Formal Wedding Attire: Dressing To Impress For The Big Day

Formal attire for a wedding is a step down from black-tie, which usually indicates a formal, evening event. For men, this means a dark suit with a shirt and tie, and for women, a floor-length gown, a cocktail dress, or a dressy pantsuit.

Formal wedding attire is more flexible than black-tie, so feel free to experiment with colours and accessories. However, it's important to remember that a wedding is a formal event, so avoid anything too casual.

The host line: The opening line mentions the hosts of the wedding, usually the couple's parents

The host line

The opening line of a wedding invitation mentions the hosts of the wedding, usually the couple's parents. This line sets the tone for the entire invitation and provides important information about the event. Here are some tips and examples to help you understand and craft the host line for your formal wedding invitation:

Understanding the host line

The host line typically includes the names of the people who are hosting the wedding, followed by a request for the pleasure of the guests' company. It is a way to extend a warm invitation and set the tone for the celebration.

For example:

> Together with their families,

> Jane Smith and John Doe

> request the pleasure of your company

> as they unite as one

In this example, the host line mentions the names of the couple, Jane Smith and John Doe, and their families, indicating that both families are jointly hosting the wedding.

Including parents' names

Traditionally, the host line mentions the names of the couple's parents, especially if they are hosting the wedding. This is a way to honour and recognise their role in the celebration.

For example:

> Mr. and Mrs. Michael Smith

> and

> Mr. and Mrs. Robert Doe

> invite you to share a moment of joy

> as their children, Jane and John,

> are joined in marriage

Here, the names of the parents, Mr. and Mrs., are included, followed by an invitation to share in the joy of their children's marriage.

Adding a personal touch

The host line can also be an opportunity to add a personal touch and showcase the couple's personality. You can use creative wording or include a meaningful quote to set the tone for your wedding.

For example:

> With joyful hearts,

> Mr. and Mrs. Smith

> and

> Mr. and Mrs. Doe

> invite you to be witnesses of love

> as their children, Jane and John,

> become one heart

In this version, the phrase "with joyful hearts" adds a warm and heartfelt sentiment to the invitation, reflecting the happiness of the occasion.

Cultural considerations

It is important to be mindful of cultural traditions and customs when crafting the host line. Different cultures may have specific protocols or wording preferences for wedding invitations. Respect and honour these traditions to ensure your invitation is appropriate and meaningful.

For a formal wedding invitation, the host line is a crucial element that sets the tone for the entire event. It introduces the hosts, usually the couple's parents, and invites the guests to share in the joy and celebration of the wedding. By including names, adding personal touches, and considering cultural traditions, you can create a host line that is both elegant and meaningful.

Attendance request: This line lets guests know they're being invited to the wedding

A wedding invitation is a formal request for guests to attend the upcoming ceremony and reception. The invitation should include key details such as the date, time, and location of the event, as well as any relevant dress code expectations.

When it comes to wedding attire, clear communication is essential. Guests want to know what is expected of them in terms of dress code, and the invitation is the best place to provide this information. The dress code can be included on the bottom centre of the invitation or printed on an additional information card.

So, what does "formal attire" mean for a wedding? Formal wedding attire is a step down from black-tie, sitting between cocktail and black-tie on the dress code scale. It offers guests more flexibility than a strict black-tie dress code. For women, formal wedding attire includes both floor-length gowns and elegant ankle-length dresses, but a jumpsuit or a dressy suit are also appropriate. For men, a tuxedo is not required; a dark suit and tie are suitable alternatives.

When selecting a formal wedding outfit, it is essential to consider the venue and season. For summer events, opt for lighter fabrics and brighter colours, while winter calls for darker shades, thicker fabrics, and longer sleeves. It is also important to remember that "formal" does not mean "black tie" or "white tie," which are more formal dress codes.

The couple's names: The names of the couple are usually displayed in larger text

The Couple's Names

The names of the couple are usually displayed in larger text, and this is the first thing guests will notice when they open the invitation. The names should be written out in full, with the bride's name appearing before the groom's. It is also customary to include the parents' names and request the pleasure of the guests' company at the celebration of their children's marriage.

For example:

> Together with their families,

> Jane Elizabeth Smith and John Thomas Brown

> Request the honour of your presence

> As they unite in marriage

The couple's names can also be written on a separate line, with a more simple phrasing, such as:

> Jane Elizabeth Smith

> and

> John Thomas Brown

The font, text size, and layout of the names can be adjusted to fit the style and tone of the wedding. For a more formal affair, a traditional font and layout may be used, while a more modern or whimsical wedding may call for a unique font choice and playful text arrangement.

The names of the couple are the most important element of the invitation, and this is a great opportunity to set the tone for the entire celebration. Whether classic or creative, the presentation of the couple's names will leave a lasting impression on guests and generate excitement for the upcoming nuptials.

Date and time: Formal invites require the date and time to be spelled out, while modern invites use numerals

When it comes to wedding invites, the date and time are usually spelled out in full on formal invites, while modern invites tend to use numerals. This is a long-standing tradition that adds a touch of elegance and formality to the occasion.

For formal invites, the date is often written out in a similar style to the example below:

> Saturday, the fifteenth of September, two thousand and twenty-four, at four o'clock in the afternoon

The time is also written out in full, as seen in the example: "four o'clock in the afternoon". This style of writing out the date and time is common for formal events such as weddings, and it adds a sense of sophistication to the invitation.

In contrast, modern wedding invites often use numerals for the date and time. This style is more concise and straightforward, and it is commonly used in less formal invitations. An example of this style is:

> Date: 15/09/2024

> Time: 16:00

Using numerals for the date and time gives a more contemporary feel to the invitation and can be more convenient for quick reference.

It is important to note that there is no strict rule regarding the use of spelled-out dates and times versus numerals. The choice between the two styles often depends on the level of formality desired by the couple and the overall design of the invitation. Some modern invitations may incorporate a mix of both styles to create a unique and personalised look.

Location: Include the name and address of the venue, and the country if it's abroad

When it comes to wedding invitations, the location of the venue is usually included, along with its name and address. If the wedding is taking place abroad, it is also customary to mention the country. This information is essential for guests, especially if they need to arrange travel and accommodation.

"The Ellendale Country Inn and Suites, 100 North Pointe Avenue, Chico, California 93028, United States"

"The Breakers, Palm Beach, Florida, USA"

"Puglia's Salento Coast, Italy"

"The Breakers, The Breakers, 1393 North Larkspur Avenue, Chico, California 93028"

Including this information clearly on the invitation ensures that guests can easily find the venue and plan their travel accordingly. It also adds a touch of elegance and formality to the invitation, setting the tone for the wedding celebration.

In addition to the location, other important details such as the date and time of the wedding should also be included on the invitation. This comprehensive information allows guests to plan their attendance and ensures a smooth and well-organized event.

Frequently asked questions