What is considered "semiformal"?

CantWaitToBeMrsSmith

We will be having an afternoon wedding in January that will start at 2 and will last for 3 hrs. What would be considered semiformal wear that would be appropriate?  

mica178

Isn't semi-formal cocktail dresses and suits?

Most people that you invite will see that you are having an afternoon reception and will dress according to the formality of your venue without you spelling out the dresscode.

GeauxTigers17

I know a guy who showed up in tails (full white tie) on top, with bermuda shorts and roller skates to a mardi gras bal because the invitation said it was "semi-formal" so he came "half formal." He's super goofy and would never do that for a wedding, but just a funny example of how people can manipulate that word! 

The venue and time of day will inform your guests - I don't think you have much to worry about.  

ootmother2

I would wear a LBD, not glittery though.  knee length, not floor

ootmother2

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_considered-semiformal?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:50fd89fa-2e91-4c62-ab6d-3016355f34acPost:e6e0edac-b625-43c8-963f-ea545a9d3c29">Re: What is considered "semiformal"?</a>:
[QUOTE]Do you mean for you, your FI, or for your guests?
Posted by CMGr[/QUOTE]

I think it's obvious that she's asking about guests

shipsinthenight

[QUOTE]Isn't semi-formal cocktail dresses and suits? Most people that you invite will see that you are having an afternoon reception and will dress according to the formality of your venue without you spelling out the dresscode.
Posted by mica178[/QUOTE]

^ This! If I were having an afternoon wedding: For the WP I would do knee length dresses and suits, maybe sports coats rather than full on suits. Guests will probably show up in nice sundresses (think Easter) and suits, or possibly just dress shirts with ties.

LuluP82

The only time you should specify a dress code for a wedding is if your venue has  a dress code. Otherwise, people can figure it out based on the time of day and venue. Especially for an afternoon wedding-- in the evening there's always a line between formal (tuxedos) and not (suits for men), but in the afternoon tuxedoes aren't an issue so the men will wear suits or a jacket depending on the formality of the venue, and the women will wear dresses or nice pantsuits (like not what you'd wear to work, something appropriate to a wedding).

em01092

I agree with PPs. Time of day is a big give away. Your personality and style may also be a clue too. The type of invites you use can also help let guests know, as well as the wording. The more formal your invites, the more dressy people will probably take your event to be. 

You could also include some info about suggested attire on your wedding website, or you could spread the message via word of mouth.