A 5 pm wedding can be considered formal, depending on the specific circumstances and location. Traditionally, evening weddings are more formal than morning or afternoon weddings. The later time of day often implies a more elegant and sophisticated affair. However, it is important to consider other factors such as the venue and theme of the wedding.
If the wedding is taking place in a formal setting such as a grand hotel, country club, or historical venue, it is likely that the dress code will be more formal. In these cases, guests are often expected to dress in formal attire, such as suits for men and cocktail dresses or evening gowns for women. It is always a good idea to follow any dress code guidelines provided by the couple on the wedding invitation or wedding website.
On the other hand, if the wedding is taking place in a more casual or outdoor setting, the dress code may be more relaxed. For example, if the ceremony is being held on a beach or in a garden, the attire may be more casual, such as sundresses for women and khakis or linen pants for men. It is still important to dress appropriately and avoid wearing anything too casual or revealing.
Personal experiences can also help illustrate the varying interpretations of dress codes for 5 pm weddings. For example, I attended a 5 pm wedding at a beautiful vineyard last summer. The couple specified on their wedding website that the dress code was “cocktail attire.” This indicated that guests were expected to dress in semi-formal attire, such as suits or dress pants with a nice shirt for men, and cocktail dresses or dressy separates for women. The setting of the vineyard added to the elegant and formal feel of the wedding.
In contrast, another friend of mine had a 5 pm wedding in a rustic barn. The couple wanted a more relaxed and casual atmosphere, so they specified on their invitations that the dress code was “casual chic.” This allowed guests to dress in comfortable yet stylish outfits, such as dress pants or a skirt with a nice blouse for women, and slacks or khakis with a button-down shirt for men. The setting of the barn created a laid-back and intimate vibe for the wedding.
Whether a 5 pm wedding is considered formal or not depends on various factors such as the venue, theme, and the dress code specified by the couple. It is always best to follow any guidelines provided by the couple to ensure that you are dressed appropriately for the occasion.