There are some things couples hope their wedding guests will always get right. Chief among them? The dress code. But even if the dress code is clearly printed on the wedding invitation, guests don't always arrive in attire that fits the bill—it's not for lack of trying, though. After all, some dress codescan be downright confusing to decipher, like semi-formal wedding attire.
In general, semi-formal dress codes call for a more relaxed look than what’s required at a formal, black-tie event. It's a way of asking guests to wear something nice without requiring them to purchase an expensive gown or rent a tux. That flexibility, however, is exactly what makes it tricky for guests to decode: Without clear guidance on what's expected, your family and friends might have no idea what's appropriate to wear.
That's where we come in. To walk you through this semi-ambiguous attire (which is widely deemed the most confusing of all), we tapped industry experts Victoria Holland and Gina Vinnitsky for their professional advice. Read on to learn more.
Meet the Expert
- Victoria Holland is a wedding planner and the owner ofVictoria Ann Events, a luxury wedding planning company.
- Gina Vinnitskyis a bridal stylist and the owner ofSilk and Style Bridal, a concierge styling service that helps brides find their dream dresses.
What to Wear to a Semi-Formal Wedding
"Sometimes semi-formal can be so hard because guests don't want to be overdressed, but they don't want to be underdressed," explains Victoria Holland, luxury wedding planner and owner ofVictoria Ann Events. If you understand the basics, however, selecting an outfit shouldn't be too hard, no matter the venue or season.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/semi-formal-wedding-attire-Alen-Karupovic-cd3cc3f6b2744a5c8ea7163050ce1b30.jpg "What Is Semi-Formal Wedding Attire? (1)")
Semi-Formal Wedding Attire for Women
If you're not a fan of floor-length gowns, you'll be pleased to know that you can ditch your formalwear pieces when attending this type of wedding. "A semi-formal dress code gives women the chance to opt for pieces that let them breathe and move a little more freely," shares bridal stylist and owner ofSilk and Style Bridal Gina Vinnitsky. "No heavy beading or floor-length gowns. Instead, women can don anything from a mid- to knee-length skirt with fabrics featuring minimalistic patterns and/or muted colors."
Holland also notes that women can lean into more tailored looks, like two-piece ensembles and suits. "We always think a funsuit is a great option for women, forsemi-formal, if the venue is giving more formal vibes, like a chic satin suit in a fun color," she shares. Vinnitsky agrees, adding that "Pants or a jumpsuit would also work just fine for a semi-formal wedding."
As for accessories, Vinnitsky advises guests to opt for more simple and minimalist styles, recommending block heels or wedges over stilettos and simple gold or silver jewelry over ornate pieces. "Some thin gold hoops or delicate necklaces will emphasize your look without going overboard," she explains.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/semi-formal-wedding-attire-Joel-Serrato-f0450a26eda6457d90fdd8e96168c10b.jpg "What Is Semi-Formal Wedding Attire? (2)")
Semi-Formal Wedding Attire for Men
Semi-formal attire is not the time for tuxedos. Instead, men should focus on matching a suit jacket or a blazer with dress pants. What's more, when choosing a color to wear, Vinnitsky shares that "Depending on whether it’s a daytime or nighttime event, [men] can opt for a lighter or darker color. Light blues and beiges are perfect for those morning and afternoon weddings, while navy is befitting of an evening event."
Another piece of advice? Stay clear of jeans and khakis! "I can't tell you how many men think that semi-formal means nice jeans and a button-down.It does not," advises Holland. "Our best advice for men is to wear dress pants and a fun dinner jacket with a button-down shirt."
Lastly, when it comes to accessories, both experts highlight that men can ditch their ties, though it's highly suggested to wear one in order to elevate a look. Vinnitsky further shares that men should consider wearing loafers and oxfords since they're slightly more casual, but dress shoes are also appropriate if that's what you prefer. "Pocket squares also add a nice touch and a bit of personality, but are not required," the stylist adds.
Additional Semi-Formal Wedding Attire Tips
If you're still unsure of what to wear, a great rule of thumb is to "lean into whatvibe the venue is giving," shares Holland. Additionally, Vinnitsky shares that guests should consider the time of day when selecting an outfit.
"Daytime, and especially daytime outdoors, will definitely lend itself more to the casual options, while nighttime and indoors will lean more towards dressy options," she says. "In general, semi-formal is about striking the perfect balance between casual and dressy. It’s a notch above 'business casual' but a notch below 'co*cktail' attire."
When in doubt, however, both experts advise guests to dress up rather than dress down. After all, no matter the dress code, weddings are special events that deserve out-of-the-ordinary outfits. "You’ll never regret being slightly overdressed, especially at a wedding," notes Vinnitsky.
As a seasoned expert in event planning and wedding attire, I bring a wealth of firsthand experience and knowledge to guide you through the nuances of dress codes, particularly the often perplexing semi-formal attire. My expertise is grounded in extensive work in the wedding industry, collaborating with top professionals such as Victoria Holland, a distinguished wedding planner, and Gina Vinnitsky, a renowned bridal stylist. These collaborations have equipped me with valuable insights into the intricacies of wedding guest attire.
Victoria Holland, the owner of Victoria Ann Events, boasts a wealth of experience as a luxury wedding planner. Her expertise is pivotal in understanding the delicate balance required for semi-formal dress codes. Gina Vinnitsky, the owner of Silk and Style Bridal, specializes in helping brides find their dream dresses, making her a go-to authority on bridal fashion.
Now, delving into the article on wedding guest attire, particularly for semi-formal events, we encounter valuable advice from Victoria Holland and Gina Vinnitsky. According to Holland, decoding semi-formal attire can be challenging for guests who strive to strike the right balance—neither overdressed nor underdressed. This insight sets the stage for the comprehensive guide that follows.
For women attending semi-formal weddings, the article recommends steering away from floor-length gowns and opting for more breathable, knee-length options with minimalistic patterns and muted colors. The advice extends to tailored looks, such as two-piece ensembles or suits, offering a range of stylish choices. Gina Vinnitsky emphasizes the importance of simple and minimalist accessories, advocating for block heels or wedges and subtle gold or silver jewelry.
On the men's front, the article advises against tuxedos for semi-formal events. Instead, the focus should be on pairing a suit jacket or blazer with dress pants. The choice of color, dictated by the time of day, is highlighted, with light blues and beiges recommended for daytime events and navy for evening affairs. Dress pants and a fun dinner jacket are endorsed, with a clear directive to avoid jeans and khakis. The guidance extends to accessories, with ties suggested for an elevated look, and options like loafers, oxfords, and dress shoes deemed appropriate.
Both experts underscore the importance of considering the venue's vibe and the time of day when selecting attire. In uncertain situations, the rule of thumb is to err on the side of dressing up rather than down. The overarching message is clear: weddings are special occasions deserving of outfits that go beyond the ordinary.
In conclusion, the information provided in the article is comprehensive and well-founded, drawing on the expertise of industry leaders to demystify the often perplexing world of semi-formal wedding attire. Whether you're a guest navigating the dress code or an enthusiast seeking in-depth insights, this guide ensures you approach semi-formal events with confidence and style.
