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Jazmine
Expert September 2019

Semi-formal? Garden? Formal?

Jazmine, on July 14, 2019 at 8:30 AM Posted in Etiquette and Advice 0 17
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Hey everyone! I’m kind of torn about telling people what the dress code is. Few things about the wedding:
1. It’s during the day from 2-5
2. We are only having passed appetizers, alcohol and cake
3. The ceremony takes place outside in a garden
4. We’re getting married in a very nice location

Here are images of the location. I was thinking “garden semi-formal attire,” but my family and guests have started to show me their outfits. It’s like they’re all going for formal! I was thinking more of a Kentucky Derby style ... thoughts?




Semi-formal? Garden? Formal? 1

Semi-formal? Garden? Formal? 2

17 Comments

Latest activity by Jeanie, on July 16, 2019 at 2:40 AM
  • M
    Legend June 2019
    Melle ·
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    Gorgeous! I'd go with semi formal
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  • Jazmine
    Expert September 2019
    Jazmine ·
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    Thanks girl!!! That was my original thought for sure and only started doubting myself when my guests started buying wayyyyy nicer outfits!!! I swear people are dropping $300+ on theirs and I’m like STOPPPPP lol
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  • Cyndy
    Master May 2019
    Cyndy ·
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    I agree that semi formal is what I would say, especially since it’s a daytime wedding.
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  • Jazmine
    Expert September 2019
    Jazmine ·
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    Thanks girl!!! I’m happy that’s what I went with then! I guess if people want to come formal, that’s no skin off my back 🤷🏼‍♀️ I did try!
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  • B
    Savvy August 2021
    Brittany ·
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    Semi-formal, but if people want to dress it up more, thats on them! Gorgeous venue!
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  • Jazmine
    Expert September 2019
    Jazmine ·
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    That’s true! If they want to get dolled up, weddings don’t happen often. That’s completely up to them!

    Thanks!!! We are thrilled with it!
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  • Christine
    Expert September 2020
    Christine ·
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    I'd say semi-formal and then not sweat it if people dress even nicer - definitely better than if the reverse happen and everyone showed up in jeans!

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  • Jazmine
    Expert September 2019
    Jazmine ·
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    True!!! I don’t mind if they dress nicer, I just feel bad everyone seems to be spending so much to show up lol Good point though! Thanks!
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  • Courtney
    Master December 2019
    Courtney ·
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    Semi-formal for sure. But once people realize that it's outside in a garden they may go with that as a starting point.

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  • Vicky
    VIP January 2020
    Vicky ·
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    It's definitely not formal; formal events only occur after 6 pm. I would say semi-formal. Are you spreading the information via word of mouth?
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  • Jazmine
    Expert September 2019
    Jazmine ·
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    I have semi-formal on the invitations and on the website and have told everyone all about it and that it is semi-formal as well. I was 1000% okay with everything until my mom and a few other guests showed me their outfits and I was like okay pretty but totally formal not semi ... so then I started to doubt myself. Sounds like I was on track though! YAY!

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  • K
    Savvy January 2020
    Kelecia ·
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    Semi formal, I chose this option as well and added a link on my wedding website for inspiration to guests. https://www.theknot.com/content/what-to-wear-semi-formal
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  • Bianca
    Savvy October 2020
    Bianca ·
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    If you look up what semi formal actually means it’s more formal than you’d think. You stated above that you are going for more derby attire. To me, I’d tell guests to wear cocktail attire instead of semi formal.


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  • Brandi
    Devoted September 2021
    Brandi ·
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    Beautiful!!!! I say go semi formal to formal. That way no one is under or over dressed and everyone is comfy. Good luck!!!
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  • CDickman
    VIP September 2019
    CDickman ·
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    Formal means long dresses for the women’s. Full suits for the guys. Semi formal is more formal short dresses.
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  • CDickman
    VIP September 2019
    CDickman ·
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    Also you mom most liky want to dress up more. Mother of the brides usually do.
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  • Jeanie
    Super February 2020
    Jeanie ·
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    I love the Kentucky derby style idea! That’s on them. Otherwise stick to what you had in mind and tell people that’s what you’re planning. Some people are going to wear what they want regardless of what you say.
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