too early for black tie?

carolemb

My wedding is 3pm at St. Louis Cathedral. Is that too early for black tie optional and full lenght bridesmaid dresses?
Thanks for your help!

NOLAbridealmost

Is 3 the latest they'll allow it?

If so, I'd say it's fine because it's well known that St. Louis Cathedral is one of the most prestigious venues in this very Catholic city. I am sure that many a black tie wedding have been held there. 

If they'll let you push it back I would though. 

Kate504

i would say that with it being at the cathedral people will dress up more, but i think it is early

carolemb

3pm is the latest time we could get.
We're having a 4 hour reception also, so it should last til 8 or 9pm.

louisianablue

I think black tie optional is kind of silly.  Is it black tie or not?  Etiquette generally stipulates that black tie is for weddings after 5 p.m. however I think it's fine since you'll be having an evening reception.

carolemb

Maybe "Cocktail Attire" would be more appropriate.

amandaf6383

I agree with PP. 

[Deleted User]

I say go for it. We did black tie & full length bridesmaids dresses even though our ceremony was at 1pm. That was also the latest that we could get, but I really wanted an elegant black tie event so we just did it anyway. We had a really long cockatail hour and then an early dinner and dancing till 9:30pm.  

NO2012

I'm also having a 3pm wedding at the Cathedral. I've decided on short BM dresses and more of a cocktail attire, not only because I think it's a little early for black tie (but I think you should go for whatever you want), but also because I want to save my girls and my guests from the September heat!

asbrickhWed126694

I'm getting married at the cathedral as well at 3pm in november.  We're doing black tie with long BM dresses.  Same as yours, our reception is long (until 9:30p)...so it seemed appropriate to me.  Esp b/c the cathedral is so formal.

good luck

carolemb

Thanks, Ladies!!

courtneyclare103

I'm getting married at 3:00 at the Cathedral and I'm doing full-length bridesmaid dresses. We're not doing black tie, but that's just because it's our preference. Our reception goes until 9, with cocktail hour starting between 4:30 and 5, so it definitely goes into the evening.