Wedding attire can range from formal suit and tie to casual sundresses and button ups and everything in between. The level of formality can be determined by many things such as your meal, venue, transportation and bar style, but these are not all that dictates formality level. It really comes down to what the couple decides they are comfortable with. Although we believe all weddings and couples are beautiful, some feel more comfortable in a formal environment, while others do not. So what are the differences in formality levels and how do you decide which is fitting for you and your significant other? Keep reading to find out!
Formal:
Formal weddings typically consist of tuxedos and long evening gowns for guest’s attire. If an invitation says “White Tie,” this will be the most formal of all types of settings and you will see guests dressed as if going to a formal Gala or award ceremony. In either setting, you can expect to have a plated, sit down dinner, likely with multiple courses. The dinner will typically be served by wait staff and you might want to brush up on some dinner etiquette beforehand. You may also see an open bar that is heavily stocked with various liquor or drink options. There will likely also be some sort of transportation service offered by the couple to assist guests in returning home or to their hotels for the night. The venue associated with this type of formality might include a museum, a historic site or ballroom of a nice hotel.
Semi-Formal:
When you see ‘cocktail attire’ or ‘semi-formal’ on the invitation, think shorter dresses or skirts that hit above the knee and a comfortable suit and tie. The ceremony will usually start in the afternoon and has a simpler main meal that may or may not be plated and served to you. There will likely be a limited bar with a few liquors, wine and beer options. Transportation may or may not be provided for guests. The venue associated with this formality can range from a beach, an industrial building or a vineyard.
Informal:
At an informal wedding, you will likely see guests in sundresses and khakis with polos or button ups. Food will be much more casual and might consist of a food bar that is self-serve like tacos. There will more than likely not be transportation offered and guests will be expected to get to the venue and home or to their hotels on their own. The bar will usually consist of beer and a few other canned drinks like seltzers, if there is a bar. The venue associated with this type of formality would be a church, barn or an outdoor, rustic venue.
Deciding the level of formality is important to do pretty early as it will determine a lot about your details and decisions moving forward. Be sure you consider the cost associated with each level of formality and consider you and your significant other’s style as well. One thing is certain- no matter how formal or informal you choose to go, the focus should always be on you and your spouse!
Cheers,
Kayley
Associate Wedding Coordinator | Content Creator
Kayley Russell
Cue The Champagne Event Planning and Design Chattanooga Tennessee’s Premier
Wedding Planning and Event Studio Owned by Chattanooga Wedding Planner and Wedding Coordinator Shaun M.Teague
Cue the Champagne Event Planning + Design offers Wedding Day Event Management Services formerly known as Day of Wedding Coordination, Full Service Wedding Planning Services, Chattanooga Wedding Flowers ,Elopement Planning and Event Design Services for all your Social and Corporate Events. Cue The Champagne Event Planning and Design also offer Chattanooga Wedding Flowers for your wedding and event planning needs.
Cue The Champagne Event Planning + Design caters to Weddings and Events in Chattanooga Tennessee and Atlanta, Georgia Wedding locations and Worldwide.
