Formal vs. Informal?

Question

What is the difference between a formal & informal wedding gown? How can you tell which one it is by looking at it?

Answer 1

easy. whats more summery laid back looking vs what looks fancy and elegant. for instance mine was formal beaded every where had trane, and all of that. informal would be more simple.. i dont look and the pooffy dresses as being informal its more of a form fitting dress .

Answer 2

Informal gowns are more likely to be made out of non-evening type fibers like cotton.  Formal gowns will be more likely to be made out of silk or silk-like fibers (like acetate or poly) in fancier weaves like satin, peau de soie, taffeta, moire, or brocade.

Informal gowns probably won't have a train and may be tea length or knee length.  A formal gown will almost certainly be floor length.

Answer 3

Here's a very simple way to distinguish between formal and informal . .

Men

Ultraformal . . the gentleman wears "top hat and a tailcoat"

Formal . . the gentleman wears a tuxedo

Semi-formal . . the gentleman wears a dark suit, white shirt, and tie

Informal or Casual . . the gentleman wears anything from shorts to linen slacks to kaki pants

Ladies

Ultraformal . . the lady wears a  haute courture/designer gown or custom made gown.  Fabrics are very expensive, several fittings, and the gown and ornamentation are "hand sewn."

Formal . . the lady wears a gown that is either custom made or an  expensive gown that is purchased through a bridal shop.  The fabrics range from silk to polyester (moderate price range).  Some handsewing and some machine sewing.

Semi-formal . . the lady wears a gown that is either homemade or purchased through a bridal shop.  The fabric is usually a polyester or synthetic.  Ornamention is glued on.  Sewing is all done by machine.

Informal or casual . . the lady wears a simple dress like a sundress, it is usually tea length or knee length.  This is the type of dress you would wear to a beach wedding or casual backyard wedding.

The most obvious difference between "formal" and "informal" bridal gown is the fabric.  Is it silk or velvet or satin or is it polyester????  Look at the label.

Answered by:  A Certified wedding specialist / A Professional bridal consultant / A Wedding ceremony officiant