Having been to all three kinds of weddings – formal, semiformal and informal I must admit that I love semiformal weddings the most. My first wedding was an informal wedding but second time around, I wanted a semiformal wedding. While I am providing you with some semiformal wedding etiquette information, I want you to remember that this should only be used as an outline and this is not set in stone. Feel free to include personal touches to make your wedding special.

Bride’s attire
When planning a semiformal wedding, the bride usually wears a long white (or ivory gown, in my case) with an optional veil. I chose to wear an ivory veil in the back instead of at the top with a blusher. A blusher is the second layer of some veils that allows you to cover your face. My wedding gown was by Nicole Miller. My simple tiara, ivory veil and earrings were by Regina B. My ivory shoes were by Manolo Blahnik and were dyed to match the dress by a local shoemaker.

Groom’s attire
When planning a semiformal wedding, the groom usually wears a tuxedo or sack coat. My husband chose to wear a black Calvin Klein tuxedo with white (or in his case, ivory to match my dress) tie. White tie is usually reserved for the most formal weddings but we both agreed that my husband looked nicer in the tuxedo with a white shirt, ivory vest and ivory tie. Don’t forget that it’s perfectly fine to make small changes to the wedding party’s wardrobe to better reflect your (or your partner’s) personality.

Bridesmaids’ attire
When planning a semiformal wedding, the bridesmaids’ usually wear dresses of any length. I have seen plenty of weddings wear the bridesmaids’ wear dresses just below the knee. I have also seen weddings where bridesmaids’ wear floor length gowns with wraps.

Groomsmen attire
When planning a semiformal wedding, the groom’s attendants usually wear a tuxedo or sack coat. My husband’s best man wore a black tuxedo with a mandarin collar.

Bride’s attendants
When planning a semiformal wedding, there is usually a maid or matron of honor, 2-6 bridesmaids, a flower girl and a ring bearer. At my semiformal wedding I chose a matron of honor and three bridesmaids but because of a dress snafu two of the bridesmaids became wedding ceremony readers leaving me with two wedding attendants – a matron of honor and one bridesmaid.

Groom’s attendants
When planning a semiformal wedding, there is usually a best man and one usher for ever 50 guests or the same number of groom’s attendants for the amount of bridesmaids. My husband’s best friend moved to another country and was unable to attend the wedding ceremony so he decided to just have a best man without another attendant which worked out fine.

Continue reading about Semiformal Wedding Etiquette – Decorations, Food, Beverages and Music and Wedding Ceremony and Reception