Dress "Rules"

FutureMrsP23

We're having an evening wedding (5:00) followed by a dinner reception.  I know that evening weddings are generally considered formal...will it be tacky if I wear a tea length wedding dress instead of a long dress?

LDYGTR13

I think as long as you keep everything else pretty casual you'd be okay. Keep it simple and don't try to be too fancy and I'd say you're good!

laurenclaire1386

I don't think so at all. I think a tea length dress can still be formal. I wouldn't wear like a sundress or something, but I don't think tea length automatically means informal.

marissa_claire

Depends on the venue in my book.  If you're having a church wedding, I'd say a shorter dress isn't appropriate.  If it's an outdoor park, I'd say go for it.  

JenGin74

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_dress-rules?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:9dc6e6f2-6814-43c1-9948-8cd024c321a2Post:33e97990-1a27-404e-a697-3aae70cd86e6">Re: Dress "Rules"</a>:
[QUOTE]I don't think so at all. I think a tea length dress can still be formal. I wouldn't wear like a sundress or something, but I don't think tea length automatically means informal.
Posted by laurenclaire1386[/QUOTE]

I agree. I also love tea-length dresses, so I'm biased

Calypso1977

interesting that folks seem to think that they should not dress less formal for a fancy venue, yet usually see nothing wrong with wearing a super formal gown or tux to a VFW/Elks or other less formal type reception.

britne28

As it is your wedding wear what you want.  And as PPs said, tea length can be formal as well.  Just make sure it is comfortable!  It's a long day. 

Wrkn925

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_dress-rules?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:9dc6e6f2-6814-43c1-9948-8cd024c321a2Post:eb584754-88b0-4e32-9e6e-334e8affc8ad">Re: Dress "Rules"</a>:
[QUOTE]interesting that folks seem to think that they should not dress less formal for a fancy venue, yet usually see nothing wrong with wearing a super formal gown or tux to a VFW/Elks or other less formal type reception.
Posted by Calypso1977[/QUOTE]

Most of the event halls in my area can be made to resemble a formal or casual event.  It's just a room, how it is decorated makes the difference.
I wouldn't side-eye a bride for wearing a elegant ball gown to the local VFW.  I would just assume it's what looked good on her and made her happy.

SineadHickey

To me etiquette is only important when you risk offending someone. The style of your dress is not offensive.

FutureMrsTR

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_dress-rules?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:9dc6e6f2-6814-43c1-9948-8cd024c321a2Post:eb584754-88b0-4e32-9e6e-334e8affc8ad">Re: Dress "Rules"</a>:
[QUOTE]interesting that folks seem to think that they should not dress less formal for a fancy venue, yet usually see nothing wrong with wearing a super formal gown or tux to a VFW/Elks or other less formal type reception.
Posted by Calypso1977[/QUOTE]

I would side eye someone who appeared to have spent thousands on a fancy dress and had her reception in a VFW hall with catered BBQ.  And I love me some BBQ.

MrsMack10612

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_dress-rules?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:9dc6e6f2-6814-43c1-9948-8cd024c321a2Post:71d3ac71-b254-4f73-8686-f0eeadacce22">Re: Dress "Rules"</a>:
[QUOTE]Depends on the venue in my book.  If you're having a church wedding, I'd say a shorter dress isn't appropriate.  If it's an outdoor park, I'd say go for it.  
Posted by marissa_claire[/QUOTE]

Why is tea length inappropriate for a church wedding?

My mother's dress was tea-length (I'm planning on wearing it as well) and she had a church wedding and we haven't decided yet.

[Deleted User]

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_dress-rules?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:9dc6e6f2-6814-43c1-9948-8cd024c321a2Post:eb584754-88b0-4e32-9e6e-334e8affc8ad">Re: Dress "Rules"</a>:
[QUOTE]interesting that folks seem to think that they should not dress less formal for a fancy venue, yet usually see nothing wrong with wearing a super formal gown or tux to a VFW/Elks or other less formal type reception.
Posted by Calypso1977[/QUOTE]

<div>I don't get this either.  I really don't get when I see pictures with the b&g all dressed up and the guests in jeans and sweats.  It doesn't make sense to me.  I have never seen a wedding like this IRL.  </div>

lisalou402

OP-the dress police won't come and get you!

Wear what makes you happy on your day!  And tea length was what a lot of brides wore in the 60s. 

Ash2985

I'm wearing that Justin Alexander dress that Baystate posted, and my wedding is on a Saturday at 5:00.  Go for it!

Ash2985

What's an encore wedding?