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What is Semi-Formal for Wedding Guest Attire? Answers to This and More

woman; well-dressed woman; red-haired woman

You’ve received the wedding invitation you’ve been waiting for has just arrived.  First thought: Yippy!  Second thought, what the hell am I supposed to wear? 

Never fear, I’m here to help you on that rocky wedding-themed road,

Suggested Informal Attire

Women:

  • Daytime: Street length dress, separates, or business attire for daytime weddings
  • Evening: Attire appropriate for a nice restaurant

Men:

  • Daytime: Dress shirt and pants, preferably add a sports jacket
  • Evening: Suit or sport jacket paired with slacks if very informal

Suggested Semi-Formal

Women:

  • Daytime: Street length dress/nice separates or suit 
  • Evening: Cocktail dress (little black dress or its equivalent)

Men:

  • Daytime: Suit
  • Evening: Dark suit and tie 

Suggested Formal & Black-Tie

Women:

  • Daytime: Daytime appropriate cocktail dress or suit. Hats and gloves are optional.
  • Evening or Black-Tie: Long or dressy short cocktail (beading and sequins with dressier accessories)

Men:

  • Daytime: Dark suit and tie
  • Evening: if the invitation states "black tie or formal" wear a tuxedo; wear a dark suit if not

Suggested Ultra-Formal or White Tie

Women:

Evening: Long gown and top-notch, very high-quality accessories (jewelry, gloves, expensive-looking wraps)

Men:

Ultra-formal Evening or White Tie: Black tailcoat, striped trousers, white plain stiff-front shirt with detachable (preferably) wing collar, white bow tie, and white waistcoat

Note: Most always, the little black dress or its equivalent is perfect for women, while a dark suit is perfect for men.  For more informal events, the attire worn to an elegant restaurant would work well. 

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