My daughter is getting married in church but the reception is at a beautiful garden pavilion. What exactly determines whether a wedding is formal - the dress or the venue? For example, if the wedding was held outside in the garden with the reception following in the pavilion would that point more towards an informal wedding? With our wedding being held in our church, which way should we be leaning in regards to the dress and overall tone of this wedding? The wedding will take place about 3pm with the reception at 5pm - 10pm. Is it the degree of floral decorations, the fact that we've chosen the served buffet over the served sit down dinner or the bride and grooms dress that should dictate the formality? Any tips or clarifications would be greatly appreciated though. I made the mistake of choosing a veil that, looking back now, wasn't the right choice for the style of dress I was wearing, and I guess it still haunts me to this day!
(This post was
edited by TWQadmin on Aug 25, 2006, 6:54 AM)
The actual formality of the occasion is set by the style of invitation and the bridal gown. If these choices have been along the formal lines, then you would go with formal or semi formal. The time of day also dictates to the formality and the daytime hours would allow for semi formal to formal. I hope this helps you in making your decision. Nancy Tucker President of Weddings Beautiful US http://www.weddingsbeautiful.com
The degree of foemaility will largely be influenced by your budget and the location and time of the wedding. Following are guidelines:
Formal Wedding:
Ceremony takes place in a church, large home or garden.
Between 4 and 10 attendants each.
Women wear long gowns and formal fabrics. Groom and groomsmen wear cutaways or tailcoats.
Reception is usally sit-down or semi-buffet. Live music.
Semi-formal:
Ceremony can take place at church, civic site, hotel, club or garden.
Between 2 - 6 attendants each.
Women wear long, ankle length or tea length gowns in simpler fabrics. For daytime men wear gray or black strollers with striped trousers or formal suits; evening dinner jackets or formal suits.
Buffet meal is served. Music provided by small band or DJ.
Informal:
Ceremony can be held at church, civic site, home or garden.
Between 1 - 3 attendants each.
Women wear simple floor length gowns, ankle length, tea-length or street length dresses. Men wear suits, sport jackets and slacks.
Reception help at restaurant, fellowship hall, club or home. Morning weddings are often followed by breakfast, brunch or lunch. Afternoon receptions might include buffet or just appetizers and cake. Music provided by small ensemble, single musician or DJ.
Top Wedding Questions Forum Moderator - "Write your sorrows in the sand, your blessings in stone".
What dictates wedding formailty level?
