What is Formal Wedding Attire?

The Difference Between Formal and Semi-Formal Wedding Attire

When it comes to formal wedding attire, there is often confusion between what constitutes formal and semi-formal. Formal wedding attire usually refers to a tuxedo or a dark suit with a white shirt, a vest or cummerbund, and a bow tie for a man. For women, formal wedding attire typically consists of a long dress or gown, usually with a train. Semi-formal wedding attire is typically a bit less dressy than formal attire. For men, this could mean a dark suit or a tuxedo, but with a less-formal shirt and tie. For women, this could mean a cocktail dress or a long dress with a shorter train.

What to Wear to a Formal Wedding

When attending a formal wedding, it is important to dress in a manner that is reflective of the event. Men should wear a tuxedo or a dark suit with a white shirt, a vest or cummerbund, and a bow tie. Women should wear a long dress or gown, usually with a train. Accessories, such as a handbag, shoes, and jewelry, should be chosen to match the formality of the event. It is important to note that, when attending a formal wedding, hats are not usually worn.

What to Wear to a Semi-Formal Wedding

For semi-formal weddings, men should wear a dark suit or a tuxedo, but with a less-formal shirt and tie. Women should wear a cocktail dress or a long dress with a shorter train. Accessories, such as a handbag, shoes, and jewelry, should be chosen to match the formality of the event. As with formal weddings, hats are not usually worn to semi-formal weddings.

What to Wear to a Black-Tie Optional Wedding

A black-tie optional wedding is a step down from a formal or semi-formal wedding. For men, this type of wedding calls for a dark suit or a tuxedo and a dress shirt, but not necessarily a tie. Women should wear a cocktail dress or a long dress with a shorter train. Accessories, such as a handbag, shoes, and jewelry, should be chosen to match the formality of the event. Hats are usually not worn to black-tie optional weddings.

What to Wear to a Beach Wedding

For beach weddings, the dress code is usually much more relaxed than for other types of weddings. Men should wear a light-colored suit or a linen shirt and slacks. Women should wear a light-colored sundress or a maxi dress. Accessories, such as a handbag, shoes, and jewelry, should be chosen to match the formality of the event. Hats are usually not worn to beach weddings.

What to Wear to an Outdoor Wedding

For an outdoor wedding, the dress code is usually dictated by the time of day and the season. For daytime weddings, men should wear a light-colored suit or a linen shirt and slacks. Women should wear a light-colored sundress or a maxi dress. For evening weddings, men should wear a dark suit or a tuxedo and a dress shirt. Women should wear a cocktail dress or a long dress with a shorter train. Accessories, such as a handbag, shoes, and jewelry, should be chosen to match the formality of the event. Hats are usually not worn to outdoor weddings.

What to Wear to a Destination Wedding

For destination weddings, the dress code is usually dictated by the location of the wedding. Men should wear a suit or a tuxedo, depending on the formality of the event. Women should wear a dress that is appropriate for the climate and the culture of the destination. Accessories, such as a handbag, shoes, and jewelry, should be chosen to match the formality of the event. Hats are usually not worn to destination weddings.

Conclusion

When attending a wedding, it is important to dress appropriately for the occasion. The level of formality for the event should dictate the type of attire that is worn. Men should wear a tuxedo or a dark suit, and women should wear a long dress or gown. Accessories, such as a handbag, shoes, and jewelry, should be chosen to match the formality of the event. Hats are usually not worn to weddings.