Many couples are not familiar with dress codes at all, so sometimes they have no idea what they are actually asking for. Often they think semi formal is one step below formal , but it is not. Cocktail is closest to formal, then semi-formal. Semi formal does not require a floor length dress. 1. Semi-Formal or Dressy Casual Part of dressing for a semi-formal , or dressy casual, wedding is paying close attention to when the ceremony will take place. For evening events, darker, more formal colors are best, whereas light hues and airy fabrics are preferred for daytime affairs. Women can wear below-the-knee dresses, slip dresses, a dressy skirt and top, or an elegant pantsuit (styled with heels, nice wedges, or formal flats). 2. Semi-formal wedding attire may seem like one of the trickier wedding guest dress codes to nail. And, since cocktail and semi-formal wedding attire can sometimes be used interchangeably, you might feel confused when it's time to pick an outfit. "Semi-formal falls in the gray area between casual and formal," says Coleman. "However, cocktail attire tends to be a little more dressy than semi-formal." So, what do you wear to a semi-formal wedding? "Some ideas include a midi dress, a chic jumpsuit, or a wrap dress," Coleman continues. "For cocktail attire, stick to a structured dress or a sleek black dress—you can never go wrong with an LBD." Embellishments and additional features on an outfit can also help differentiate cocktail attire from semi-formal wedding attire. "A dress for a semi-formal wedding might not include any sort of beading or statement accessories," says Durham. I would look for a midi dress, what your MOH friend calls close to floor length. Answer from yamfries2024 on reddit.com