Understanding The Dress Code: Casual Formal Wedding Attire

Wedding dress codes can be confusing, and the various terminologies used don't make it any easier. Casual formal is one such combination that may leave wedding guests scratching their heads. So, what does it mean?

Casual formal is likely to indicate that the wedding is semi-formal or dressy casual. This means that guests should opt for a smart but relaxed look. For men, this could mean a suit and tie, or a sports jacket and dress pants. Women might choose a cocktail dress, a dressy jumpsuit, or a pantsuit. It's worth noting that casual formal is not the same as black-tie optional, which is a step down from black-tie but still quite formal.

What to wear to a casual formal wedding as a guest

When a wedding invitation states "casual formal", it means that the event is slightly less formal than a black-tie wedding. This means that guests have more flexibility with their outfit choices.

For men, a tuxedo is not required. A dark suit with dress pants and nice loafers would be a good option. A formal jacket and tie or a traditional suit are also appropriate choices.

For women, a floor-length evening gown is not necessary. A nice cocktail dress or a dressy pantsuit would be suitable. A midi dress, a chic jumpsuit, or a wrap dress are also good options for a semi-formal wedding.

It's important to remember that a wedding is still a formal event, so guests should avoid wearing anything too casual, such as jeans, shorts, or sneakers.

When choosing an outfit, consider the time of day and venue of the wedding. For evening weddings, darker and more formal colours are recommended, while light colours and airy fabrics are more appropriate for daytime weddings. If the wedding is outdoors or in a casual setting, guests can opt for more relaxed outfits, but it's still important to dress up a bit more than usual.

Overall, when dressing for a casual formal wedding, guests should aim for a balance between elegance and comfort, with a slight tilt towards the formal side.

Examples of casual formal wedding attire for women

Casual formal, or dressy casual, is a dress code that calls for special event clothing that's trendy, relaxed, and comfortable. It's dressier than what you would wear to work but not as formal as black-tie or formal events. For women, this could include:

• A midi dress with statement jewellery
• A light-coloured suit
• A sleek jumpsuit
• A blazer and slacks
• A simple sundress
• A dress shirt tucked into chinos
• A midi-length skirt with a nice blouse, blazer, or sweater
• A summery floral frock
• A wrap dress
• A fit-and-flare dress in a soft fabric
• A paisley print midi dress
• A black halter-neck jumpsuit
• A dark green midi dress with long sleeves and a slit detail
• A red midi dress with puff sleeves and a V-neck
• A maxi dress with flutter sleeves
• A strapless midi dress with a flared skirt
• A coloured midi dress with puff sleeves and a V-neck
• A green jumpsuit with chunky straps and a square neckline

For a daytime dressy casual wedding in a warmer climate, a cotton or light fabric shift dress is a good option. For weddings in the evening, a slightly more upscale outfit is recommended. The venue can also provide inspiration—for example, a winery or upscale restaurant calls for a dressier outfit, while a backyard wedding is a place to wear something more relaxed.

Examples of casual formal wedding attire for men

"Casual formal" is a somewhat ambiguous dress code that will require a bit of interpretation on your part. It's likely that the wedding will be held outdoors, so choose an outfit that's a bit more relaxed than what you'd wear to a formal indoor event.

• A light-coloured suit: Opt for a suit in a light shade such as beige or light grey. This will help to strike a balance between formal and casual. You can also experiment with patterns and fabrics to add a bit of personality to your look.
• A blazer and dress pants: If a full suit feels too formal, try pairing a blazer with dress pants in a complementary colour. This could be a navy blazer with grey pants, or a light-coloured blazer with dark pants.
• A dress shirt and chinos: For a more relaxed look, wear a dress shirt tucked into a pair of chinos. This option still looks polished but is more comfortable and laid-back than a full suit. You can also add a blazer if you want to dress it up a bit.
• A polo shirt and dress pants: A polo shirt is a more casual alternative to a dress shirt. Pair it with dress pants and dress shoes for a smart-casual look.
• A sports coat and dress pants: A sports coat is a great way to add a touch of formality to your outfit. Pair it with dress pants and a dress shirt, and you can also add a tie if you want to dress it up further.

Remember, it's always better to be overdressed than underdressed. So, if in doubt, err on the side of formality and choose an outfit that leans more towards the "formal" side of "casual formal".

How to address a casual formal wedding invitation

How to Address a Casual-Formal Wedding Invitation

A casual-formal wedding invitation should include all the essential details, such as the couple's full names, the hosts of the event, the date, time, and location of the ceremony and reception. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to address a casual-formal wedding invitation:

• Host Line: Start with the names of the hosts of the wedding, usually the couple's parents or both sets of parents. If the couple is hosting the wedding themselves, you can omit this line or use a phrase such as "Together with their families."
• Attendance Request: This is the request to attend the wedding and can be worded in various ways, such as "request the pleasure of your company," "invite you to celebrate with them," or "would love for you to join them."
• Couple's Names: Traditionally, the bride's name is written first, followed by the groom's full name and title. However, for same-sex couples, you can choose the order based on alphabetical order or what sounds better.
• Date and Time: In a casual-formal invitation, it is appropriate to use numerals for the date and time, such as "Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 4:30 in the afternoon."
• Location: Include the name and full address of the wedding venue, including the city, state, and zip code. If the wedding is abroad, add the country as well.
• Reception Details: If the ceremony and reception are at the same venue, you can simply state "reception to follow." Otherwise, provide the full address and other relevant information for the reception location.
• Dress Code: Including the dress code is optional but helpful for guests. You can mention it in the lower corner or center of the invitation or include it on a separate details card. For a casual-formal wedding, suggest attire that strikes a balance between elegance and comfort.

"Kenzie and Jennifer Smith, along with Mark and Sally Reyes, invite you to share and celebrate the marriage of their children, Olivia Rose and John Michael, on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 4:30 in the afternoon at [venue name and address]. Reception to follow at [reception venue name and address]."

How to address a casual formal wedding invitation when the couple is hosting

When it comes to wedding invitation wording, the level of formality is important to consider. "Casual formal" is likely to refer to the attire expected of guests, rather than the wording of the invitation itself.

Formal Wording

If you're opting for a more traditional, formal invitation, you could use wording such as:

> The honour of your presence is requested at our wedding

> [Couple's names]

> Saturday, the seventeenth of August two thousand twenty-four at half after four in the afternoon

> [venue name and address]

> Reception to follow

Casual Wording

For a more casual invitation, you might prefer:

> We invite you to share in our joy as we celebrate our wedding

> [Couple's names]

> Saturday, August 17, 2024 at 4:30 p.m.

> [venue name and address]

> Reception to follow

Creative Wording

If you want to get creative with your wording, while still maintaining a casual-formal tone, you could try something like:

> With joy, we invite you to celebrate with us as we tie the knot

> [Couple's names]

> Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 4:30 p.m.

> [venue name and address]

> Dinner, dancing, and merriment to follow

Remember, the key difference between formal and casual wording lies in the use of numerals and abbreviations. Formal invitations tend to spell out dates, times, and addresses in full, while casual invitations use numerals and abbreviated phrases.

Also, don't forget to include a dress code in the lower corner or centre of the invitation, or on a separate insert card, to give your guests a clear idea of what "casual formal" means.

For a casual-formal dress code, men might wear a suit and tie or a sports jacket with dress pants and a collared shirt. Women could opt for a cocktail dress, a dressy jumpsuit, or a nice pantsuit.

Frequently asked questions