Etiquette for a Semiformal Wedding
A semi formal wedding is usually more relaxed than its formal counterpart. Decors are simpler, attire is less constricting, and food is less extravagant. Usually comprised of 100 people or less, they are more intimate since only the couple's closest friends and family are present. It also gives the bride and groom more room for personalization and flexibility in incorporating elements they truly like. Many couples opt for a semi formal wedding for practical reasons as well as to enjoy a more laid-back atmosphere.
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Invitation
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Forgo with the embossed formal invitation and opt for a more creative one. Decide if you want to have it printed by professionals or design and print it yourself. Semi formal weddings allow for a more artistic invitation: printed on handmade or other specialty paper, embellished with ribbons, beads or other accessories, and worded in a manner that shows your style and personality.
Location
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Decide if you wish to hold your wedding ceremony and reception in one setting or two different locations. Most couples choose to hold it in one place so as to minimize cost and logistical concerns, giving them more time to mingle with guests instead. If you prefer to have two different locations, however, make sure they are in good proximity to each other. Hold your wedding ceremony in a small chapel and the reception at its backyard garden or adjoining event hall if possible. This way, you don't waste valuable time during transfers and the overall excitement is not diminished.
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Food
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Serve a simple meal composed of cocktail appetizers, pasta, club sandwiches, finger foods or buffet dishes. Plan the menu according to your theme if you have one. One inexpensive, easy to prepare menu that is appropriate even for backyard celebrations is the tea party themed fare of scones, cupcakes, quiche, sandwiches and desserts.
Attire
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The bride can wear a simple, knee-length or full-length dress in white or ivory, with optional veil. The groom can don a tuxedo or a more relaxed white tunic in case of a beach wedding. Female guests can come in knee-length or cocktail dresses and males in trousers or khaki pants and dress shirts, or whatever the wedding theme calls for.
Favors
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Plan your wedding favors according to your theme, keeping in mind that a semi formal wedding lets you be as creative as possible. For a more practical approach, name card holders and table centerpieces can double as souvenirs.
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References
- Photo Credit wedding day image by chinatiger from Fotolia.com
