After you and your sweetie start planning your wedding, you soon realize that there are a lot of elements you must consider so that your nuptial celebration is cohesive, organized and enjoyable for both you and your guests. Nevertheless, one of your earliest significant choices will set the tone for the entire day: its level of formality. That’s one important aspect you’ll need to think about when picking your attire, the venue, your food and drink and even the time of day in which you hold your festivities.
Formal, Semi-Formal, Black Tie, Or…What?
If your wedding will be the first major social affair you’ve ever planned, you might need a little help deciphering the difference between terms such as “formal,” “black tie,” “semi-formal,” “cocktail attire” and so on. For those unfamiliar with what each one entails, a fast guide to common dress code language may be helpful.
- “Casual” is appropriate for a more relaxed event, or for outdoors and beach weddings. That doesn’t automatically mean jeans and tee-shirts are acceptable. Rather, as Brides online points out, this usually translates to business casual apparel. A sundress or long skirt and blouse, or dress pants with a button-down shirt and sport jacket, may be appropriate.
- “Semi-formal” or “cocktail attire” is dressier than casual, but not as upscale as formal attire. The time of day in which the event takes place will usually dictate whether attendees should don lighter or darker hues. Inside Weddings recommends a suit and tie, a cocktail dress or a formal blouse and skirt for these events.
- “Formal” or “Black Tie Optional” is suitable for traditional evening weddings. Dark suits, tuxedos, long gowns or dark-colored formal cocktail frocks fit the bill for these affairs.
- “Black Tie” weddings aren’t as common, but you may occasionally encounter them. They generally begin after 6 p.m. and include a sit-down dinner. Dark colored tuxedos with bow ties and cummerbunds, or long formal gowns, are de rigueur for these celebrations.
What’s Your Wedding Vision?
Some couples may choose their level of formality first and then arrange their celebration with it in mind. In most cases, however, the decisions they make for specific aspects of their nuptials determine their event’s grandeur and dress code. Martha Stewart Weddings recommends examining several factors as you’re planning your special day:
- Venue
- Time of day
- Wedding party apparel
First of all, your location contributes much to the overall feel of the event. A backyard ceremony might call for casual attire, while a house of worship may call for semi-formal or even formal dress. For a ballroom, you’re definitely safer with formal or even black tie dress. Also, weddings starting at 5 p.m. and afterwards usually call for dressier attire and settings. Moreover, your wedding party’s apparel should be considered when you’re planning. For example, tuxes or long formal gowns might be overkill for a daytime or casual event. Finally, think about your budget carefully as you’re choosing your options. If you’re aiming for a less costly wedding, you may want to go with a semi-formal or even a casual affair. For those with more green to spend, formal or even black tie festivities are safely within your reach.
Your Wedding Is Your Canvas
Of course, the level of formality is just one aspect out of many to consider when planning your nuptials. Tasteful elegance is possible in many types of venues, settings and themes. Determining your budget early, collaborating on a shared vision and learning about common traditions and etiquette will all be helpful as you make arrangements. When all’s said and done, your wedding should serve as a joyful reflection of your long-term commitment to love each other and build a life together.
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