"Formal Attire" for a Wedding

Personally? I would call - as people's ideas and/or perceptions of formal attire are different...to me - although it doesn't say "black tie" - I would dress like it was a black tie event...

Also depends upon where it is - if it's at a 5 star location and in the evening - then they probably mean gowns and VERY nice suit or tux!!

Sorry I can't be more help!!

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Hi T.,

Formal means the same thing as "black tie."

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Formal to me means suits and ties and nice dresses with a longer length. But if you aren't sure, call as Cheryl said.

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Yeah I would definitely second the calling idea. I just jumped online out of curiosity and got both answers, same as black tie and also nice suit with tie and cuff links. So better to check I think. I wouldn't have thought much about it and my husband would have worn a dark suit, white shirt and very nice tie, but maybe that would not have been formal enough, who knows! Good luck!

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I would do a black tux suit - with the long tie, not a bow tie.
http://www.menswearhouse.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Pr...

You should do dress pants/skirt or longer formal dress.
http://www.dressbarn.com/detail/palazzo-pants/100328704

http://www.dillards.com/product/Jkara-Woman-Beaded-Chiffo...

http://www.dillards.com/shop/Women-Plus-Dresses-Special-O...

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I think my brother put "formal" on his invitations and did not intend for it to be black tie. They wanted nice suits for the men and nice dresses for the women. Long or short dresses were ok, but they didn't want sundresses, definitely something dressier.

I think a nice suit in a dark color (dark gray or black) is sufficient and a tuxedo is not necessary.

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I say call and ask but I would assume a very nice suit would be okay for hubby and a dress that is not too flashy but classy for you, even a tea length dress but not floor length.

No one really wears tuxedo's to a wedding as a guest. That would take away from the bridal party's attire.

I can't wait to see what she actually meant....

Ahh what fun. I said casual because in my family casual means slacks, polo type shirt for guys, casual dresses for woman. Apparently not the same in Troy's family, his sister in law wore shorts...oops It really didn't bother me but I know to some brides it would drive them nuts.

Formal mean suit and tie, dresses for the ladies. By dress not a casual dress but not a formal gown.

We recently went to an evening upscale wedding that said formal attire. My thought was probably tuxedo's and long dresses. When we contacted the bride, she said it meant that she wanted her friends to be dressed up! (no jeans, etc) A business suit was fine. Ask the bride!