In this day and age, many of the traditions of yesteryear have gone out the window. These guidelines are intended only to give you ideas of what the ultra-formal, formal, semi-formal, informal Weddings traditionally consist of. Of course, many couples merge two "types" together, and come up with their own style. We encourage you to combine your own personal styles, customs & traditions together to find your perfect Wedding style.

 
Ultra Formal Wedding 

Attire for the Bride & Groom
 
Traditionally, an Ultra formal Wedding usually includes an elegant floor-length traditional gown with a long train and a veil in a complementary length for the bride. For the Groom, white tie and tails in the evening, cutaways in the daytime. 

Wedding Party size & Attire 

Four to twelve bridesmaids in floor-length dresses. Four to twelve groomsmen with tie & tails in the evening, cutaways in the daytime. 

Mothers 

Long dresses for the mothers of the bride and groom. 

Time 

High noon, late afternoon or evening ceremony. 

Guest Count 

200 or more guests. 

Invitations 

Engraved invitations, usually the large size, with separate reception invitations enclosed. 

Reception 

A large and lavish reception. Usually, there are strict seating arrangements.

Formal Wedding 

Attire for the Bride & Groom 

For the Bride, a traditional Wedding gown with a chapel or sweep train and a veil. Formal clothes (black tie in the evening, stroller jackets with striped trousers in the daytime) for the Groom. 

Wedding Party size & Attire 

Two to six bridesmaids, usually the long dresses. For the groomsman, formal clothes (black tie in the evening, stroller jackets with striped trousers in the daytime). 

Mothers 

Long or elaborate street - length dresses for the mothers of the bride and groom. 

Time 

Ceremony at any hour of the day. 

Guest Count 

At least 100 or more guests. 

Invitations 

Engraved or raised printed invitations, usually with separate reception invitations enclosed. 

Reception 

A festive reception with seating arrangements.  

Semiformal Wedding 

Attire for the Bride & Groom 

Traditionally, most formal Wedding guidelines also apply to semi-formal Weddings. A semi-formal Wedding usually includes an elaborate street-length or tea-length dress (or a simple floor-length dress) and a hat or short veil for the Bride. Dark suits for the Groom. 

Wedding Party size & Attire 

One or two bridal attendants in street-length or tea length dresses. One or two groomsmen in dark suits. 

Mothers 

Long dresses or suits for the mothers of the bride and groom. 

Time 

A morning or early afternoon ceremony. At smaller weddings, pew ribbons and aisle carpets are usually omitted. 

Guest Count 

100 or more guests. 

Invitations 

A single engraved or raised printed invitation to both ceremony and reception. 

Reception 

Smaller, more personal celebration. Usually there are no seating arrangements.  
  

Informal/Casual Wedding 

Attire for the Bride & Groom 

The Bride wears a suit; the Groom, a suit as well. 

Wedding Party size & Attire 

Usually, there is only a Best Man & Maid of Honor. The Best Man wears a suit, the Maid of Honor wears a simple dress. 

Mothers 

Long dresses for the mothers of the bride and groom. 

Time 

A daytime ceremony anywhere, including City Hall or Wedding Chapel. 

Guest Count 

Usually significantly smaller, including relatives and close friends. 

Invitations 

Handwritten or personal invitations to the intimate ceremony and reception. 

Reception 

A small gathering of friends & family with guests seating themselves.