That’s what we did at our last (and really only) church wedding. It was black tie and a 2pm ceremony. Wearing that type of attire in that location, at that time of day seemed out of place. It helped that it was local for us, so easy to stop back home and change.
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The reception will follow the wedding immediately and all be in the same place, so no changing of outfits. I will have to check in with the bride again–I just can’t see the traditional definition of formal attire. But really I would love to wear some of the long gowns offered for Hoggirl’s consideration! Especially the long dark red one without the embellishment that Bunsen Burner posted most recently. I also love the original malachite one. But i would feel silly wearing a full length gown at noon especially since the venue will not be especially formal unless I find out that everyone else is also!
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I would not wear a full length gown at noon either. But “formal” could include a very dressy cocktail dress…short or midi.
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I haven’t been able to add anything, but I’m enjoying seeing all these pretty gowns, and I’m sure @Hoggirl will look great in whatever she chooses. And I hope we get to see a pick of the final choice! 
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I’ve also noticed that for younger people the definition of formal might be different. I’ve been to many weddings that said formal but what they really meant was they wanted people to dress up. I think it also depends on your location. I live in a coastal part of Ca and almost every wedding I attended in the last 15 years has been at an outdoor venue. I can’t think of a single wedding where men wore tuxedos. I’ve also realized I dress for myself as most don’t care what you are wearing as long as you don’t come in pajamas.
My concern is I’d not want my dress to be more formal than the MOB or MOG.
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I agree. It seems sometimes “formal” is meant to imply “No Jeans” (sometimes with a particular friend or relative in mind). In this case @Hoggirl may already some coaching from others in the know for that wedding.
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I think this is a legitimate point to bring up. I realize I’m not one for formal wear - at all - but some of the dresses offered above are (IMO) quite dressy and a statement.
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This is more of a general statement (probably not helpful to OP) … sometimes dresses that come with jackets (or get paired with an unmatched jacket) can be made more casual later at reception going jacket-less. Hmm… looking at Dillards site, jacket/dress pairs not as common as I remember from my shopping in 2023 and 2016,
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I think it is quite likely that the wedding I am going to is one where “formal” just means “please dress up and don’t come in jeans” but I will need to check. I really think looking at dresses to wear to a wedding is a time when the whole “dressing young” conundrum is most difficult for me. I see so many dresses that look too young–giving off a bridesmaid feel–or too young and sexy–or swinging to the other extreme and feeling too old, matronly or stiff and formal for me. So many dresses look great on young slim women but seem too flimsy and unstructured on me (in mid-sixties) or there is a bit too much structure, especially the cocktail dresses that have an A line or full skirt which just look too wide on me somehow. I wish we had more stores nearby to shop in person.
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I bought this dress last week and wore it to a “garden formal” outdoor wedding on Saturday. Most women wore full length. I’m short and “got away” with this ankle-grazing tea-length.
That groom’s sister is getting married late next September, outdoors, in the Catskills. Their mother suggested I re-wear this for that wedding. “That” bride told me it wasn’t formal enough for her (outdoor, evening) wedding. It’s easy to be exasperated.
This is Adriana Papell — I do have a couple of her more formal full length dresses with hems designed to drag. I really don’t want a dragging hem at an outdoor wedding if I am not the bride. 
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That gown looks ideal. By the time the wedding rolls around, the bride will have many more things to do than 2nd guess your attire.
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Exactly!
Your dress is lovely! Perfect for, “garden formal.”
I went to Dillard’s today. I think I can only post five pics and I have six. I’ll post the three that I liked okay (not saying any of these are it) in this post, and the three, “flops,” in another post. Certainly a good example of why finding a style suitable for one’s body type is important. Navy blue is definitely prolific!
I like the off-the-shoulder one best, but I do worry I’d have to be adjusting all night And, I’d need a wrap for the ceremony. The two solids are navy The floral has a black background. I didn’t think I’d like the shirt dress, but I thought it was okay. It was definitely comfortable.
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Here are the three flops for your amusement.
The long-sleeved one is a deep purple. I liked it on in the store, but felt it was a bit too Morticia Addams when I looked at the selfie.
The other two are prime examples of why I, personally, can easily get overwhelmed with too much fabric.
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I find this black velvet tempting for next year. But then, it’s probably not a good choice to wear black!
https://www.belk.com/p/papell-studio-beaded-halter-velvet-gown/0480072228258.html
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Beautiful! 
But you are right about black and velvet not ideal for a formal outdoor (summer?) reception.
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OMG, this made me laugh! The dress doesn’t photograph well IMO.
I liked the off the shoulder one the best. You look great in that style!
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I like the off the shoulder dress (first photo) the best. You have a great figure and it shows it off.
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@Hoggirl if you like that navy off the shoulder dress, here’s one in a similar style. Zoom in for more detail:
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And here is a similar style in navy but with a sleeve:
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If one knows her size in this brand, RealReal can be a great source of its dresses! Chiara Boni dresses don’t need shapewear and can be easily washed.
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