| 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; thermographics.
|
Engraved,
traditional; conservative printed
graphic design; thermographics.
|
Printed
with designed graphics or handwritten
invitations; engraved announcements.
|
|
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.
|
