Deciphering a wedding dress code can be tricky, and it’s even harder to know what to wear when there’s no dress code at all.
So, what to wear?
Jaimie Mackey says that there are a few clues that will definitely help you figure it out – possibly even before you pick up the phone and give the bride a call.
When the invitation is missing the key details, there are a few ways to discover what your friend wants you to wear to her big day.
1. Read the Invitation
Take another look at that invitation. Start with the design itself. If it’s fairly traditional, printed on heavy paper, and embossed or letterpressed, there’s a good chance the event will require co*cktail or formal attire. It’s full of clues to help you figure out how formal the wedding is.
Add extra formality points for details like painted edges and swirling calligraphy. An invitation that features colorful graphics, modern fonts, or other playful touches is most likely for a celebration that’s more relaxed.
Read the wording carefully. A more formal wedding will “request the honor of your presence”, while a less formal wedding will “request the pleasure of your company”.
2. Consider the Venue – the biggest clue
Do a quick Google search to see if they’ve chosen a fancy country club, an elegant ballroom, or a trendy restaurant downtown. Opt for attire that is fitting for the location. A reception that begins later in the evening is more likely to be formal, while one that takes place during the daytime will, by default, be slightly more casual.
Related: 5 Powerful Secrets To Be More Intimate With Your Partner
3. Consult the Wedding Website
If they have a wedding website, check it! This is the go-to spot for any information that doesn’t fit on the invitation. It’s often listed on the “events” page as one of the details surrounding the wedding reception, or might be outlined in an FAQ section.
Still not sure? Your best bet is co*cktail attire. Sure, you might be overdressed if it ends up being a more relaxed affair, but you’ll fit right in at a co*cktail attire party, and (with the right accessories) can easily dress up for something on the more formal side.
Women should opt for a dress in a luxe fabric, such as silk. Wear a darker color for evening weddings or something brighter during the day.
Men should wear suits in either dark gray or black, which transition well between co*cktail attire and formal events. Don’t forget a tie.
If all else fails, ask the couple! Whether they intended to leave out the information or not, they’ll be able to quickly sum up what you should wear to the event.
FAQs
A jumpsuit is great to wear to a wedding other than a dress since it is a one-and-done item. Of course, it depends on the style of the jumpsuit and the accessories! Even with the jogger hem, this is perfectly acceptable to wear to a wedding. I love the flowy sleeves and the tie belt.
What to wear to a wedding if I don't have a dress? ›
A jumpsuit is great to wear to a wedding other than a dress since it is a one-and-done item. Of course, it depends on the style of the jumpsuit and the accessories! Even with the jogger hem, this is perfectly acceptable to wear to a wedding. I love the flowy sleeves and the tie belt.
What to wear when you don't know the dress code? ›
A blazer is dressier than a cardigan. A shaped knit top is dressier than a plain t-shirt. For those days that jeans don't feel appropriate, it's time to transition to actual pants (here are my picks for casual pants that aren't blue jeans). But other than that, the outfit formula doesn't change much.
How to figure out wedding attire? ›
The best route is to talk to the bride or groom to find out what they expect. Also talk to other friends attending the event to get a sense of what they plan to wear. If all else fails, it's safest to go with co*cktail or semiformal attire. You'll look elegant but not over the top.
What's appropriate to wear to a wedding? ›
1) Do Consider the Wedding Dress Code
Black Tie: floor length gowns, black ties, tuxedos. Formal: floor length gowns, tuxedos optional, black suits acceptable. Semi-Formal: below the knee dresses, dress shirts, slacks. Casual: sundresses, collared shirts, khakis.
Is it rude not to dress up for a wedding? ›
It doesn't matter if the dress code requests "casual" attire, jeans, T-shirts, shorts, flip-flops, and sneakers are never appropriate to wear as a wedding guest. Show respect for the bride and groom by dressing formally. Sabatino suggests that men show up in a jacket and tie, even when the invitation says casual.
What to wear to a wedding if you don t want to wear a suit? ›
You can't go wrong with a smart chinos and a crisp shirt. Color is acceptable for the shirt, as are patterns. In fact, we encourage you to opt for a bit of color overall. The casual wedding dress code doesn't need to be dark, and you might look overdressed if you go too dark and sleek.
What is not acceptable for dress code? ›
The following are examples of clothing that is unacceptable: tank tops, strapless, spaghetti straps, off-the-shoulder, cut-out designs, low-cut shirts, bare-back, sheer or mesh clothing that does not have an appropriate blouse or shirt underneath, etc.
What is the smart casual dress code? ›
Smart casual is professional but a little relaxed - a polished take on more casual pieces of clothing as well as casual or fun items paired back with smarter pieces. Items are typically less structured and the formality downgraded from traditional corporate wear.
What are the points against dress codes? ›
There are three big reasons why. Dress codes causes families to waste additional money buying extra clothes. Dress codes can make kids late for school and hurt their grades. Lastly, uniform school clothes can be uncomfortable and make it so students cannot focus.
These days, if the wedding invitation doesn't specify the dress code, you should assume “semi-formal.” This is a great mix of comfort and style, which is probably why it's gotten so popular over the years! Men can ditch the suit jacket and instead wear some nice pants with a button-down shirt.
What should a 60 year old woman wear to a wedding? ›
Fit-and-flare Wedding Guest Dresses For Women Over 60
Fit-and-flare dresses whether knee-length or longer are chic and flattering. It has a defined waistline and fits closer to the body but is not too tight which makes it uncomfortable. This forgiving silhouette fits every body type.
What do you wear to a 5 o'clock wedding? ›
The staff suggests that if a wedding is taking place at 4 p.m. or 5 p.m., you should wear something that easily transitions from day to night; any ceremony after 6 p.m. should be strictly co*cktail.
What is the most appropriate color to wear to a wedding? ›
If you're looking for something classic and timeless, dark colors like navy blue or black are always appropriate. For a more glamorous look, pastels such as lavender, light pink, or pale blue will add a touch of elegance to your outfit.
Can I have bare legs at a wedding? ›
I have advised readers that while bare legs are fine even at the most formal events, hosiery also is perfectly acceptable as long as it's skin tone and sheer. I've just returned from a wedding where I wore my new bargain ($10!) black sequined mini and consignment store jeweled black shoes (also $10).
What do you wear to a simple wedding? ›
“[The] basic dress code for a casual wedding would be [to not wear] something overbearing,” says Moinian. “Don't go above and beyond. Just an easy dress that you could wear day or night.” There's a common belief that it's always better to be overdressed than under-dressed at a wedding, which is true for the most part.
What if I don't find a wedding dress? ›
SPEAK TO A DESIGNER
However, don't worry, if you can't find your dream dress in store you can always get it custom-made just for you! Reach out to a bridal designer and be sure to share all of your ideas and pictures of gowns that you liked or even tried on.
Can I wear pants to a wedding instead of a dress? ›
Totally fine! Just make sure they're dressy enough for the nuptials. Start with tailored trousers and a polished blouse, or make things easy for yourself by grabbing a matching blazer. Pant suits are a great way to go, or you can coordinate the color of your pants with your top and have a monochrome moment.
Can I wear normal clothes in wedding? ›
You can wear a regular dress as long as it is conservative, vibrant, and it fits in with the other traditional clothing, but when in doubt, wear a sari. You can't go wrong with a sari.
