UltraFormal to Informal: What that Really Means:

Wedding tradition has evolved into particular set of customs that help participants and guests know what kind of occasion to anticipate, how to dress, and what will be expected of them as they take part in your special day.

The type of invitation, the time of day, and the place of the wedding and reception are all indications of the style you chooses (whether traditional or highly unique), and guests will respond accordingly.

The UltraFormal wedding is the most elaborate and costly of all weddings. It is traditionally held in a church or synagogue with more than 200 guests in attendance. The bride wears an elaborate gown and is assisted by six to twelve bridesmaids who are also dresses in very elegant attire. Many ushers are needed for an event of this size -- at least one for every fifty guests. Guests to an UltraFormal wedding will dress formally and will expect the reception afterwards to include substantial food and beverage, as well as an orchestra for entertainment and dancing. Invitations and enclosures should follow the strictest of formal etiquette. If you have the resources and a social circle accustomed to formal occasions, an UltraFormal wedding can be a fairy-tale, dream-come-true experience for you and your guests.

The Formal wedding is a smaller, less elaborate, and less costly version of the UltraFormal wedding. The formal wedding usually includes more than 100 guests. The bride wears a traditional long gown and veil, and is attend by at least two attendants. There should be at least one usher for every fifty guests. The wedding itself may take place in a church or hall in daytime or evening, and is followed by festive reception with a buffet or sit-down meal and music for dancing. Invitations are formally worded and printed in the traditional forms of etiquette.

More relaxed lifestyles have led to the popularity of a Semi-Formal wedding. Although the guest list may be just as large as that for a formal wedding, the receptions at both the ceremony and reception are simpler. The wedding may be held in a church, chapel, or hall, home or garden depending upon the number of guests and the type of reception desired. Friends and relatives often assist with the preparation for a church or home reception, and music for dancing may or may not be

sent, but handwritten notes are appropriate if the guest list is small. The bride may wear a long or short dress with matching veil, headpiece and accessories. Usually not more than three bridesmaids attend, and they also may wear long or short gowns complementary to the bride's.

For intimacy and warmth, you may wish to choose an Informal wedding held in a home, judge's chambers or chapel. Outdoor settings are also common, but may require more planning and arrangements for access, parking, rain, shelter, seating, food and waste disposal, comfort stations, and permissions (if necessary) from the public or private owner of the property. The ceremony is usually small, attended only by family and close friends. A reception afterwards at home or restaurant may include more guests than the actual ceremony. The bride may wear a suit, dressy dress or more casual, comfortable attire. There are no attendants as such, but the witnesses to the signing of the wedding certificate may stand up with you if you so desire. The number of guests will be determined in part by the location you choose and by the degree of intimacy you desire. The reception may be "catered" by family and friends. Invitation may be by hone or handwritten note. Be sure to include all the important facts such as place, time, and appropriate guest attire, especially if the setting is casual or outdoors.