What the hell are you doing in this thread??

I'm considering this again because I didn't know it was just hors d'oeuvers, and a dance party afterwards.

Hmm, the dress has brown tones, so I'm not sure black would work well with it...

If I hadn't misunderstood the specific angle of your original question I assure you I wouldn't have been in here.

maybe then a dark brown wrap/shoes?

There's a vast difference between a bit more formal and Amish.

I just find it amusing that everyone is making such a big deal about how they don't know if it will work on the east coast.

Go for a nice dress in a more neutral tone. I would suggest something with a sleeve.

I say go with your gut. If you feel under-dressy, you'll be under-dressy just because that's how you feel, even if you're totally fine.

Most weddings I've been to are attended by a mixture of people wearing casual pretty and ridiculously dressy. I mean, ball gown dressy at a wedding that isn't listed as black tie. I've worn conservative looking grey frocks and a very lively multi-colored dress with bare arms. The only rule I know is "don't wear white". Heh.

I've seen no difference in the way people dress at east coast vs west coast weddings. Most people blend in, some people should have set aside their flip flops and some shouldn't have tried to compete with the bride. And I've seen lovely strapless and no-sleeve dresses/tops that looked great and were not at all a problem.

Everyone is looking at the wedding party folk, anyway. I say wear what you think is flattering, comfortable, and stylish.

..

I asked my bridesmaids to wear something green, their discretion.

OOooohhhh!!!! We need to do that.

*Which* Elvis wedding chapel? :)

I should probably find out before Saturday, dontcha think?

Psh, Amish east coasters. ;)

If I do stick to the dress it was my plan all along to wear a wrap/jacket, but it turned out that the ones I have at home aren't nice enough.

See, that's the complication, because I'll be there with a wedding party person, being seen with them.

hmmmmmm

Then by all means Ball Gown ... hoop skirt, of course.