What does semi-formal mean?

[Noseypoo]

I know it's a dumb question, but what in the world is semi-formal? I'm invited to a wedding and it says semi-formal attire. Now I know what formal is, but semi? How can you be formal, but not really ?!

Blah ... {rolleyes}

[raybeck]

Well, after living in Midland, TX for 27 years, I can relate. Folks would put casual on an invitation and then you would get there and everyone was dressed up!!! So now I call that dressy casual!!! To me semi-formal would be something you would wear to Church that is dressy. Does that make sense? Even Churches have gotten so much more casual that just saying church clothes would not be enough, but something like you would wear for Easter, more dressy than how you might normally dress for church these days. Have I helped, or just confused you more????? To me, I'd rather be too dressed up than under dressed!!!

[Noseypoo]

Woo! I think I know what you mean, just dress nice, but not too fancy schmancy {thumbsu}

Thanx so much {yipee}

[raybeck]

You are so welcome! (:

[Alec]

Semi-Formal means he doesn't need a tux, but he should wear a coat and tie. For the woman it means that it doesn't have to be a full-length dress, but it does need to be dressy.

http://fashion.about.com/cs/glossary/a/partydefinition.htm

Semi-formal is the trickiest of all dress codes. Usually it means that tuxes are not required, nor are long dresses. An evening wedding (after 6 PM) would still dictate dark suits for him, and a cocktail dress for her. Daytime semi-formal events mean a suit for him and an appropriate short dress or dressy suit for her.

[raybeck]

Good advice, Alec! Although sometimes those tux deals can get complicated, too! Formal does not always mean a tux, again, hard to figure out sometimes! Personally, casual and dressy casual suit me fine! lol It is fun to dress up sometimes, tho, isn't it!!! I had to fight my DH at both of our DD's weddings that he could NOT wear his tux he owned, he had to rent one and match the other guys............Father of the Bride ordeal to a tee!!! Funny now, but is wasn't at the time...lol (I won)

[Noseypoo]

Bahaha ... my hubby said he's going to wear a bright-orange tux, like on Dumb & Dumber {rotflmbo}

[raybeck]

Care to make a little wager on that, Noseypoo......lol {toothy}

[Noseypoo]

I wouldn't put it past him, good thing there's no place around here to rent weird clothes like that {laughc}

[Justawoman]

Never tell a redneck semi-formal. I was thinking about my brother's wedding when I read this thread. My aunt and uncle showed up looking they had just finished yardwork. I was more embarrassed and upset then my brother. In my extended family you say "dress up dang it and take a shower while you are at... we ain't in the backwoods anymore."

[raybeck]

Never tell a redneck semi-formal. I was thinking about my brother's wedding when I read this thread. My aunt and uncle showed up looking they had just finished yardwork. I was more embarrassed and upset then my brother. In my extended family you say "dress up dang it and take a shower while you are at... we ain't in the backwoods anymore."

I hear ya...I get embarrased for THEM, but sadly, it doesn't seem to affect them, does it? They don't even know they aren't dressed appropriately! lol

[Justawoman]

Sad too, because you get to the point you don't want to invite family members like that anywhere special. How do you tell them nicely that semi-formal means nicer than your everyday work clothes?

[raybeck]

I don't know how you would tell someone and them still like you!!! I know one of Ray's brother's had to go out and buy a new suit to wear to one of my DD's weddings. I sure appreciated it...

[ladybug56]

Second-hand flatulence knows no borders

Yup, it does Alec {fart}

[ladybug56]

Noseypoo]I know it's a dumb question, but what in the world is semi-formal? I'm invited to a wedding and it says semi-formal attire. Now I know what formal is, but semi? How can you be formal, but not really ?!
Blah ... {rolleyes}


Go Formal in a Semi ?{fonzy} J/K {eyes}

[Justawoman]

Semi-formal is the trickiest of all dress codes. Usually it means that tuxes are not required, nor are long dresses. An evening wedding (after 6 PM) would still dictate dark suits for him, and a cocktail dress for her. Daytime semi-formal events mean a suit for him and an appropriate short dress or dressy suit for her.

Dressy Casual usually means no jeans or shorts. Similar to business casual, but a tad dressier.

Casual generally means anything goes.

Informal can mean the same as casual. However, when associated with a wedding or other special event, some form of decorum and good taste should prevail. A dress for her or a nice pair of slacks and shirt for him are informal, but respectful of the event.

[ladybug56]

Nosey.. instead of dressing to the nines, dress to the seven's!.It's very important to feel comfortable in your Attire.. if you do, then pretty much anything goes! unless you're @ the "QUEEN'S DINNER TABLE"..
Dress to the 9's too, only you will know if what you're wearing is acceptible,
if it is to you,then that's what will work..We all know where Jeans belong,
although I have seen men wear Sport's Jacket & Tie with Jeans to a Semi Formal, it look's pretty good to me anyway.