As I remember it, according to the old rules, White Tie is more formal than Black Tie - it involves white bow tie, tailcoat and top hat - or at least it used to.. and full length gowns with hair up, jewellery and long gloves for the ladies. Black Tie for men just requires a dinner suit (tuxedo in the US) and black/dark bow tie, with cocktail length dresses for women. Whether any of this is known of or observed in 21st century California, I couldn't say! Here's a quick primer on the White Tie thing...

I agree with Sue.. you would need a cropped sweater or shrug and even still it may be difficult to get the right length. I think it's a lovely dress and I'd go with a wrap if it provides the warmth you'll need. I have a late Oct outdoor wedding.. I don't think a wrap will be sufficient for my situation.

Thanks for finding the butterfly dress Cindy! Funky, maybe you saw the dress from Anthro? It’s kind of similar? Yeah, I’m kind of thinking I need to wait to pull the trigger until I see some new spring dresses. Amy, that mod cloth dress is so pretty, but a little too short for my liking. Bonnie, I think that dress is a little different? And I’m not sure about a dress that’s only $22! I can’t imagine that it’s made with even a little bit of quality. Oh Lake, I totally forgot about Peruvian Conn. Love the dress with the bold stripes. I’m putting that one in my maybe file. Thanks Mtn! The house is doing well. It’s a semi-custom and we moved in about 10 months ago - how time flies! We’re really pleased with it and the house/property are much smaller and more manageable with time and money. Plus, I’ve gone back to school which, so far, is and absolute blast. Wish I had done this long ago! Just, no doesn’t have to be floral. Those dresses are much too short. I’m really going for midi to maxi. I’m 5’7” so maxi dresses look pretty good on me and I’m not interested in showing too much leg. Sue, yes maybe too casual and too short. Jill, that’s kind of what I want - something that’s a hint of dressy but can be worn casually as well. dyh - UO is tough! Very young and very skinny girl dresses! I wish! I don’t know how I missed the Anthro dresses. The beaded wrap and the butterfly are perfect! I think the tulips are just too big of a print and too busy for anything but a waif. Love Free People but nothing is speaking to me.

Joining in the praise, and I can truly relate to value of a (good) decision made. I was curious to see the view count but I don't see it now. ( we need to know how many bridesmaids still counting)-- I don't see it though I have looked. I wonder if I need to sign in? lol