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Just Said Yes June 2021

Is there an inbetween semi/formal dress code?

Meagan, on December 6, 2020 at 10:47 PM Posted in Wedding Reception 0 9

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Hi All,
Need some advice.
We are having an evening summer church wedding and reception at a fancy reception hall. Our theme is definitely leaning into more of the formal look but my fiancé does not want to wear a tux. He has decided to wear a navy 3 piece suit. Which is totally fine with me. But how do we direct our guests on a semi vs formal? With theme/style we are going for I’m afraid semi-formal will not make the cut. Is there an in between semi-formal and formal? Or is there a definition of formal that does not include a tux? Also sorry if these are silly questions. Just trying to be clear and thorough in my communications to my guests.

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9 Comments

Latest activity by Lynnie, on December 8, 2020 at 10:37 AM

Super April 2021
Tiger Bride · on December 6, 2020 at 10:55 PM
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My understanding is you don't indicate a dress code unless it is black or white tie. Your venue, time of day, and invitation suite can serve to clue your guests in to the level of formality they should expect and they will dress accordingly.
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Master July 2019
Hannah · on December 6, 2020 at 11:04 PM
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Formal means dark suits. Black tie is really the only one that means tuxes. You can also do cocktail attire which is suits and cocktail dresses. However, other than black tie (which is also a certain level of hosting), dress code doesn't go on the invitation. Usually, guests pick up on attire based on the formality of the invitations, the venue, etc. I don't know your social circle, but the average person doesn't typically attend too many weddings where tuxes are required for guests.
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Master 0000
Judith · on December 6, 2020 at 11:59 PM
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Formal does not require a tux, black tie and white tie require it. Formal is tux optional, dressy suits . Long dresses for women. Cocktail or semiformal, guys are in professional clothes type suits, women mostly in knee length or a few inches below, cocktail dresses.
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VIP June 2019
Hanna · on December 7, 2020 at 12:26 AM
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Cocktail attire! This is what I would say in your case
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Master April 2021
Mrs. Spring · on December 7, 2020 at 12:33 AM
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Yes, definitely. Here's an illustration for reference
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Champion December 2022
Michelle · on December 7, 2020 at 1:17 AM
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You don't mention or dictate dress code unless it's a super formal black or white tie requirement from the venue for entry. Usually Oscar caliber venues. Semi formal is Sunday best and is the default for the vast majority of weddings. The next step up is black tie with tuxes and gowns.
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Master April 2021
Michelle · on December 7, 2020 at 8:04 AM
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Oh the excitement of planning a wedding! You can’t tell your guests what to wear. However , on my wedding website (The Knot) it does have a section on Dress Code and that you can use.
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Master October 2019
Meghan · on December 7, 2020 at 1:59 PM
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Cocktail attire. This can be placed on your wedding website so you guests know what to wear, but you don't have to tell them outright or put it on your invitation. Typically the invitation itself sets the tone for the formality of your wedding.
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WeddingWire Administrator October 2016
Lynnie · on December 8, 2020 at 10:37 AM
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I think semi-formal is the perfect attire for your event! It denotes that men should wear a full suit (in a classic black, navy, or gray), and that women should be dressed formally but do not need to wear a floor-length gown.
For easy reference, here's exactly what my husband & I would wear for each dress code:
Formal: We'd probably call you or someone in the bridal party to ask if formal means "black tie optional" in this context, or just dark suits and formal dresses! If it's a no on tuxes, my husband would wear a dark navy suit with nice dress shoes and I'd wear a floor-length dress or a super formal short dress. (But I'd save wearing a full sparkly gala-style gown for a Black Tie event!)
(This wedding asked for Formal Attire, my husband was an usher and wearing a tux by the groom's request!)
(Me with friends at a Black Tie Summer Wedding in Miami)
Semi Formal: My husband is in a full suit but light grey is now on the table, as well as some fun accessories light a bright tie and patterned socks. I'm in a short fancy dress!
(Semi-Formal Evening Wedding)
(Semi-Formal Summer Wedding at a Yacht Club. I opted for a long dress in a fun & preppy pattern based on the venue!)
Cocktail Attire: This is the attire level where my husband can have the most fun with his fashion! He'll be wearing a patterned or colorful sports jacket, dress pants, and colorful shoes (or a navy blazer with colorful pants). For cocktail attire I'll be in a short dress, and I'll keep the color or pattern pretty seasonal!
(Summer Wedding with Cocktail Attire, I also knew the bride & groom would love his shoes!)
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