Hellobee Boards

Another vote for a long dress! Although it might be a pain to find an affordable one/rent one, I think it will add such a huge wow factor to the photos!! I can't wait to see how they come out

Love the vibe! Go for long. A train is even better.

I'm no help when it comes to shopping smartly. I will say that inexpensive clothing doesn't always look that way in photos. For formal wear I go to Nordstrom, Lord & Taylor and Dillards. Macy's has some beautiful dresses this year too. There was a cocktail length lace dress I got at Lord & Taylor's that a HB user picked up the same style in a different color at JC Penney. In photos you wouldn't have been able to tell the difference.

Sounds fun!! I vote Rent the Runway.

Definitely hit up rent the runway! I would do long dress for sure.

I would do a tartan ball skirt and a white shirt.

The strategically placed horses made me laugh.

I vote Rent the Runway too!

I really like this dress for mixing the rustic and formal - playing on @TemperanceBrennan 's point:

https://www.renttherunway.com/shop/designers/ml_monique_lhuillier/castle_gown

@lilyann: if I recall Rent the Runway sends you two sizes of chosen dress plus a back up dress just in case.

Here are a few other RTR options (sequin, bandage, and lace, all fitted):

https://www.renttherunway.com/shop/designers/laundry_by_shelli_segal/charleston_gown

https://www.renttherunway.com/shop/designers/herve_leger/pacific_gown

https://www.renttherunway.com/shop/designers/nicole_miller/cordelia_gown

And RTR will send you a second size. And, if neither size fits, they are awesome at sending other options on the double!

And it's not long, but here is a Nordstrom option (very body-con):

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/dress-the-population-emery-metallic-jersey-open-back-body-con-dress/3989554?origin=category&BaseUrl=Party+Dresses

@lilyann: That would be my pick too. You'll look gorgeous no matter what you choose!

@LBee: oh love that dress!!

We're having formal family pics done this year for fun and I'm renting from Rent the Runway!

@lilyann: We scored a session with a local *amazing* photog, which I thought would just be for LO but then when she sent out the confirmation she said it’s actually for entire families! The loose theme is “Great Gatsby” – silver sequined backdrop, gold and cream background and one other along with some props/vintage sofa/etc. She said of course people can wear whatever they want, but it’s a great excuse to dress up and go to the nines so I’m all in. I mean, how often am I going to get formal shots? (not very!)

I haven’t ordered my dress yet, but here are my top contenders:

https://www.renttherunway.com/shop/designers/badgley_mischka/night_at_the_oscars_gown

https://www.renttherunway.com/shop/designers/nicole_miller/midnight_sequin_stars_gown

https://www.renttherunway.com/shop/designers/nicole_miller/lady_in_waiting_gown

https://www.renttherunway.com/shop/designers/ml_monique_lhuillier/glitter_in_gold_gown

The photographer has a huge rack full of amazing dresses for LO to pick from and DH is wearing either his tux or a black suit.

@lilyann: thanks!! I am really looking forward to getting them done. Like you, I've hit a weight goal and I want to have some fun and dress up. I lust after all these gowns and have nowhere to wear them!

@lilyann: the photo shoot turned out great. Love your hubby's bow tie and your dress!!! The boys look so adorable too!

Where did you end up going for your dress?

@lilyann: how gorgeous are you guys?!

@lilyann: That is a beautiful photo! Your guys are very handsome and you look absolutely stunning. What a great find on your dress.