What to wear to a western wedding?

So I have to attend a wedding in August. The ceremony is at noon on the outdoor patio of a golf course. Cocktails are at 5:30 in a ballroom followed by dinner at 6:30 on the same golf course. So my question is do I change dresses between the ceremony and the cocktails? There’s about a 4 and a half hour gap assuming the ceremony takes an hour. The weddings out of town, so I should have access to a hotel room in the same golf resort/hotel. Also what do I wear to the outdoor ceremony and then the reception if I do change? Or can I wear the same thing to both? Also what should my husband wear? I’ve never been to a wedding with such a large gap so I’m not sure if I’m supposed to change or just keep on the same clothes.

Re: What to wear to a western wedding?

An elegant maxi dress would make a good transition from day to night so you won't need to change. Husband can wear a suit, and that way he can always take off his jacket and/or tie if he likes.

Re: What to wear to a western wedding?

Definately maxi dress! Get a nice jewelled one!

Re: What to wear to a western wedding?

Attended plenty.

For the ceremony: Pastel / Light colors formal dress. Formal dresses/ knee length work well. A hat can be a great accessory.
For the Reception: Metallic shades of maroon / teal work the best. Long maxis with interesting top (halter / one sided / embellished)

If you dont want to change, go for one sided peachish / light brown satin dresses. Choose the length that you can carry.

Men: Tux in the ceremony. Replace the bows with ties for the evening or just go without the bow and the tie.

Re: What to wear to a western wedding?

great, thanks for the advice! so its ok to wear two different dresses and not considered weird right?

Re: What to wear to a western wedding?

For my friend's day wedding I wore a black, white, and yellow print floral dress with a shrug.

For my friend's black tie wedding I thought about getting a gown, but ended up wearing a chiffon sari.

For my friend's evening wedding at a banquet hall on the beach, I will probably wear a slightly formal maxi dress.

For my friend's evening wedding on the beach, I will wear a maxi dress.