Cocktail attire vs. semi-formal?

I'm finalizing my invitation wording and would love some feedback. I've done a lot of research online but have yet to find a definitive answer.

I'm having an afternoon wedding (ceremony 12:30-1p, cocktail hour 1-2p, reception 2-6p).

I want the guests to dress on the formal side (but definitely not black tie). Which wording do you think is better: cocktail attire or semi-formal?

Also, would you know what to wear if you saw either one on an invitation?

I know I can't control what anyone wears, I just don't want the time of day to be misleading.

Re: Cocktail attire vs. semi-formal?

I'm going to suggest Cocktail Attire, that will allow the ladies to know to wear knee length dresses and the guys to wear button downs and slacks.

Semi formal??? I don't know why but I feel like some would show up in sundresses and kakhi's??

Also - word of mouth will help. You will be suprised how many will call family and friends to discuss. Make sure you tell your big mouths of the family just want your looking for : )

Re: Cocktail attire vs. semi-formal?

I don't usually see a dress code on invitations anymore. And even if it was there, I probably wouldn't notice. I would leave it out unless your friends/family are often underdressed for events like this. We didn't specify on our invites and everyone came dressed appropriately.

Re: Cocktail attire vs. semi-formal?

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Posted by TeAmoChris

Semi formal??? I don't know why but I feel like some would show up in sundresses and kakhi's??

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Semi-formal doesn't mean sundresses, it's actually more formal than cocktail attire. Semi-formal means long dresses are not required, but are okay and men should be in dark suits.

Re: Cocktail attire vs. semi-formal?

I don't think you really need to address the attire. I just went to a Saturday (daytime) wedding and everyone was dressed very nicely :) It was also at CHCC!! If it were not at a hall, maybe you would want to address the clothing situation... but I think people will come in the appropriate attire

Re: Cocktail attire vs. semi-formal?

I don[t think you need the attire either...the only thing I ever see on invites is Black Tie

Re: Cocktail attire vs. semi-formal?

If the wedding was in the evening, I wouldn't include anything regarding attire. One of my bridesmaids said I should include it because it's in the afternoon, and she thinks people need direction. I don't want to insult anyone though.

Re: Cocktail attire vs. semi-formal?

i put 'formal attire' on my ivnites but its a saturday night wedding and some of FH's family is from out of state and they dress way to casual for weddings, im talking dark jeans! so i added it and honestly i dont really think people will be insulted most people know how to dress for a wedding its really for those people that just dont seem to get it.

Re: Cocktail attire vs. semi-formal?

I think cocktail attire/semi formal is assumed unless BT or BTO is written.

I did BTO because I LOVE fancy things and dressing up, but mainly because I wanted FH's family to understand that they had to dress appropriately to this thing. I'm trying to guard against khakis and sundresses.

Re: Cocktail attire vs. semi-formal?

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Posted by Bree71584

i put 'formal attire' on my ivnites but its a saturday night wedding and some of FH's family is from out of state and they dress way to casual for weddings, im talking dark jeans! so i added it and honestly i dont really think people will be insulted most people know how to dress for a wedding its really for those people that just dont seem to get it.

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I will probably do this because of FH family. They are VERY casual. But i do have some time to decide this

Re: Cocktail attire vs. semi-formal?

Black Tie... Black Tie Optional?

Usually that means formal, but you can leave the black tie at home.

Re: Cocktail attire vs. semi-formal?

Thanks so much ladies!

Re: Cocktail attire vs. semi-formal?

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Posted by AlexandMike2012

I don[t think you need the attire either...the only thing I ever see on invites is Black Tie

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this

Re: Cocktail attire vs. semi-formal?

I think most people will know how to dress for an afternoon wedding. I dress the same for an afternoon as I would an evening unless it specifies black tie in which case I would wear a long gown instead of a cocktail dress. I think you would only have an issue if you have alot of oot people who may be used to more casual weddings. I know a friend of mine had alot of upstate people at her wedding who were planning on coming in a sundress or khaki's , she just word of mouth let it be known that it was more formal than that.

Re: Cocktail attire vs. semi-formal?

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Posted by pjc92980

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Posted by AlexandMike2012

I don[t think you need the attire either...the only thing I ever see on invites is Black Tie

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this

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same here never seen any thing other then Black Tie

Re: Cocktail attire vs. semi-formal?

i was worried about this as well.
At the very bottom of our invitation, it said 'Reception to Follow'
I changed it to say ' Formal Reception to follow'

I dont want people thinking because its a Sunday afternoon wedding, they shouldnt be dressing up in gowns. JMO!

Re: Cocktail attire vs. semi-formal?

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Posted by jettahot

i was worried about this as well.
At the very bottom of our invitation, it said 'Reception to Follow'
I changed it to say ' Formal Reception to follow'

I dont want people thinking because its a Sunday afternoon wedding, they shouldnt be dressing up in gowns. JMO!

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That's a good way to incorporate the dress code!!

Re: Cocktail attire vs. semi-formal?

I've never seen the dress code on an invitation unless it was Black Tie Optional or something like that. I had a friend coming from NC where their wedding dress code differs so I just called him to let him know what people normally wear.

Formal Reception To Follow is normal - and I've even seen Adult Reception To Follow - all depending on what you want to stress.

Re: Cocktail attire vs. semi-formal?

I don't think you need to specify attire on your invites. I have been to a bunch of daytime weddings where everyone has shown up dressed appropriately.

If there is someone in particular you are worried about, talk with a few of your family members and tell them what you are looking for so they can casually pass the word along...

Re: Cocktail attire vs. semi-formal?

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Posted by jettahot

i was worried about this as well.
At the very bottom of our invitation, it said 'Reception to Follow'
I changed it to say ' Formal Reception to follow'

I dont want people thinking because its a Sunday afternoon wedding, they shouldnt be dressing up in gowns. JMO!

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I am totally using this! Thanks :)