Semi-formal weddings have risen in popularity over the past year due to the unpredictableness of COVID-19. Aside from the uncertainty, many couples are opting for a more humble wedding style because of the many benefits. These weddings accompany an overall relaxed setting, attire, and decor. They can also be less expensive and are more intimate than larger, more formal weddings.
Wedding planning can be an overwhelming task, but semi-formal weddings are simpler to plan. Consider a budget for a simple wedding dress, a relaxed venue, subtle decor, and a short ceremony and reception to make it less stressful and lower cost.
Choose a Simple Wedding Dress Style
The wedding dress is perhaps the most prominent aspect of a wedding. For a semi-formal wedding, it’s especially important to find a simple dress. This can easily be done by thinking outside of the traditional wedding box. There are many simple yet elegant bridal looks and wedding gowns that cater to most brides’ needs.
For example, short dresses, cocktail dresses, dresses without lace or sequins, jumpsuits, and even rompers are all suitable styles that brides can adopt for a semi-formal wedding. Not only should the bride opt for a more casual look, but the guests too. It’s essential to let the guests know on the wedding invitation what the expected attire is and give a list of appropriate styles.
A simple way to make any casual outfit look more formal is to add jewelry and a range of other accessories. If toning down a piece of attire is the issue, merely changing shoes to a more basic pair of sandals or semi-formal enclosed shoes will do the trick.
Make the Setting Match the Occasion
Another prominent aspect of any wedding is the venue. A relaxed setting should be a top priority to match the tone of a semi-formal wedding. Many different venue types would complement a semi-formal occasion like a humble patio or gazebo, the beach, or outdoors in a botanical garden or grassy field. Barn venues for semi-formal weddings have even become wildly popular in years as well.
Outdoor weddings can be a little difficult because the weather may be uncertain, but as long as there’s a powerful vision, budget, and plan, the event should come together nicely. Try to avoid traditional venues such as large churches or cathedrals for semi-formal weddings, as they wouldn’t exactly match the atmosphere and style of the wedding. Also, consider hosting the ceremony and reception at one location.
Furthermore, consider enlisting the expertise of an event planner to help you seamlessly execute your semi-formal wedding vision. An experienced event planner can provide valuable insights into suitable venues, recommend decor and design elements that align with your theme, and coordinate all the logistical details to ensure a smooth and stress-free event. A great event planner would even get more info at theeventplannerexpo.com, with event tips, strategies and innovative ideas to use in the coming events. Just make sure your planner is skilled in understanding your vision and preferences, as well as capable of working within your budget constraints.
Uniform Decor
Just like the venue, the decor should match the casual wedding style, too. It may be tempting to incorporate more flashy and over-the-top decor to compensate for the simple venue. Still, it’s better to opt for a similar decor style to maintain uniformity across all aspects of the wedding.
Especially for a semi-formal wedding, it’s paramount that everything matches and works well together to avoid the wedding looking cluttered or chaotic. Like venues, the decor that fits a semi-formal wedding should be minimalistic. Opt for candles, fairy lights, draping, and buntings, or wine bottle centerpieces. Much of these decor ideas can be handmade, which can save on expenses. If the wedding is outdoors, it’s also a good idea to take advantage of the surroundings and incorporate them into the decor process.
Timing is Everything
Because most traditional wedding ceremonies and receptions take place during the evening, choosing a day-time ceremony and reception is the best choice for a semi-formal wedding. This is because often, “after-hours” weddings are more expensive.
Similar to the time of day, the actual day of the wedding can affect the overall tone. Consider a weekday wedding, even if it’s a Friday, to present a more casual feel. Weekday weddings are becoming more popular, and vendors likely offer lower rates compared to a weekend date.
One last note about the timing of a semi-formal wedding is the length of the event. Traditional weddings often take over an entire day, if not several days. They typically start with a rehearsal the night before, a full day of events on the marriage date, and a send-off the morning after. For an informal wedding, consider forgoing the events traditionally held on the days before and after. Additionally, consider hosting a shorter ceremony and reception but be sure to find a good middle ground so the events don’t feel rushed.
Semi-Formal Weddings Can Be Simple Yet Successful
Opting for a simpler wedding with a relaxed atmosphere is certainly possible. Semi-formal weddings may take more planning and budgeting to achieve a successful event, but the outcome is well worth it. Make sure to consider dress and venue styles, creative decor ideas, and a different time for the wedding to take place for a successful semi-formal wedding.
