When you get an invitation to a friend’s wedding, do you get as excited as me about the prospects of getting a dress for the occasion? Because let’s be honest- that’s really the first thing I think of!

Of course, after my internal good wishes to the happy couple. But next- what to wear???

I probably own at least 20 (ahem, cough-cough) dresses, or more. I haven’t counted. What I know is that I can’t turn down a dress that makes me feel pretty when I try it on. If the 50s came back and ladies wore dresses like Grace Kelly- I’d be set. Not that I WANT to go back to the 50s, oh you know- minus the civil rights, lack of proper birth control and a whole bunch of other stuff… but I digress.

In this modern age of easy to wear fashion and an almost ‘anything-goes’ dress code, I still like to put forth my best effort and wear what makes me happy.

We recently attended a wedding in Hayden Lake, Idaho. The setting was beautiful. It was an after 5 wedding which can mean a number of things: Black Tie and formal. But considering the setting and the possibility of 90+ degree temps, I didn’t know what could happen. And most often a wedding that is Black Tie will indicate on the invitation and our friends had not stated that. But I knew they had impeccable style, so I had to bring my A game. When you receive an invitation and you’re not sure about what to wear; consider not just the setting, weather, and time of day, but the couple’s personal style as well.

I took two dresses with me for the weekend. I had a long chiffon maxi, and a shorter, fit and flare style. I figured it was good measure to have a back up in case we wanted to head to a nice dinner, or meet up with wedding party friends, or guests for any gatherings/cocktails/brunch, etc.  Thankfully, the temps cooled down considerably for our weekend, so I knew what to wear to what.

Our first night in Idaho, McSweetie and I went to dinner just the two of us. It was nice and relaxed, but I still wanted to feel special. So I opted for the fit and flare dress. I lucked out and found this Taylor brand dress at the Nordstrom Rack for a fraction of its full price!! And do I feel like I’m channeling my inner Grace Kelly? Yes!

Taylor dress from Nordstrom/ Nordstrom Rack
Shoes from Nordstrom and bag from Big Buddha

For the big day, which was a wedding at a country club, I chose the chiffon maxi from Eliza J dresses. Eliza J knows weddings! Whether you’re in a wedding or a guest, mother of the bride or groom, there are so many choices. The floral design of this, with the defined waist and halter shoulders seemed to feel effortless. I loved the color scheme and accessorizing my jewelry and makeup around it was fun too!

Eliza J dress from Nordstrom, retail $158.00

Sandals from Marshalls, bag is Big Buddha

This backdrop- COME ON!
Earrings, Kate Spade, lipstick- Anastasia of Beverly Hills in Carina

So maybe now the next wedding invitation you get in the mail, you’ll have ideas and enthusiasm for dressing up, just as much as I do! Happy wedding season!

Thanks to Eliza J for sending me the dress, thanks to McSweetie and our friends for a fabulous weekend, and thanks to Hayden Lake for being such a gorgeous setting!

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