Cocktail dress for black tie wedding?

[Duncan1]

Another wedding attire question - - going to a 5:30 pm outdoor wedding (in Cali.) but invitation notes that the dress is black tie. Do you think a knee-length cocktail type dress is appropriate? The one I am planning to wear is a dark pink silk a-line with a black lace overlay and a ribbon tie. Plus no hose, strappy sandals and a black wrap.
The past few black tie weddings I've been in, it seemed like no women wore floor-length dresses (except for us bridesmaids). But now that I'm not planning to wear floor-length to this one, I'm wondering if I'll be too casual.
Thanks!

[bookworm]

It sounds like a lovely dress, but I don't think it's black tie. If they hadn't specified black tie, it would be great for the time of day. But since they did, I don't think I'd be comfortable.

[Sposa06]

It sounds like a pretty dress, but, particularly with strappy sandals and no hose, it doesn't sound black tie. I'll go browse for dresses (thanks for the excuse!) and post some I think would work better!

[Sposa06]

All of these dresses are from Nordstrom and cost less than $150. Most of them are available in different colors.

Ruby Rox, $68:
http://a1216.g.akamai.net/f/1216/955/6h/images2.nordstrom.com/images/store/product/large/168008.jpg

Nightway, $88:
http://a1216.g.akamai.net/f/1216/955/6h/images2.nordstrom.com/images/store/product/large/163100.jpg

Bari Jay, $148:
http://a1216.g.akamai.net/f/1216/955/6h/images2.nordstrom.com/images/store/product/large/160284.jpg

Ruby Rox, $78:
http://a1216.g.akamai.net/f/1216/955/6h/images2.nordstrom.com/images/store/product/large/152928.jpg

Betsy & Adam, $148:
http://a1216.g.akamai.net/f/1216/955/6h/images2.nordstrom.com/images/store/product/large/133029.jpg

This one seems like a more formal version of the one you described:
Nightway, $149:
http://a1216.g.akamai.net/f/1216/955/6h/images2.nordstrom.com/images/store/product/large/96725_2.jpg

[Linnybubbles]

I do not think that knee length does not equal black tie, it is all about how you wear it. Likely you would be safe, since some people have a very loose definition of black tie.
This pleated chiffon lace dress from Ann Taylor Loft is $99.
http://s7ondemand1.scene7.com/is/image/AnnTaylorLoft/127963_6600?$outfit$

You can definitely dress it up with accessories. People wear short dresses to the Oscars too, you know! It just depends HOW you wear it.

However, this Nicole Miller dress is $120 on bluefly.com

http://p.mii.instacontent.net/is.bluefly.com/mgen/Bluefly/prodImage.ms?productCode=1075041&width=300&height=300

[karina]

I like the first Ruby Rox dress posted, and its a good price too!