bpath, My mother knew every rule in the etiquette book, haha. I used to have to curtsy to adults when I was a child. As an adult, I curtsy to no one and neither did my mother or any woman in my family. I suppose it might be different for someone living in Canada, NZ, or Australia, but here in the US (or France, Germany, Switzerland, etc.) there is no expectation or reason to curtsy, especially to a Royal from another country. That said, I hope you have lots of fun at the event!

ps. Not a criticism at all, bpath. Always enjoy seeing what everyone chooses to wear for a special occasion, :-)

" which fork to use" -- lolol. I was brought up with Emily Post's Etiquette, and still have my blue-bound hardcover. My mother was a stickler for proper societal behavior -- I still remember having to walk around at her direction standing straight as if a string on the top of my head was pulling me upright, standing when an adult entered the room and giving up your chair for older folk. Fun to read about "how to deal with servants" altho those days were gone for the most part. Emily just assumed that a well-run household would have them...

Fortunately, knowing how things were expected to be done served me well. As when I was a young teen, invited for an overnight at the home of a very wealthy Boston family -- there were small crystal bowls of water brought out at the dinner. I knew what fingerbowls were! Thanks, Mum!!

Bpath , how exciting! Semi formal for the afternoon here means a knee length or midi length very nice dress, no sequins or beading (those are for evening wear only). Silk would be appropriate where linen would not unless it was a nice lighter colored skirt suit. Your attire would also depend upon the weather; what is the temperature likely to be at that time? And please do not keep us in the dark! Who is this royal personage and is she worthy of our own Lady Bpath of Gardenweb?

These are summer examples of what I would wear throughout September as it’s so hot here. All are from Tuckernuck, ranging from $200 to $1800 (the first Erdem beauty).

This dress just looks like a garden party to me! It needs a different belt, IMHO. I’m not fond of self-ties.

Some green leather belts

Green leather belts with bows because I’m a sucker for a bow

I like the 2nd dress (the solid green) that KSWL posted.

Ooh, that green is nice. I rather like the first one, I think it suits my style, although the price is a bit offputting. The third, I actually saw a recent picture of the princess in a similar dress, although on her it did not look like, well, a dressing gown. I think it’s too long on that model, and needs a higher heel.

Well, she’s married to a fifth-in-line so not likely to be queen, and she has lived quite the international life. As for me, well, my great-grandfather was knighted! But it is not hereditary so no kowtowing servants in the hall for me.

The green dress also comes in pink, black and navy. It’s a classic look. I also prefer the first one and think you could find a similar style of dress, equally lovely, for a more reasonable amount.

I think solid colors usually look more elegant.

How fun! Love the juxtaposition of these two thread titles!

That lime green dress that @KSWL posted is elegant, lovely and seems perfectly fitting for such an occasion.

Here are some optiona id consider from Nordstrom. Accessories varies by option. Or a day skirted suit

Adding what I mean by day suit. Think Chanel-ish

My sister wore this one to my niece’s bridesmaids’ luncheon. She is 5’4” and it wasn’t nearly that short on her. It is a very pretty dress. It comes in several other colors. LINK

I'm not sure where you live but dresses are having a moment around here and the stores are filled with them.

Do you have an Anthropologie near you where you can shop in person? If so, scope them out online first. The often have many colorways of the same dress it's possible to try something on for fit and then order the color you'd like.

I love the solid Tuckernuck one.

I got a sale email from Nordy’s today and looked at some of their dresses. You should probably steel yourself to go shopping in person somewhere just to get an idea of what look you feel good in, but here are a few more ideas:

Simple and pretty

This one might be too fancy for the afternoon, but in person it might not be. It’s def more of a party vibe

More of a tailored day style

The one above also comes in white with black trim.

Without knowing the venue or nature of the event the recommendations are bound to be hit or miss. However, there are many, many beautiful dresses at N’s, Saks, Tuckernuck, etc. Your only problem should be selecting one 😁

Wow, I love them all! Especially the ones from spanish, thank you. I’m sorry I’ve been a little distracted and not able to even think about shopping. That takes a lot of mental effot on my part! I would say this is not an exceptionally elegant venue, but one with a lot of love and pride in what it is. I love that dresses are having such a moment; the women in the church where I ring wear such pretty ones, while we are in our straight black cotton robes. Ugh. So I should grab the opportunity!

I’ve never been to Anthropologie. We have a Nordstrom Rack, I have to see if the Nordstrom I used to go to is still in its mall (all the malls are either gone or transformed, I haven't been in ages). And my usual stand-by is Talbot's as they usually have Petites; I have a short torso and almost anything with a waist, the waist hits at the hips.

I had this in my Big River cart, but I’ve changed my mind. I do like how the fabric minimizes the waistline.

😂