If you have ever stood staring at your open closet absolutely stumped about what to wear to a wedding, today’s post is for you. From black tie to formal to cocktail to even daytime attire, we’re breaking down all of the wedding dress codes. And let us tell you, there are a lot and they are quite nuanced. Something as simple as a shoe choice or hemline can take an outfit from semi-formal to casual. If you’re stressed about finding the best wedding guest outfit or if you are having trouble choosing the most appropriate suggested wedding attire for your own big day, this fashion cheat sheet – listed in order from most formal to least – should come in handy!
White Tie Attire
The most formal of all the wedding dress codes, white tie attire – or full dress attire, as it is also called – is reserved for the fanciest of fetes. Think White House state dinners, royal banquets, and extravagant events. While most weddings aren’t white tie, it’s important to know how to dress for one should you ever be invited to such an elegant affair. Typically, men wear classic, dark tuxedo jackets with tails and matching pants, which usually include a satin stripe along the outer seam. Their look is finished off with a cummerbund, bow tie, and formal footwear. For women, floor-length gowns are usually required and many choose to turn up the drama with voluminous skirts, small trains, capes, sparkling jewels, and even gloves. A white tie event is all about elegance and grandeur, so go big or go home!
Black Tie Attire
Black tie is probably the most recognizable yet strictest of all the wedding dress codes, leaving very little room for interpretation, if any at all. Men are expected to wear a tuxedo. While a tailcoat isn’t required, a bow tie, cummerbund, and patent leather shoes are strongly recommended. Some sources claim that a full suit isn’t formal enough for this dress code. Contrarily, others say that a well tailored suit in a rich fabric and possibly with a small pattern or in a color other than black is acceptable today. Women should wear floor-length gowns or elegant pantsuits, but they can feel free to play around with patterns, colors, beading, and accessories. Black tie attire is generally seen at extremely formal weddings and ones that take place in the evening after 5:30 or 6 p.m.
Black Tie Optional Attire
Consider this a light version of the black tie dress code. It’s perfectly acceptable to turn down the level of formality ever so slightly, but you can also wear full-on black tie attire if you desire. For men, a tuxedo or a suit would be appropriate, while women may opt for a gown that is shorter than floor length or a cocktail dress or pantsuit as long as it’s still elegant. There is a bit more gray area around this dress code, but the timing of the event may provide some direction. Evening events typically require a heightened level of dress and you will want to choose something more formal. If the event is in the afternoon, it’s acceptable to skip the tuxedo and floor length gown and select something that isn’t quite so upscale.
Formal Attire
Formal attire is one of the most popular wedding dress codes but that doesn’t mean guests have any less trouble determining what to wear. But you shouldn’t fret too much. This dress code tends to have fewer specifications and there is much more room for interpretation as long as you keep your look elegant. Tuxedos are not required and a jacket and tie or traditional suit are perfectly acceptable, as are cocktail or longer dresses and nicer jumpsuits. Feel free to experiment with bold colors, prints, and/or accessories too. If you’re still undecided about what to wear, remember that while there is more fluidity with this dress code, it’s better to be overdressed than underdressed.
Cocktail Attire
Smack dab in the middle of dressy and casual is cocktail attire, making it a favorite among wedding guests because it’s easy to understand. Most people have been invited to an event with a cocktail dress code before, so they are already familiar with what to wear. But just in case you aren’t in the know, think a swankier version of something you’d wear out to a night on the town. It’s a simplified version of formal with much more room for playfulness, but it’s by no means casual. Little black dresses or those with shorter hemlines are go-tos for women, and they can really have fun with accessories, shoes, prints, colors, and the like. Men should still don suits, but they can explore bold patterns if they so dare. The essence of cocktail attire is looking polished and classic, while embellishing your style just a bit.
Semi Formal Attire (aka Dressy Casual Attire)
Also known as dressy casual, the semi-formal dress code can be a tough one to crack. It falls in the gray area between cocktail and casual, but the timing of the event can help you decide to which end of the spectrum to lean. For a daytime wedding, lighter colors and fabrics are appropriate, whereas you should stick with darker hues and heavier, more formal fabrics for an evening celebration. You can choose certain elements of your ensemble to dress down, such as pairing stylish sandals with a midi dress or trendy jumpsuit. Ties are optional for men. While this dress code can be a little confusing, it is a favorite among guests because it allows them to elevate their look while still being comfortable.
Beachy Attire
If you’re lucky enough to have been invited to a destination wedding in a tropical location, you better dress accordingly. Suggested fashion for beach weddings tends to be much more flexible, and under the umbrella of beach attire, you’ll find dress codes like beach cocktail or beachy formal. All in all, the rules are a bit more relaxed but the most important thing you’ll want to consider is the weather. If the wedding is outside in the sun, light fabrics and colors are going to be your best friend. Linen dresses, shirts, and slacks are great options, while straw hats and sunglasses make for the perfect finishing touches. Another very important consideration will be your footwear. Stiletto heels and sand won’t mix. Instead, women can opt for wedges, espadrilles, or thick sandals. Sockless loafers are a good shoe choice for men. Beach weddings are usually hot and humid, so remember this when choosing your outfit!
Daytime or Casual Attire
Thanks to the rising popularity of backyard and outdoor weddings, the daytime or casual dress code is now trendier than ever. And while this may be the most relaxed of all the wedding dress codes, casual attire does not mean shorts, tank tops, sneakers, athleisure, denim, or streetwear. A casual wedding is still a wedding and you should dress for the occasion. Women can feel free to play around with less formal fashion like sundresses, casual materials like cotton, and bolder prints like florals. Men can skip the suit, but a pant/shirt/jacket or pant/shirt/tie combo is still recommended. Most people are familiar with the business casual dress code, so when in doubt, use this as your guide.
Destination Attire
Location, location, location. Destination weddings in international places such as an Italian villa or French chateau often have their own unique dress codes. If you scored an invite to such a swanky soiree, be sure to research the area. Read travel and international style blogs to give you an idea of how the locals dress. Check the weather conditions of your destination for the time of year you’ll be visiting. Perhaps our most helpful tip is to confer with others who will be in attendance. Discussing your planned attire with other travelers will allow you to gauge if you’ll be overdressed, underdressed, or perfectly dressed.
Theme Attire
While weddings with theme attire dress codes aren’t incredibly common, you should know how to dress for one should the occasion ever arise. Some examples might include 1920s inspired fashion for an art deco style wedding, or all-white attire for the most luxurious of affairs. Either way, if an engaged couple requests that guests wear theme attire, you should oblige and try to have fun with it. What you wear will enhance the overall aesthetic the couple is trying to create, so play along. Typically, the couple will provide attire suggestions on their wedding website and, depending on what the theme is, you can then source inspiration for your own ensemble from the internet, movies, magazines, TV shows, etc. Unless the theme is casual by nature or is specifically stated as such, err on the side of caution and opt for something at least semi-formal or formal to ensure you aren’t underdressed for such a special occasion.
No Dress Code
In some cases, a wedding dress code isn’t indicated or couples ask their guests to dress however they feel comfortable. This may seem convenient or less-stressful, but it can actually be quite confusing as guests often look to the couple to provide guidance on what to wear. In cases like this, we suggest researching the wedding venue to deduce how formal or informal of a place it might be. You can also take into account the time of day, dressing up a bit more for evening events. The wedding invitation itself usually reveals a lot about the wedding’s style. If it’s on luxurious paper with letterpress printing and formal wording (such as “request the honor of your presence”), it’s likely to be a high-end fete. On the other hand, if the invitation features playful fonts, graphics, and phrases, a less formal ensemble may be appropriate. If you’re still unclear, semi-formal and cocktail attire are usually safe bets. It’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed, especially for an occasion as special as a wedding.
