Is this dress appropriate to wear as a guest to a wedding? If so, what kind of wedding could it be appropriate/inappropriate for? I got invited to my boyfriend's friends' wedding in Wisconsin and have no idea what anyone will be wearing there. I don't want to show up the bridal party. :-P

First off, I'd try to get as much information from your boyfriend as to where the reception will be, what others will be dressed like, and what time of day the wedding will take place. ( ie Will the reception be in a church? If this is the case you might want to plan on some type of cardigan just to be on the safe side.) Any details that he can provide will be helpful to get a sense of the type of wedding this is....let me know and I'll get back to you :)

I think it's really cute, and if you throw a cardigan over it (it always gets cold in the evenings there) it may de-emphasize the formality of it. Go for it, and never apologize for looking great.

In my opinion it is ALWAYS better to be overdressed to an event because it is flattering to the host. Go for it!

it's cute - with a gorgeous pair of shoes and a light cardigan - particularly a bolero/cropped style, you're set for a day or evening of glam. Let the venue and time of day decide what to wear with it. I dont think it's too much for a wedding, unless they're REALLY dressing down. If you know your boyfriend's Mum or sister/other female relativ, perhaps ask them as your boy may be a bit clueless with fashion. I know mine usually are!

I think this dress would be fabulous for a wedding, you will look smashing, and I doubt you will out shine the bride or her party. Just bring a cardigan as a safety net! Have Fun!

i'm from wisconsin, and i was just at a black tie gala, there were people there in jeans! Things are different here and people just can't get enough of their camo. However, your dress is beautiful and very appropriate for a wedding. You should wear it, and it will look great.

I love this dress, but whether or not it is appropriate depends on the time of day the wedding is. If it's in the evening, I would definitely wear it, but I'd bring either a shawl in a complimentary color, or perhaps a thin, fitted blazer to give it a little oomph.
Also, you might want to check with your boyfriends' friend (the bride) and see what her girlfriends are wearing to the big day. You don't want to outshine the bride, but if her friends are dressed in the same fashion, then go for it.

I agree with all of the above, never apologize for looking great or being style-savvy. My advice for "taking the edge off," formality-wise, is to bring the cardigan and two pairs of shoes with you. Flats if the guests are in jeans, and bright heels if everyone is jazzing it up. Gorgeous dress, have fun :)

A lovely dress! It reminds me of the one Sarah Jessica Parker wore to a wedding in one of the Sex and the City episodes.

dont stress. why should you have to wear something casual...

hot dress!! i say go for it. who cares what others think.

Dress is fab. Wear it! x

Dress is amazing!
Where did you get it?

Thanks! It's Betsey Johnson, but I got it at Crossroads Trading Company (a second hand store) for only $39! It still had the original tags on it, even. What a steal.

What a bargain!
I hope you have a lovely time at the wedding!

I love the dress! I don't think it could be so dressed up for a wedding- but I do agree that you should check if it is in a church, since it would be appropriate to put a sweater over it. I think it could easily be dressed down with flats and a sweater as well if it is a more casual wedding. Also, a lot of invitations will specify the dress code, such as black tie, casual, etc. If not, the venue for the reception will definitely give you a clue as well.

Thanks everyone! The dress was a hit!

The entire dress with the bows are the same color, cobalt blue. The dress is ankle to floor length and the criss-cross on the chest area ties around to become the bow in the back. Prom recently added 40 all new dresses and gowns just this week (Oct 13 - 16, 2008) Prom dresses 2008/2009 and evening dresses: 40 new styles released. Featuring mermaids, ball gowns, cocktail, short knee / tea length dresses.

From my recollection, the only dresses one has to be especially concerned about are ones that are especially flashy or of which might be mistaken for a bridesmaid's dress. (Such as, wearing a long, solid green gown when the wedding colors are green and pink and so the bridemaids may be wearing long green gowns)

This dress looks casual enough that it could fit in either at a casual, formal, or semi-formal wedding. (Although at a casual wedding, you would be the cutest guest there.) And because of the printed flowers and cocktail style, it does not appear that it would be easily mistaken for a bridesmaids dress.

As such, I do not think you have anything to worry about! I do agree with the others who suggested a cardigan or light dress jacket, to at least wear during the ceremony.

(And I just realized this thread was a year old. Sorry...)