exactly how formal??

h-e-a-t-h-e-r · #1 (**permalink**) April 1st, 2009, 04:21 PM

I've got a formal dress I purchased for the last time I had a cruise planned. Now that I've done some digging, I've found that the formal nights are maybe not as formal as I expected. Exactly how formal should I be??

h-e-a-t-h-e-r · #2 (**permalink**) April 1st, 2009, 04:34 PM

Sorry to seem like I am repeating the same questions as everyone else. I'm so nervous about the freakin formal night!!! My boyfriend is a firefighter & will have on his dress uniform. I want to dress accordingly. The dress I already have is backless (well is laces up the back, nothing back there but me & the laces) and a halter-type top (with the same lace). It is full length & has a slight "poufiness" to the bottom. I'm just not sure if I should go with this or with something more cocktail-ish. We are cruising in November, so I also worry I may freeze in the one I already have.

katlady · #3 (**permalink**) April 1st, 2009, 06:30 PM

What cruise line are you going on? some cruise lines are more formal then others.

sparks23 · #4 (**permalink**) April 1st, 2009, 06:59 PM

as long as you wont be uncomfortable go with it, no matter how formal or nonformal other people are dressed, its all about you and how you feel! do you hav e a pic of the dress?

h-e-a-t-h-e-r · #5 (**permalink**) April 1st, 2009, 08:15 PM

Thanks for the replies. Had a hard time getting a decent pic. I agree I just want to be comfortable, which is why I'm so worried now. I want to make sure I'll be dressed accordingly. I don't want to be too fancy and feel self conscious, or not fancy enough and feel even more self conscious! Plus since my bf is going to be looking oh so HAWT in his dress uniform, I want to match, yanno??

colorcrazie · #6 (**permalink**) April 2nd, 2009, 01:21 PM

Wear that dress! You will look and feel fabulous. And no one will care if you are over dressed. Besides, some of us like to dress up, so there will be others that dressy, too. A light shawl will keep your shoulders warm. The time of year is not terribly important except for a stroll on deck. The dining rooms seem to be the same temperature no matter what.
Enjoy!
And thank to your guy for being in such a high risk, but terribly important profession. Dress for him.
Marty

homeatlast · #7 (**permalink**) April 2nd, 2009, 06:48 PM

I agree. Wear it and enjoy. My experiance has been some people really dress up, others not so much. You will not feel out of place if you do dress more formal than others. And do have a picture taken of the two of you, you both should look great.

LisaK · #8 (**permalink**) April 3rd, 2009, 09:13 AM

your dress will be just perfect, it might be a good idea to pack a nice, lacy black shawl or wrap to cover your shoulders, the ac in the dining rooms can be a bit chilly

cutiecat · #9 (**permalink**) April 7th, 2009, 11:12 AM

i agree~that dress is great. i dress to the nines on formal night and never feel overdone. i love dressing up for dinner!

Sonny · #10 (**permalink**) April 10th, 2009, 12:54 AM

[quote="h-e-a-t-h-e-r"]Sorry to seem like I am repeating the same questions as everyone else. I'm so nervous about the freakin formal night!!! My boyfriend is a firefighter & will have on his dress uniform. I want to dress accordingly. The dress I already have is backless (well is laces up the back, nothing back there but me & the laces) and a halter-type top (with the same lace). It is full length & has a slight "poufiness" to the bottom. I'm just not sure if I should go with this or with something more cocktail-ish. We are cruising in November, so I also worry I may freeze in the one I already have.[/qu

Your dress sounds beautiful Heather. What a handsome couple you will be!
I suggest you wear a big, colorful shawl for cover-up when you stroll the decks with your Boyfriend, and if it's cool in the dining room, fold it so it gives a peak of that bare back.
Be sure to get a portrait taken before dinner, showing that laced back view and a flirty look for the Boyfriend.

brad813 · #11 (**permalink**) April 10th, 2009, 04:03 AM

There will be those that dress more formally and those that will dress down some. Of course there will always be a few who try to ignore the rules altogether. What is most important is if you want to wear the dress or not. If it turns out not many women wear more than a regular dress or a cocktail dress you will just end up shining if you wish to dress formally. Same for us GQ/Bond, James Bond types who insist on a tuxedo or dinner jacket for formal nights even on the less dressy lines.