Formal Versus Semi-Formal

JBTaylor1

What do you ladies consider to be the biggest differences? My FMIL and I have different ideas of what makes an event formal and what makes an event semi-formal. Please if anyone can describe aspects such as food, dress (for guests and bridal party), time, music, etc. I would greatly appreciate it. 

shellydiane820

I think of formal, I think black tie event.

aMrsin09

nah formall is high end, but black tie is over the top high end.

Formal to me is men are in suites, while semi formal, they can be in sports coats.

MyNameIsNot

When I think formal, I think long dresses for ladies and dark suits for the men, plated dinner, wine poured during the meal, etc.  I don't think formal rises to the level of black tie, but a little dressier.  For semi-formal, I think cocktail dresses for the ladies, and suits for the men, but typically lighter colors and they'll mostly take off their jackets at the reception, buffet or plated dinner, go to the bar and get your own drinks.    

aMrsin09

Oh and formal to me is after 6 PM while semi formal would be an earlier event

angiebear11

I agree with a lot of what the PPs have said, but would like to add that to me formal = traditional.

Bubbalub

MNIN worded it perfectly. That's how I see it, too.

tlv204

Ditto mynameisnot.