Wedding Resources

Formal attire at wedding ceremony, black tie at reception;help!!?

I will be attending a wedding at The Four Seasons in early July. The invitation states "Formal attire" for the ceremony (will be held at 1:00 p.m.) and the reception "Black Tie" at 7:00 p.m. So I was wondering if that means I should get two outfits? Or can I wear the same dress to the wedding ceremony and then to the reception? I know black tie usually means long dress, but I am petite and long dresses make me look shorter. Any ideas?? Should I get a dress for the ceremony and then change into a more black tie one for the reception? I mean the men are going to have to change, from a suit into a tux, so...your thoughts?

Public Comments

1. This means different dresses and more shopping! For the ceremony, you would be able to wear a cocktail/tealength dress, modest and classy. For the reception, though, a long gown is requested and required- and it all depends upon the style you choose how your silhouette will look! Go to a decent boutique and they will be able to help you there!
2. Just go with the little black dress it doesnt need to be long however wear it casual at the ceremony; have your hair blowdryed with some nice strappy sandals. For the reception dress it up go for a up do or half way up nice dangling silver earrings and some nice maybe even silver heels and a silver clutch do your make up more intense maybe smoky eyes look and have a wrap. You play it up from day to night with the same dress.
3. 2 different dresses, try something with a slit. Good luck!
4. no more than not the men will probably wear there Tuxes to weeding and Reception as well so they don't have to change.Formal attire means Fancy as can be...So wear one dress that will serve to wear to both parts of this wedding.
5. You can't wear a cocktail dress to the church, it's not appropriate for an afternoon formal wedding. Cocktail dresses are for after 5 semi formal. I would wear a really nice skirt suit or knee length dress to the church, you could even wear a hat if you want. Wearing a long gown doesn't make you look any shorter, if it does, you picked the wrong gown. I would find a really nice simple long gown or a really nice beaded top for the reception.
6. I would go with sunday best type for the wedding and a long dressy dress for the reception. I am shorter as well and find that princess cut with it's long lines or high waisted dresses make me look thinner and taller compaired to other waist lines.