From Black Tie to Casual: Wedding Guest Dress Code Explained

Have you ever received a wedding invitation in the mail that left you completely clueless about what to wear? Between “black tie optional” and “semiformal,” the language can be tricky to decipher. But we’ve got you covered. Here are the most common wedding-guest dress codes explained so that you arrive appropriately — and stylishly! — dressed to the celebration.

The Invitation Says: “White Tie”
This the most formal of all dress codes (think: White House state dinners).
• For the ladies: A formal floor-length evening gown.
• For the men: A tuxedo, a long black jacket with tails, a formal white shirt, white vest and bow tie, white or gray gloves, and black formal shoes.

The Invitation Says: “Black Tie”
This is the next most formal wedding dress code, and usually means the wedding is an evening event.
• For the ladies: You can go a bit dressier and wear a formal floor-length gown, or choose a short, dressy cocktail dress. (If you’re unsure about the appropriate dress length, the bride, wedding party, or friends should be able to answer your questions.)
• For the men: A tuxedo. A black bow tie, black vest or cummerbund, and patent leather shoes are also suggested. For summer weddings, a white dinner jacket and black tuxedo trousers are also acceptable. (You might be able to get away with a conservative black suit as a substitute for the tux.)

The Invitation Says: “Formal” or “Black Tie Optional”
The wording here indicates something slightly less formal than black tie is acceptable. So, a tuxedo isn’t required, but the event is still formal enough for one to be appropriate.
• For the ladies: A long dress, dressy separates, or a formal cocktail dress.
• For the men: A tuxedo or a formal dark suit, white shirt, and conservative tie.

The Invitation Says: “Semiformal” or “Dressy Casual”
Take your cues from the time of the event: Wear darker, more formal colors for an evening wedding; opt for light colors and fabrics for a daytime event.
•For the ladies: A cocktail dress or a long, dressy skirt and top.
•For the men: A suit and tie, dark or light depending on the season and time of day.

The Invitation Says: “Festive Attire”
Relatively new, this one can leave many guests scratching their heads. Basically, guests are given the go-ahead to have fun and play with their look. Opt for cocktail-party attire featuring bolder colors and playful accessories.
• For the ladies: A cocktail dress or party dress in a fun color, paired with playful accessories.
• For the men: A suit and tie, jazzed up with a bright tie.

The Invitation Says: “Casual”
This indicates the wedding will likely be held outdoors or on the beach, meaning the event will be much more laid-back, especially when it comes to attire. That said, jeans, shorts, and tank tops are probably not appropriate unless they’re specifically noted as acceptable.
• For the ladies: A summer sundress is appropriate (just make sure the fabric isn’t overly formal).
• For the men: Dress pants or khaki pants with a button-down shirt, tie (though you might be able to get out of wearing a tie), and sport jacket or sweater.

5 Signs Jealousy Is Ruining Your Relationship

jealousy ruining relationship

Photo: Getty Images

Fact: “Jealousy is never part of a healthy relationship,” says Lesli Doares, marriage coach and author of Blueprint For A Lasting Marriage. So, could jealously be ruining your relationship? Look for these five signs to see.

1. You’re snooping through your partner’s phone.
You also can’t keep your sneaky hands off his computer, pockets, and car. In fact, “whenever you have access to these items you compulsively search through them,” describes Doares. “You may even force yourself to stay up and check after they are asleep.” Unfortunately, you’re not just being vigilant. “Relationships are built on trust, and there is no trust here,” she says. “Eventually you will find something that proves you were right, or they will catch you snooping and the relationship ends.”

2. You read double meanings into your partner’s messages from others.
Every time his phone dings with a new text from his female friend, you make a point to know what it says, and find a reason that two-sentence text proves he’s cheating. “Because you already believe the worst, nothing your partner will say will matter,” Doares says, “and as a result, you will force them to choose between you and this person. If they choose the other person, then you will be validated that there was something going on. And if they choose you, the process continues until they have finally had enough or actually do meet someone else who doesn’t question them all the time.”

See More: Here’s How to Squash Jealousy Over Your Wedding

3. You try to isolate your partner and try to control their every move.
Why? Because as Doares explains, “if you can just watch them 24-hours a day, you can keep them from any wrong behavior. Neither of you will ever have a moment’s peace, but that won’t matter because you will be together.” What’s worse, she says, “you use your love for them as an excuse for limiting their life and convince both of you that no one will ever love them like you do. But this isn’t love, it’s manipulation. Short of locking them up, you won’t be able to continue, and they will eventually talk with someone who will help them see how unhealthy this is and they will leave.”

4. You freak out if they don’t immediately call or text you back.
You sent a text — two minutes ago — and you still don’t have a response. “When you don’t know what is happening, you create the worst scenario possible,” describes Doares. Of course, when your partner finally does respond, you blast him or her for being rude and inconsiderate. “They get defensive,” continues Doares, “which is taken as proof you were right to be upset. And they can’t prove they weren’t doing anything inappropriate, so the cycle continues. You spend your energy being upset and they spend theirs fighting off attacks — and there is none left for love and connection.”

5. You constantly seek reassurance.
Yet when your partner reassures you he loves and wants to be with you, you don’t believe him. “You ask if they love you, if they really love you,” says Doares. “You ask if they like other people more than you. You want to know if they find other people more interesting. You make denigrating comments about yourself and hope they will say you’re wrong. And they keep trying to fill a hole that can’t be filled.” After time, your partner may stop trying to give you compliments at all. “It’s a no win situation for you both and an unhealthy pattern that will make a happy relationship impossible,” she says.

If you spot any of these signs in your own relationship, it’s time to delve deeper to see why you (or your partner) might be behaving this way. “Feelings of jealousy should serve as warnings,” says Doares. “Sometimes your intuition is correct and something is going on. But if you have been jealous in all your relationships, then it is probably more about you than whoever you are with. Your fear-based behavior can eventually create the result — the end of the relationship — you are most trying to avoid. Healthy relationships are based on the two people wanting to be together, not one needing to be.”

Jordan Smith Is Married! The Voice Winner Tied the Knot with Kristen Denny in a Hometown Kentucky Wedding

Jordan Smith is Married

Photo: Getty Images

Jordan Smith is now not only a reality TV winner, but the man just also won at love! The season nine winner of The Voice just tied the knot with his longtime love, Kristen Denny, in a hometown Kentucky wedding over the weekend. Who else is currently hoping that the groom pulled double duty as a wedding singer?

“We’re beyond excited to announce that we are officially Mr. and Mrs. Smith!” the newlyweds, who said their “I do’s” on Saturday June 25, shared with People magazine. “The journey so far has been amazing, and we can’t wait to continue on this path as a married couple. Our wedding has reminded us that we are just two best friends who realized we’re both the same kind of crazy and fell in love.” Aww!

The too-cute couple became engaged on New Year’s Day 2016, just two weeks after Smith took home the win on NBC’s The Voice. The singer hit all the right notes yet again with a stunning vintage engagement ring for his bride. “RINGING in the new year with my future wife!” Smith wrote on Instagram at the time. (Also, major props to this duo for pulling over a beautiful big day in only about six months!)

The pair wed in a church ceremony, where the bride donned a lace and tulle wedding dress with cap sleeves. “Best day ever!” the newly dubbed Mrs. Smith wrote on social media, captioning a photo of their first wedded kiss.

Back in February, Smith turned to his Voice coach Adam Levine once again, this time in search of marriage advice. “Listen to the woman, man,” said the Maroon 5 crooner. “She’s always right. Even when you don’t always think that’s the case, make her feel like it is. Trust me.” Well said! You best be taking that advice, Jordan!

Best day ever! ???????????? #officiallymrandmrssmith #smithilyeverafter @jordansmithlive

A photo posted by Kristen (@kristend) on Jun 25, 2016 at 7:00pm PDT

BRIDES Southern California: The Healthiest Wedding Caterers in Los Angeles

Los Angeles Healthy Wedding Caterers

Photo: Sarah Delanie

Whether it’s an informal reception with some appetizer trays or a full sit down dinner, getting the right food for you and your guests can seem daunting. Add to that special dietary needs and desires, and, well, who has the time for months of menu tastings? Here’s our round up of L.A.’s best healthy caterers that will work with your budget and palette.

Valley Brink Road
This boutique catering company offers on-site chef services utilizing seasonal, organic, and local ingredients with a focus on a Mediterranean style of cooking. Owner Barrett Prendergast was doing farm-to-table way before the term had even been coined so you’re guaranteed a meal that’s rustic and delicious, and she can easily cater to any dietary restrictions that you or your guests may have.

Eco Caterers
These guys make everything from scratch — from sauces and pastas to bread. Not only are all of their ingredients ethically sourced and from local vendors, they also cater vegan and gluten-free events on a regular basis. Some examples of vegan dishes that would satisfy the most die-hard meat-and-potatoes-loving guests are truffle mac and cheese cups and vegan sliders with caramelized onions. As an added bonus, Eco Caterers also offers full service event and wedding coordinators to help you plan your entire event from start to finish. Read real brides’ reviews here!

Veganics Catering
These guys are all organic, all vegan, all the time! With a kitchen in Venice Beach, this healthy catering operation can provide you with everything from appetizer trays to muffin baskets and everything in between. They are also able to accomdate even the strictest of diets and will happily create you a menu that can exclude ingredients like nuts, oil, sugar or dairy. They also whip up great smoothies and drinks for the alcohol-free crowd. Read real brides’ reviews here!

See More: Don’t Forget About Dessert! Check Out L.A.’s Yummiest Wedding Cake Bakers Here

Jennie Cook’s
Jennie herself has been catering since 1985 and, nowadays, she and her team are pretty booked for weddings almost every weekend of the year. Gifted in the art of plant-based cooking, this eco-friendly catering company can easily create a menu for you that has meat but great vegetarian or vegan options. As a fun aside, Jennie has also been collecting vintage china for years, so many couples end up using her eclectic assortment as their place settings on their wedding day. Read real brides’ reviews here!

Sage Organic
This self-taught chef is now the owner of three different locations that feature her signature vegan ice cream (called Kind Kreme) as well as a complete vegan menu. Over almost all of their ingredients come from local farmers and for your wedding day, you can choose from a traditional catering set-up or opting for the Sage food truck. Whether your reception is a casual day affair or evening black tie, Sage has everything from brunch items to formal dinner ideas.

Hungry for more? Browse even more local wedding caterers to impress your foodie guests on our Los Angeles Catering page

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Ali Fedotowsky of The Bachelorette Cancels Her Wedding in Mexico Because of Zika

ali fedotowsky pregnant

Photo: Getty Images

Looks like we’re going to have to wait a little longer to see Ali Fedotowsky of Bachelorette fame all decked out in a white wedding dress! The blonde beauty just canceled her wedding to fiancé Kevin Manno. Before you start freaking out, no, Fedotowsky isn’t getting back together with her former reality TV suitor, Roberto Martinez. And this lovely lady is still totally a bride-to-be. As it turns out, Fedotowsky and Manno had to put off their “I do’s” and cancel their Mexico destination wedding because of the Zika virus. What a buzz kill, right? (Get it? Buzz? Mosquitos…)

The former reality television star has been engaged to her TV host beau since September of last year, when he presented Fedotowsky with a standout sparkler featuring an emerald-cut center stone and a pavé diamond halo. And Fedotowsky is currently not only a bride-to-be, but a mom-to-be as well! The couple revealed in January that they were expecting their first little one, saying, “You see, last year, when we started planning our wedding, we couldn’t find any good ring-bearers or flower girls, so we decided to make our own. Ha!” Too funny, Fedotowsky! But their reason for postponing their big day is anything but, with the fear of the dangerous virus becoming an unwelcome wedding crasher.

“We were planning on Mexico, that was our dream,” the bride-to-be shared with Us Weekly. “But now this Zika thing is really messing things up!” Yes, darn that Zika for causing a pandemic, severe brain malformations, and canceling weddings!

“Obviously I can’t go because I’m pregnant,” Fedotowsky further explained. “But now there are all these reports and it’s not fair to all my guests.” Well we can definitley agree that the Zika virus would be, like, the worst wedding favor, ever.

“So anyway, now we’re starting from square one!” said Fedotowsky. “We had a venue and it was all ready to go. It’s such a bummer!” You know what’s a bigger bummer than a pushed-back wedding date? Fevers, joint pain, rashes…

Honestly, we’re really disappointed at having to wait to see Fedotowsky walk down the aisle. But, hey, at least we know she and Manno will eventually get to that altar. And maybe they’ll even have their daughter to serve as a totally adorbs flower girl by the time they do!

See More: Bachelorette Ali Fedotowsky and Her Growing Baby Bump Stun at Spring Baby Shower

Tina Knowles Reveals That Beyoncé Didn't Love Her Wedding Dress — That Her Mom Designed!

Beyonce Did Not Like Her Wedding Dress

Photo: Getty Images

Remember Beyoncé’s drop dead gorgeous wedding dress? Maybe not. Her and Jay-Z’s wedding photos are among the most guarded of the secret celebrity wedding set. We’ve only managed to catch glimpses of the gorgeous gown through the nuptial footage the superstar revealed during her concerts and in her jaw-dropping visual album Lemonade. Sure, we’ve haven’t seen a lot of the fabulous frock, but from these itty bitty peeks, we know that Queen Bey’s wedding dress was, well, fabulous. But apparently there’s someone who doesn’t think so. And that someone is the bride herself! Beyoncé’s mother, Tina Knowles, just revealed that her daughter wasn’t thrilled with how her bridal gown turned out — even though Tina designed it herself!

Knowles has been known for designing her famous daughter’s head-turning outfits for years now — from her prom dress to her red carpet gowns. She even created Beyoncé’s most important couture confection yet: Her wedding dress! When she said her “I do’s,” the “Formation” singer donned a dramatic white wedding dress with a ruffled train, form-fitting bodice, and V-neckline. If you ask us, this is what Queen Bey was talking about in “Flawless!” But, according to her mom, that’s not exactly how the superstar feels.

Beyonce and Jay-Z Wedding Video

Photo: Giphy

Knowles sat down with Today‘s Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford, where the conversation turned to Beyoncé’s gorgeous get-ups that Knowles herself designed, according to Entertainment Tonight. “She was so sweet to let me do that,” Knowles said of creating her daughter’s wedding dress. But it doesn’t sound like Knowles will be getting the privilege again when it comes to her granddaughter!

“[Beyoncé] came back later one day and said, ‘You know, when my daughter gets married, I’m gonna let her pick out her own dress,'” explained Knowles. “Maybe she wasn’t so excited about it at the time, but she’s a sweetheart.”

While it’s currently blowing our minds that Beyoncé wasn’t as head over heels for her wedding dress as we were, at least she wasn’t a bridezilla about it, right?

See More: Yes, Beyoncé Wore a Wedding Dress to the Grammys

Over the Floral Crown? 5 Fresh Ways to Incorporate Flowers in Your Wedding Hair

As much as we adore floral crowns, we realize the whimsical wedding look isn’t for everyone. But giving up the flower crown doesn’t mean you have to give up flowers as accessories completely on your big day. From a single statement bloom tucked elegantly behind one ear to pretty petals placed in the back of a romantic half-up, half-down do, here are 5 fresh ways to dress up your tresses with flowers, courtesy of GLAMSQUAD Creative Director, Giovanni Vaccaro.

1. Behind the ear
To breathe new life into a simple but sophisticated style with a deep side part, start by tucking and pinning hair behind one ear (away from the deep part) and position a single statement bloom directly above your ear or place multiple flowers so that they’re literally hugging the ear. For a more modern take on the trend, you can always use a glamorous, metal floral hair clip or comb, like this one, to accent your tresses and keep hair pulled back.

2. Camouflaging bobby pins
If you’re opting for a chic half-up, half-down hairdo, fresh flowers not only add a dreamy touch, but they also work beautifully to cover up and help camouflage all those unsightly, yet oh so necessary bobby pins you’ll be plucking out of your head for hours at the end of the night. So how does this style work exactly? Flowers are simply placed and secured where strands meet and marry at the back of the head. You can go big with a few polished petals or keep it more whimsical with a ton of tiny wildflowers.

3. Woven into a braid
For the boho bride who wants something a little bit different but equally as ethereal, this look is a fresh take on the traditional crown braid and will completely enchant your guests. Strategically placed flowers are intertwined throughout the plait to act as delicate and whimsical accents. It doesn’t just work for crown braids though; you can literally dress up any braided ‘do with woven in blooms, from messy side fishtails to elegant half-up, half-down braided hairstyles.

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4. Embellishing an updo
For the ultimate bridal embellishment, place a cluster of flowers on the side or across the top of your updo to soften the style and add an air of romance. Having a black tie wedding? You may wish to take the wow-factor up a notch with an heirloom quality floral hair comb that shines bright, like this stunning classic Swarovski crystal accessory from Jennifer Behr.

5. On a birdcage veil or as a fascinator
Calling all modern vintage brides! Flowers make for a super chic detail on a birdcage veil or as a fascinator. This look is the perfect blend of traditional and on-trend. We think Kate Middleton would totes approve.

Keith Urban Celebrates His 10-Year Anniversary with Nicole Kidman by Sharing Their First Ever Photo Together

Nicole Kidman Keith Urban SAG Awards

Photo: Getty Images

It may be the anniversary of one of Hollywood’s favorite couples, Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman, but it look like we’re the ones getting a special surprise today. To celebrate ten years with his beautiful bride, Urban took to social media to share their couple’s very first photo together… ever! Hey Urban, you’re just supposed to give your wife a gift for your anniversary — not the entire world! (Although we’re definitely not complaining!)

We’ve considered the country crooner and the blonde beauty movie star to be our ultimate &35;MarriageGoals for quite some time now. We’ve flipped for the silly, sweet video the perfect pair made a few months back, where they rocked out to Urban’s latest single, “The Fighter,” in their car. And their super sweet comments about their marriage always manage to get us seriously swooning. “As much as we love each other, we really like each other,” Kidman previously gushed on the SAG Awards red carpet back in January. “Always, the first person I want to share anything with is him.” Aww! That definitely has something to do with these two hitting double digit anniversaries, if you ask us!

It’s been 10 years since Urban and Kidman said their “I do’s” and to celebrate the momentous marriage moment, Urban threw it back to the first photo he ever took with the woman who would eventually become his wife. “Our very first photo together,” the country singer captioned the too-cute pic on Instagram. “2005, minutes after being introduced to each other. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY BABY. LOOOOOOOOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!”

And the photo is so 2005 — sparkly, bedazzled top and all! These two have definitely come incredibly far since the early days of their relationship. 10 years of marriage later, and not only are they seemingly stronger and even more in love than before, but they’ve also made some serious wardrobe upgrades together. Now that’s what we call love!

See More: Our Favorite Celebrity Engagement Rings

How to Politely Remind People to RSVP for Your Wedding

how to politely remind people to rsvp

Photo: Courtesy Lucky Luxe

RSVPs are useful for so many reasons. Yes, they let you know which of your guests will and won’t be attending your wedding, but RSVP cards also help give a meal count to your vendors, enable you to create table assignments, and can even tell you where guests are staying and which peripheral wedding events they’ll be attending. Which means not receiving all your RSVP cards can cause a huge headache! Here’s how our experts recommend you politely remind guests to RSVP and get them to stick that card in the mail.

When you’re following up with guests on their RSVPs for your wedding, timing is key. If your RSVP deadline is August 3rd, don’t start making phone calls on August 4th. Chances are a lot of cards went into the mail right as the deadline hit, so allow three or four days (or a week if you can spare it!) for the post office to pick up the cards and deliver them to you.

Once you’ve accounted for a little extra time, get on the phone. Sure, texting is easier (and might be the best way to get a response from the guests who are your age), but when it comes to etiquette and formality, a phone call is the way to go. Be super polite — chances are your guests have no idea they missed the deadline! — and simply say “We are really hoping you’ll be able to join us, have you had a chance to look at your calendar?”. If there’s other information you need, like a meal choice or the name of the hotel they’ve booked, be polite but direct. You should call your own friends and family members, while your fiancé should call his.

If you decide email would be the best way to reach your delinquent guests, don’t send a group email to everyone who didn’t RSVP. Instead, a personalized message to each guest or couple is the way to go — that way no one is embarrassed in front of your other friends and family members.

Speaking of family members, for relatives who haven’t RSVP’d, talk to whichever of your parents is closest to them to see if they’ve heard anything before you make the call. Is your mom’s cousin dragging her feet? It might be easier to get an answer if Mom makes the call, instead. The same goes for guests of your parents: A little nudge from your parents might be all it takes!

See more: 6 Tips and Tricks to Increase Your RSVP Response Rate

WATCH: Prepare to Be Blown Away by This Gorgeous South African Wedding

Whether you’re newly engaged or about to get married, there’s something every engaged lady has in common: You love some good wedding eye candy. Namely, a gorgeous real wedding video with tons of inspiring ideas you can consider for your own big day. While our real wedding video channel is made up of well over 100 beautiful events, each week we take you inside just one of our favorite new celebrations. And today’s is a real doozy. Kate and Rob wed in a breathtaking wedding on a charming South African winery, and the footage captured by Hand Stitched Films is not to be missed.

Sure, not everyone has the luxury of jetsetting with friends and family to a far-flung locale, but that doesn’t mean you can’t appreciate — and steal ideas from — a party in a far-off destination. Although the South African backdrop certainly doesn’t hurt, it’s not far from the only thing we love about this couple’s sunny spring vows. And speaking of which, Kate and Rob’s incredibly emotional ceremony featured some of the most touching promises we’ve heard to date. They kept the format simple and swore they’d wake up next to each other and try to bring the other happiness everyday, proving that promises spoken from the heart make the very best type of wedding vows.

See More: Invitations and Stationery for a Destination Wedding

As for the reception, these two knew what they were doing when they planned their day. From the thumbprint guestbook to the tower of cupcakes for dessert, it was clearly important to Kate and Rob that wants and needs of their guests came first. Their understated décor, which included a beautiful tent, café lights, and bunting banners made for a relaxed atmosphere that paved the way for a fun-filled evening.

Last but not least, can we talk about this couple’s impeccable style? From the bride’s form-fitting lace dress and dainty flower crown to the groom’s decision to pair his formal suit jacket and suspenders with a pair of laid-back shorts (yes, shorts!), this beautiful bride and groom were all about being themselves on the big day.

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