Wedding attire ettiquette question

Ryan's little brother is getting married Labor Day weekend. We honestly only see him about 2x a year at holidays and otherwise never talk to him or anything. His brother is from his dad's 3rd marriage. None of us of the immediate family in his wedding. Matter of fact we know NO ONE in their wedding party, almost feel like it's not a family wedding, like we are strangers. Ok, my question is can I get away with wearing something not as fancy? Like a pair of black capris, really pretty tank and a black sweater and heels? Instead of a dress? Then DH would wear dockers and a collared shirt instead of a suit? I only have one really nice dress for a wedding and I just wore it to a family wedding back in May and several of those people there will be at this one. So I really don't want to wear the same one. And I don't really want to go buy a new dress that I'll wear once. So whatcha think? Oh and I have NO clue if we'll be in any wedding photos or anything.

What is the location and time of the wedding? Usually more formal weddings are later, in the evening. Unless it is an evening wedding in a more formal setting, I'd say you could go with something more casual -- or maybe something you wear for work that you can add some jewelry too to dress it up a bit. Just a thought.

The wedding is at 2:30 and reception is at 5 pm. Stinks because the wedding is 2 hours from us, reception is an hour from us. Don't know why they didn't try to keep the two close to each other. Especially since I don't know what we are going to do with the girls for 2.5 hours between the two when there really isn't anything to do around there. The wedding is at a park, one I've never been too before, though. I would wear something I wear to work, but all my work clothes are winter suits. I don't have to dress up in the summer/early fall as we aren't in session, so I just wear docker type pants and shirts, or shorts/shirts.

Mid-day at a park sounds like it isn't a formal affair. In my opinion, I think you'd be ok with what you described. Of course, I am no fashion diva either.

I think I'm going with what I have. Honestly I'm not sure why I care since I really don't know that many people, even my BIL. I've only met the mother once and absolutely understood why Ryan's dad would divorce her. I plan to just stay in my little corner with some of Ryan's family. Ryan doesn't even want to go, but honestly it would look bad if he didn't, lol. So more casual it will be. There is always at weddings some lovely family member who shows up in jeans, right? So I'd be dressed better than them.

I think you already nailed the ways to make this outfit look semi formal. nice shoes like platforms or wedges and some big statement jewelry, make up and hair should be along the same lines. a splash of color .

What does the invitation look like? Generally that dictates the formality of the event... like if it's a cream or ivory paper with elegant letters..it's generally formal... if it's a funky type of invitation it's usually a more relaxed setting...

Well since it's a 2:30 wedding that outfit should be just fine, I would dress it up just a touch with earings and cute necklace.

Sounds perfect. Nice colorful jewelry and some wedges or heels.....you got it girl!

Got a nice sundress?

I was going to say what Rocky said about the invitation!

A 2:30 wedding in a park sounds like a fairly casual event to me, I think you'll look great!

Of course, I grew up with my father being the family member who shows up to everything in jeans, so I may have a more casual take on things. In the 28 year I have been alive my dad has literally worn something other than jeans or jean shorts ONCE, and that's only because he was a pallbearer at his grandfather's funeral. Every other formal (or non-formal!) occasion has been jeans.

This post has been edited by My3LilMonkeys on Aug 26 2011, 04:12 PM

The invitation is formal, which is odd. They are doing this whole Alice and Wonderland wedding theme. I dunno. I talked to other family members that are going and they are dressing more casual. If I knew my BIL and his finance and her family, maybe I'd dress differently, but honestly I'm suprised we are even invited. And Ryan said "I'll just wear jeans". He won't, trust me