the date and time), but honestly, I've never received an invitation that did not have the more formal wedding.  Should I go strictly by the invitation?  I'm afraid I would feel overdressed if it ended up not being so formal.  My mother didn't seem concerned about the formality of the wedding.  She is planning on wearing a pantsuit.<strong>  Also, I have read that dresses above the knee are inappropriate for a wedding.  </strong>However, I've seen a lot of women wear dresses that fall just above the knee.  Is this okay?
Posted by Carrie0930[/QUOTE]

I've worn mid-thigh length cocktail dresses at the last several weddings I've attended.  If that was inappropriate, I at least looked hot.

ETA:  To actually answer your question, just wear a simple dress in a length appropriate for the time of day and weather.  You'll blend in, I promise.

feelslikeadream

Do you feel comfortable asking the bride or groom how formal it will be or what would be appropriate attire?

futurepivko

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_attire-accessories_wear-wedding-guest?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:15Discussion:70997fd9-3007-4816-9d7a-2bac00f7c0cfPost:c43a8b07-3e00-4186-8243-37f97bf148b3">What to Wear to a Wedding as a Guest</a>:
[QUOTE]I have been invited to a wedding in the middle of May in Cape Cod.  The wedding is at 4pm in the afternoon and the ceremony is going to be held in a tent outside the reception venue.  The invitation doesn't specify attire but based on the wording that I've seen for invitations on the Knot, it appears to be formal (with wording such as<strong> "request the honour of your presence"</strong> and spelling out of the date and time), but honestly, I've never received an invitation that did not have the more formal wedding.  Should I go strictly by the invitation?  I'm afraid I would feel overdressed if it ended up not being so formal.  My mother didn't seem concerned about the formality of the wedding.  She is planning on wearing a pantsuit.  Also, I have read that dresses above the knee are inappropriate for a wedding.  However, I've seen a lot of women wear dresses that fall just above the knee.  Is this okay?
Posted by Carrie0930[/QUOTE]


i dont think i HAVENT seen an invitation for a wedding worded this way formal or not.

that is traditional. wear a cocktail dress you like. and bring a nice sweater or something to cover with if you keep warm. this is your chance to go as a guest and relax before your own wedding, so have fun!

NOLAbridealmost

Cape cod, May, 4 PM, I'd wear a brightly colored or pastel cocktail dress.  Something preppy. 

dparisi

4PM on the Cape in May could be chilly- even with heaters in the tent, please make sure you bring a sweater, and I don't mean a little cotton one. I think for the middle of May on Cape Cod, something like PP said, preppy would be good.

Joizee

I would not assume anything.....I'd definitely check with the hostesses!  Then you won't be out of place, by making the wrong choice.