What is semi formal wedding attire?

You're right, semi-formal and formal are very different. It could be that she just wants people to dress up, but doesn't want people to go out and buy gowns and suits if they don't already own them, or she may just be ignorant to attire guidelines. I would base my attire off of the venue and the invitation, probably cocktail dresses for women and a dark suit for men.

For semi-formal your best choice would be a nice dress, not a sundress but not necessarily a gown, unless you want to wear one & your FH should wear a suit (tie or bow tie are optional).

Semi-formal to me is a cocktail dress for women, nice pants and shirt for men. Formal would be a long dress and suit and tie.

Semi-formal for men and women are different so maybe that is what they are catering to? Women you could wear a long dress but I always think a good classy cocktail dress is nice. The formal for the man would mean a jacket.

I agree that they are both very different. It may be that since they are together, it is less formal than gowns, but to still dress in a nice/lovely dress

I’d wear either a very nice cocktail dress, or a floor length dress but not quite as fancy as a “gown.” I agree with Caytlyn that she probably wants people to dress formal but doesn’t want to pressure you to buy super formal attire if you don’t already have it.

Aaaaaand this is why I put an FAQ section on our website and more explicitly defined our "dress code". People have different ideas of what things mean, and at least in my circle, most people don't have a firm grasp on the formal definitions of cocktail, semi-formal, and formal attire.

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I agree- semi formal would be a step above Sunday best for me- nicer evening/cocktail dresses for the ladies and shirt and tie for the guys. Formal tends to be longer dresses and jackets.

Look at pictures of the venue and base it off the formality of the venue.

We were invited to a wedding in CO. The website said it was formal attire. I googled the venue and it was very rustic. I ended up wearing a nice, knee length dress. The ceremony was outside in the mountains in a field. Even the MOG was wearing a short cocktail dress. I would have felt like an idiot in formal attire.

Trust your gut!

Thank you all for your advice! I don’t think I would be so hesitant if it said semi formal OR formal but the slash is what has me a little confused. Ha! I’m nervous the dress I have ordered is going to be a little too formal so I might just pack a cocktail dress and decide when I get there!

It’s better to over dress than to under dress!

I agree, I would consider "semi formal" to be like cocktail attire, but "formal" to be closer to black tie. In this case I'd probably wear a simple long dress or a more fancy cocktail dress. We have a few guides that could help, especially Here’s What to Wear to a Wedding, According to the Experts which poses different scenarios like "A Formal Beach Wedding" and A Semi-Formal Cocktail Party at an Art Gallery" and gives do and don't suggestions.

Wedding Dress Codes: Everything You Need to Know

Cocktail Attire Defined: What to (And What Not to) Wear

What NOT to Wear to a Wedding

Semi-Formal and Cocktail Wedding Attire for Men, Explained