Wedding (with) Styles

Wedding Styles - What do they mean?

After you have chosen the date for your wedding and the number of guests to attend, the next step is to decide upon the "style". What does this mean? Let's discuss four different definitions of styles before you decide upon your final ceremony site.

Informal Wedding - this style applies to a daytime wedding that can be held just about anywhere (including Justice of the Peace). It usually entails a suit for the Bride and suits on the Groom and the best man. There are no bridesmaids other than the maid of honor, and she will wear a knee length dress (no floor length). The guests at an informal wedding seat themselves upon arrival.

Semiformal Wedding - In this particular setting the Bride will wear a floor length dress with or without a short veil and the Groom and his attendants will wear dark colored suits. The semiformal wedding most often takes place in the morning or early afternoon hours of the day. Bridesmaids are limited to one, possibly two, wearing pretty knee length dresses. The mothers of the couple should wear knee length as well. Semi-formal is usually reserved for smaller guests lists, less than 100. Aisle runners are not really appropriate for this more intimate affair.

Formal Wedding - Formal weddings are characterized by the traditional wedding gown with short train and veil for the Bride, and formal wear for the Groom and his attendants. Bridesmaids vary from two to six and wear floor length dresses. The time of day the ceremony takes place does not matter as long as the guest list is over 100. A formal wedding will include printed invitations with separate reception cards included.

Ultra Formal Wedding - This style of wedding is an elaborate and elegant affair. The Bride wears a wedding gown with a longer train and matching veil. The Groom and his attendants will wear either cutaway formals for day, or white tie and tails for evening. Bridesmaids range from four to twelve, all wearing floor length dresses. Mothers of the couple should also wear floor length attire. Guests numbers start at 200 and go upwards. Printed invitations should be followed by separate reception invitations. Receptions for the ultra formal wedding are large and lavish.

Weddings should be a personal statement about the couple involved. They can reflect personalities, hobbies, religious or spiritual beliefs and can take place anywhere and anytime depending on the number of guests attending. Tradition holds that the bride has the wedding in her hometown, but many modern couples choose any number of locations. Including the trendier "destination wedding" where a couple can travel to a tropical place and get married/honeymoon at the same time.

Whatever style is chosen, let it reflect the couple's lifestyle and spirit.