| Wedding
Style |
Formal
Daytime |
Formal
Evening |
Semiformal
Daytime |
Semiformal
Evening |
Informal |
|
For the
Bride
|
White,
ivory or pastel colored floor length gown with train; long veil. |
Same
as formal daytime, but can feature more elaborate fabric and trim. |
White
or pastel colored floor- or tea- length dress; elbow-length or
shorter veil. |
Same
as semi-formal daytime, except with more elaborate fabric and trim. |
White
or pastel colored floor- or tea- length dress or dressy suit. Short
veil, hat optional. |
| For
the Groom and The Ushers |
Cutaway
coats or short jackets in either black or gray. Pants are gray
striped. |
Black
tails or black tuxedos. |
Gray
or black strollers or formal dark suits. |
Dinner
jackets; dark or light formal suits (depending on season). |
Dark
business suits, or in warm climates, white or natural-colored
jackets or suits. |
| For
the Bridesmaids |
Floor-
or tea-length dresses; hats or flower garlands; maid / matron of
honor's dress can contrast with maids' dresses. |
Long
or tea-length dresses. |
Same
as formal daytime, except with a simpler fabric such as cotton or
chintz. |
Long
or tea-length dresses. Same as semiformal daytime. |
Same
length as bride wears; maids may wear short dresses regardless of
style bride wears. |
| For
the Mothers |
Floor-
or tea- length dresses; dressy suits; hats optional; dresses should
complement each other in color and style. |
Floor-
or ankle- length dresses in more elaborate fabric than daytime. |
Floor-,
tea- or street-length dresses or suits, depending on length of
wedding-party dresses. |
Same
as semiformal daytime in dressier fabric. |
Street-length
dresses or suits. |
| For
the Women Guests |
Street-
length
cocktail dresses or tea-length dresses. |
Long
or short dresses. |
Street-
or tea-length dresses. |
Street-
length
cocktail dresses or dressy suits |
Short
cocktail dresses or suits. |
| For
the Men Guests |
Dark
suits, white shirts. |
Tuxedos
if invitation says black tie. Dark suits, white shirts if short
dresses are worn. |
Dark
suits or blazers and dark slacks; white or pastel shirts. |
Dark
suits, white or pastel shirts. |
Dark
suits or dark blazers and dress slacks; white or pastel shirts. |
| Invitations
& Announcements |
Engraved,
traditional. |
Same
as formal daytime. |
Engraved,
traditional; printed with designed graphics; thermo graphics. |
Engraved,
traditional; conservative printed graphic design; thermo graphics. |
Printed
with designed graphics or handwritten or engraved invitations. |
| Location
of Ceremony |
Church,
synagogue, club, large home, garden, catering hall. |
Same
as formal daytime. |
Church,
chapel, synagogue, hotel, club, home, catering hall. |
Same
as semiformal daytime. |
Church,
synagogue, chapel, rectory, home, garden or other outdoor location,
catering hall. |
| Church
Decorations |
Formal
flower arrangements, aisle runner, pew ribbons. |
Same
as formal daytime, plus candles along pews. |
Altar
flowers, aisle runner if long gowns are worn, pew ribbons. |
Same
as semiformal daytime. |
Flowers
for altar. |
| Ceremony
Music |
Organ,
choir or instrumental; vocal soloist optional. |
Same
as formal daytime. |
Organ,
instrumental; vocal soloist optional. |
Same
as semiformal daytime. |
Instrumental. |
| Location
of Reception |
Club,
hotel, garden, large home, catering hall. |
Same
as formal daytime. |
Club,
restaurant, garden, hotel, home, catering hall. |
Same
as semiformal daytime. |
Restaurant,
home, garden, church hall, catering hall. |
| Music
for Reception |
Live
band. |
Same
as formal daytime. |
Small
band; pianist; disc jockey. |
Same
as semiformal daytime. |
Recorded
music or single musician. |
| Menu |
Seated
or semi-buffet meal; appetizer, soup, salad, entrée, dessert.
Usually preceded by cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. |
Same
as formal daytime. |
Buffet;
brunch menu if early; cold cuts, salads, sandwiches, cheese and
vegetable trays, dessert. Champagne punch, wine or cocktails. |
Buffet;
carved meats, vegetables, salads, dessert. Champagne, wine or
cocktails. |
Buffet;
may be meal or hors d'oeuvre samplings depending on hour, dessert.
Champagne, wine or cocktails. |
