Semiformal Weddings: What Does This Mean For Guests?

Semi-formal wedding attire is a popular choice for couples who want their guests to dress up without the pressure of a formal dress code. It is a flexible dress code that falls somewhere between formal and casual, and is often referred to as dressy casual. For women, this means a cocktail dress, a dressy skirt and top, a jumpsuit, or dressy separates. Men can wear a suit and tie, a blazer and slacks, or a lighter suit for daytime events. The key is to strike a balance between casual and dressy, and when in doubt, it is always better to be slightly overdressed.

Semi-formal wedding attire for women

When it comes to semi-formal wedding attire for women, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to remember that semi-formal attire is a step down from formal wear, so floor-length gowns are best avoided. Instead, opt for a midi or knee-length dress, a mid-length skirt, or a jumpsuit. You could also wear a tailored suit or a two-piece ensemble.

When selecting your outfit, consider the season and venue. For example, a yellow mini dress may be perfect for a summer backyard wedding, but it might be too flashy for a winter soiree in an elegant ballroom. In general, it's best to stick to muted hues and pastel shades, such as blush pink or navy blue.

As for accessories, keep things simple and minimalist. Block heels or wedges are a better choice than stilettos, and simple gold or silver jewellery is preferable to ornate pieces.

• A midi dress with ruffles or an asymmetric neckline
• A jumpsuit in a solid colour
• A chiffon or satin dress in a floral print or a solid colour
• A tailored linen suit for a summer wedding, or a flannel or velvet suit for a winter wedding

Semi-formal wedding attire for men

For a semi-formal wedding, it is generally recommended to wear a suit, but not a tuxedo. This could be a two-piece suit, or a blazer and trousers combination, in colours such as navy, charcoal, brown, or tan. It is best to avoid black suits, as these are considered too formal for a semi-formal wedding.

The shirt should be a dress shirt, in a colour that complements your suit. A long-sleeved shirt is preferable, but short-sleeved shirts can be a comfortable option, especially for daytime or outdoor weddings.

Shoes should be dress shoes, such as loafers, oxfords, or brogues.

Accessories can include a tie, pocket square, belt, cufflinks, and a watch. A tie is optional, but if in doubt, it is better to wear one as you can always take it off. Similarly, a pocket square can be removed if you feel overdressed.

It is important to remember that semi-formal attire is still formal attire, so it is best to avoid overly casual clothing such as jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers.

Appropriate accessories for a semi-formal wedding

Semi-formal wedding attire is a dress code that falls in between cocktail attire and black-tie optional. It is a popular choice for weddings, with 64% of couples opting for this dress code in 2022. This code is neither too fancy nor too casual, striking a balance between formal and relaxed.

For Women:

• Opt for simple and minimalist styles.
• Choose block heels or wedges over stilettos.
• Go for subtle jewellery, such as thin gold hoops or delicate necklaces.
• Experiment with two-piece ensembles and suits. A fun satin suit in a vibrant colour can add a unique touch.
• For daytime weddings, lighter colours like light blue and beige are perfect.
• For evening weddings, darker colours like navy are more suitable.

For Men:

• Match a suit jacket or blazer with dress pants. Avoid jeans and khakis.
• Wear dress shoes, loafers, or oxfords.
• Pocket squares can add a nice touch of personality.
• For daytime weddings, lighter colours are appropriate.
• For evening weddings, darker colours like navy are a better choice.

In general, semi-formal attire is about finding the perfect balance between casual and dressy. It is a notch above business casual but a notch below cocktail attire. When in doubt, it is always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed, especially at a wedding.

Makeup and hair for a semi-formal wedding

A semi-formal wedding is a dressy casual event that strikes a balance between formal and casual. It is a broad style that requires elegance, sophistication, and grace. So, what does this mean for makeup and hair?

For makeup, the goal is to achieve a fresh, elevated look that will last throughout the ceremony and reception. Makeup artist Carolina Dalí describes the ideal look as "glowing, lit from within skin, softly accentuated features, and colours that work together in harmony." She recommends using two different kinds of foundation so that you only shine in the right places. Apply a mattifying velvet matte foundation on the centre of the face and areas that tend to get oily, and then use a glowy foundation on the rest of the face and neck. To keep shine at bay, especially with flash photography in mind, dust your T-zone and other shine-prone areas with a setting powder.

When it comes to contouring, less is more. Use a cream contour stick to softly define your features, applying it under your cheekbones and along your jawline, and then buff it out with a firm brush. Add a healthy flush to your cheeks and all over—on the temples, the tip and bridge of the nose, and along the contours of the eyes.

For the eyes, a primer is essential to create a base for eye makeup that won't budge. Go for a simple and clean look, such as a soft smoky eye or a classic cat eye, and choose colours that are more neutral and earthy, avoiding anything too loud or dark. Powder eyeshadows are often a better choice than creams, as they are less likely to crease or crack throughout the day. For eyeliner, create a thin, neat, and winged-out line, starting at the centre of your lash line and getting more defined towards the outer corners. Finish with a waterproof mascara to avoid any smudging, especially if you think you might get teary-eyed during the ceremony.

For the lips, a matte liquid lipstick with a soft, powdery finish is a good option to ensure longevity. Alternatively, layer a lip liner with a lip gloss, using feathery light strokes to shade in your lips and then applying the gloss only to the centre of your lips. Remember to choose either a bold eye or a bold lip to avoid looking too dramatic.

As for hair, semi-formal wedding hairstyles can vary depending on the season, venue, and personal style. For a beach wedding, you might want to go for something relaxed yet graceful, such as loose waves or a half-up style. Outdoor weddings may call for a mini dress with cap sleeves or a halter neck, so a soft, romantic updo or loose curls could be a good option. For a garden wedding, consider braids, floral hairpieces, or soft waves to match the natural, lively vibe. Indoor weddings tend to be more formal, so elegant updos or sophisticated blowouts might be more suitable.

What not to wear to a semi-formal wedding

Semi-formal wedding attire is a dress code that falls somewhere between formal and casual. It is a popular choice for weddings, with 64% of couples who got married in 2022 opting for this dress code. However, it can be confusing for guests to decode, so here are some tips on what not to wear to a semi-formal wedding.

For Women:

• Heavy beading or floor-length gowns.
• Stilettos. Instead, opt for block heels, wedges, or embellished sandals.
• Ornate jewellery. It is recommended to stick to simple gold or silver jewellery, such as thin gold hoops or delicate necklaces.
• White. It is generally advised not to wear white to a wedding as it is the colour typically worn by the bride.

For Men:

• Tuxedos.
• Jeans or khakis. Instead, opt for dress pants or slacks.
• Ties are optional, but it is suggested to wear one to elevate your look.
• Sneakers, flip-flops, or casual boots.

In general, it is better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed at a wedding. If you are still unsure about what to wear, consider the time of day and the venue when selecting your outfit. For daytime weddings, lean towards more casual options, while for evening weddings, opt for dressier choices.

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