The One Fab Day team have attended a lot of weddings over the years, but one thing we still struggle with is wedding dress codes. We've been to black-tie weddings that were cool and whimsical, and beach weddings where the bride wore a high-end designer, so you can understand our confusion as wedding guests when that invitation arrives in the post or inbox. It doesn't help thatthere are an infinite number of dress codes, with many couples making up their own ("Whatever makes you feel likeBeyoncé" is a favourite!). We thought it was about time that there were failsafe instructions on what to wear for the most common wedding dress codes! We can't be sure whether a couple who specifies "beach formal" is thinking blazers or board shorts, but if you stick to our guidelines, you can't go too far wrong. Just remember that, whatever the dress code, you should incorporate some element of your personal style into your look - you always have a better time when you're comfortable with what you're wearing, and that's precisely what the newlyweds want! The most formal of all wedding dress codes is defined by a white tie or dickie bow for menswear, sometimes accompanied by a white waistcoat, a dress coat with tails and patent leather shoes. It's essentially the bit in Titanic where Jack is invited upstairs to the first class dining room! What to wear: A tuxedo with a white tie and white shirt - the other elements are negotiable. Women should wear a full-length gown in a luxurious fabric. This is probably the most common of the formal wedding dress codes, and again, the name refers to menswear, specifically a tuxedo worn, in any colour, with a black tie. In general, black tie means "dress to impress", although fancier items like dress jackets with tails aren't required. What to wear:A tuxedo with a white dress shirt, with removable buttons, worn with cufflinks, and paired with a black tie or dickie bow. For womenswear, chic, knee-length co*cktail dresses with heels are usually acceptable, but a full-length gown is a safer bet. This is a slight variation on black tie, which couples use when they want to create an elegant dinner party vibe, but they don't want to put any unnecessary pressure on their guests to dress a certain way. What to wear: A tuxedo as above, or full-length gown if it's convenient. If not, you can wear a two or three-piece suit, or a chic, knee-length or midi-length co*cktail dress with heels. Formal attire is often confused with black tie, but the only difference is that, with formal attire, you have the freedom to choose between a tuxedo or a dark two- or three-piece suit. What to wear: A tuxedo or dark two- or three-piece suit. Women can choose between a chic, knee-length or midi-length co*cktail dress and a full-length dress. A dressy jumpsuit or pantsuit will also work. With co*cktail attire, you're expected to look smart, but not overly formal. It's one step down from formal attire. What to wear: A suit, or trouser and blazer combo. The tie is optional, but if you're not sure, wear one and you can remove it later. Most dress lengths are acceptable, so long as you don't go too short, and your outfit is still smart and dressy. This is usually a mix of dressy and casual. Light colours are preferable in summer or for a destination wedding, but dark colours are still acceptable all year 'round. What to wear:A suit, or trouser and blazer combo - the tie is optional. A co*cktail dress or skirt and top combo. In really warm weather, look for breathable fabrics like linen and cotton. Generally speaking, smart casual and semi-formal can be used interchangeably. Both signal that the couple are inviting their guests to dress comfortably, but still look sharp. What to wear:A suit, or trouser and blazer combo - the tie is optional. A co*cktail dress or skirt and top combo. In really warm weather, look for breathable fabrics like linen and cotton. Is it just us or does beach formal sound like a total contradiction? What the couple means by this is that they're hoping for a laid-back beachy vibe for their wedding, but they'd still like their male guests to wear a shirt and slacks. What to wear: A shirt and slacks. It's a good idea to bring a linen or cotton blazer - you can always take off if you feel overdressed. Shorts are usually acceptable if worn with a shirt and blazer. Tread carefully where womenswear is concerned - if you would wear it on an ordinary trip to the beach, it's probably too casual. A long dress styled with chic accessories is just right. Garden attire is on the same level as beach formal, but, of course, the setting is different. What to wear:A shirt and slacks, with an optional linen or cotton blazer. Shorts are usually acceptable if worn with a shirt and blazer. Chic, smart dresses of all lengths are usually fine for garden party-style affairs, and heels can generally be worn, unless otherwise specified - though perhaps opt for wedges if you know you'll spend the day on grass. While a casual dress code might imply that the couple want you to wear whatever you're comfortable in, this is not exactly the case! Remember that many dress codes were established in an era when a two-piece suit was considered casual! What to wear: A shirt, slacks and a blazer. Smart shorts are okay too, if the weather allows. Women should avoid anything too glitzy - a co*cktail dress, sundress or smart jumpsuit is ideal. In terms of wedding dress codes, informal and casual mean pretty much the same thing - nobody can technically blame you for turning up in cargo shorts and a crop top, but it's best to go for something a little more dressed up! What to wear: A shirt, slacks and a blazer. Smart shorts are okay too, if the weather allows. Women should avoid anything too glitzy - a co*cktail dress, sundress or smart jumpsuit is ideal. This is a tough one to gauge as it can refer to the time of year (summer, Christmas etc.), or the theme of the wedding, if there is one. It can also serve as an invitation to show some personality in your outfit. What to wear: If the couple haven't specified a theme, you'll be safe in a suit and tie that incorporates a bold colour or print. You can always strip down to slacks and a shirt if you've overstepped the mark. Colour and print is a good idea for womenswear, too, along with sequins and glitter. It's always tricky dealing with wedding dress codes that you've never heard of before, as they're always up to interpretation - "funky" could mean a paisley-print bellbottom suit, or it could mean a purple tie! Just remember that, no matter the style of wedding, most guests will err on the side of safety, so unless you're happy to stand out from the crowd, it's best to stick fairly close to typical wedding dress attire, AKA a suit or a dress and heels. The couple's own personal style will give you some clues, too. If they're proudly eccentric dressers, you should be safe adding a little creative flair to your look. If not, stick with the classics. We have loads of handy posts for wedding guest inspiration and be sure to follow us on Instagram!
White Tie Dress Code
Black Tie Dress Code
Black Tie Optional Dress Code
Formal Attire Dress Code
co*cktail Attire Dress Code
Smart Casual or Dressy Casual Dress Code
Semi-Formal Attire Dress Code
Beach Formal Dress Code
Garden Attire Dress Code
Casual Dress Code
Informal Attire Dress Code
Festive Attire Dress Code
Strange, Unusual or Confusing Dress Codes
FAQs
How do you answer what is the dress code for a wedding? ›
- “The wedding is casual, so please feel free to wear whatever you'd feel best in!”
- “The wedding is semi-formal, so we encourage you to wear co*cktail attire [for evening events] / Sunday best [for daytime events].”
- “The wedding is formal, so we encourage you to wear black tie attire.
Between "black-tie optional" and "semi-formal," the language can be tricky to decipher. "While many couples would like their guests to arrive in black-tie attire, the most common wedding dress code is formal attire," says Alicia Mae, CEO of the New Jersey-based wedding planning company ILÈ Events.
How do you know what dress code to wear to a wedding? ›- White Tie. White Tie Celebration: Please join us in your most royal formalwear.
- Black Tie. A Formal Affair: Our venue requires Black Tie attire.
- Black Tie Optional. ...
- Creative Black Tie. ...
- co*cktail. ...
- Semi Formal. ...
- Festive Attire. ...
- Garden Party.
: a set of rules about what clothing may and may not be worn at a school, office, restaurant, etc.
What is the order of dress codes? ›- Dress code says: White Tie.
- Dress code says: Black Tie, Formal, or Evening Wear.
- Dress code says: co*cktail Attire or Semi-Formal.
- Dress code says: Business or Business Professional.
- Dress code says: Business Casual.
- Dress code says: Smart or Smart Casual.
- Dress code says: Casual (or there is no dress code)
For a more colorful look, consider wearing shades of blue, lavender, or pink to show that you're in the celebratory spirit. If the wedding is in a tropical destination, opt for colors like yellow, orange, and green. These vibrant hues will bring out the beauty of the location.
What is the default dress code for a wedding? ›Men: Tuxedo with tails, white shirt, vest, and bow tie. For additional accessories, consider formal footwear. Women: Formal, floor-length evening gown in luxe fabrics such as lame, velvet, and taffeta. For additional accessories, wear jewelry and heels.
What is the highest dress code? ›Also known as “full evening dress”, white tie attire is considered the most formal of all dress codes. The white tie dress code indicates that guests are high-caliber, royal, or have high social standing.
What's dressy casual for a wedding? ›If you're invited to a dressy casual wedding, think casual formal attire meets laid-back chic. It's about creating an elegant casual outfit that still allows room for a little creativity and personal flair. In other words, it's the green light to wear those fancy casual outfits you've been dying to show off!
What to wear to a wedding if you don t know the dress code? ›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 is the dress code for a 4pm 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 formal wedding dress code? ›White-tie wedding attire is the most formal of all dress codes. Also called full dress, white tie attire is often reserved for elegant events like state dinners, royal banquets and very formal weddings. While white-tie weddings aren't as common today, it is important to dress appropriately if you're invited to one.
What is the most casual wedding attire? ›"When it says casual, men could show up in pants and a blazer with no tie—or maybe not a jacket at all—but just a nice shirt and a pair of slacks. Women can wear a nice sundress or dress, a jumpsuit or even a two-piece set," says Julie Sabatino, bridal stylist and founder of The Stylish Bride.
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.
How do you describe the dress code on an invitation? ›If you're going to use a non-traditional dress code, make sure it's clear, like “casual picnic attire”, and add a line that guests will thank you for: “The service will be held on grass. Please wear appropriate shoes.”
What is the dress code if you are invited to a wedding? ›The wedding party will be in formal wedding attire, and it's optional for all guests. For men, they should wear a classic suit or tux including a tie, and formal evening wear (floor-length dresses or evening pantsuits) for women.
How do you describe a casual wedding dress code? ›Casual Wedding Attire for Men and Women
Avoid jeans, shorts, tank tops, and tennis shoes, unless the invitation specifically says otherwise. Sandals are tricky, as some might consider them too casual for an event like a wedding, while others say sandals are the obvious choice for casual beach nuptials.
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.