What does a "formal" wedding entail?

It's most likely about attire. Ladies in gowns, men tuxedos or at least a suit and bow tie. Also most of the time NO KIDS!

Formal to me is the equivalent of Black Tie Optional- a step down from Black Tie

" The Invitation Says: "Formal" or "Black Tie Optional"

The wording here indicates something slightly less formal than black tie is acceptable. So, a tuxedo isn't required, but the event is still formal enough for one to be appropriate.

For the ladies: A long dress, dressy separates, or a formal cocktail dress.

For the men: A tuxedo or a formal dark suit, white shirt, and conservative tie. "

It would not have the specific demands of a black tie event like a live band etc.

ETA As Christy has so generously shared, the only dress code that should ever be on an invitation is Black Tie. As is indicated by the quotation marks, this is a quote from an article about what dress codes entail. Not everyone abides by the rules of etiquette as we all know.

@Christy- I know that. See the explanation of the quotation.

Thank you guys for sharing! Im learning! So on the WW website creator it has a place to specify attire. Is it appropriate to specify attire other than black tie there? Or no where at all? Glad to dodge this bullet.

On your website you can list the attire as a guide to guests. Just not on your invites. Formal to me is an event that is missing a few components of black tie. FH would wear a suit and tie but not a tux and I would wear a dress that isn't floor length.

@Christy- the quotation wasn't at all misleading. It was a quotation, which indicates that someone other than me said the words originally.

Sometimes asking a question is a better way to clarify something, if you are confused.

Thanks @Christy!

I would love to! We are getting married in October in Arkansas at The Ravington (http://theravington.com/). It was built as an event space. 225 max capacity with full band, hopefully about 175 attending. It will be a buffet style dinner (common in my area ; prime rib, or chicken with sides and a vegetarian option) with two beer/wine/champagne open bars at cocktail hour with passed hors d'oeurves moving to two full open bars for the reception. I included a picture of my invite here. It isn't really clear but you get the idea.

Thanks!

As soon as I saw buffet and limited bar, I wouldn't classify your wedding as formal. However, your invites are confusing because they imply a more formal setting. The invites should match the event as a whole.

Yes, Ana, formality depends on all of those things: time of day, food, music, and decorations.