We totally understand: knowing what’s appropriate to wear to a wedding can be tricky! Wedding guest attire is often confusing and with all the dress code terminology used these days, it can be hard to decipher what each term really means. We’re here to help! Below, we’re explaining what the most common terms for wedding guest attire indicate you should wear. If you’re shopping for an outfit or seeing what you have in your closet already that might work for an upcoming nuptial celebration, scroll down!
A note for brides: The dress code should be listed in small print at the bottom of your invitation, or if you have a separate card inviting guests to the reception, denote it there. Your invitation designer will be able to help with this! It’s never a bad idea to list the dress code on your wedding website, as well. Whichever dress code you choose, your dress, the groom’s attire and the bridal party’s attire all need to follow the same dress code, if not one step dressier. Now, onto the terminology!
White Tie
The most formal of the formals, and the most uncommon in this day and age. Men should wear a tuxedo with tails while ladies should wear a full-length ball gown. Gloves and clutches are appropriate accessories.
Black Tie
Men should wear a tuxedo with a black bow tie, preferably, or a black tie. A black vest or cumme*rbund is acceptable. Women should choose a formal floor-length gown – any color except white is fine.
Black Tie Optional or Formal
One step down from black tie, this dress code indicates men should opt for a tuxedo or dark suit, preferably with a white button-down shirt underneath. Nicer dress shoes are appropriate. Ladies should wear either a floor-length evening gown, a formal pantsuit or a formal (longer hem) co*cktail dress. Go for heels rather than wedges or sandals.
Semi-Formal, Dressy Casual, or co*cktail
All of these terms mean essentially the same thing. Ties are optional, but guys do need to wear a suit or sport coat. Leather dress shoes or dressy loafers are fine. For the women, formal pantsuits or co*cktail dresses are great, but keep in mind the dress length should be just above the knee or longer. Take the time of day into account, as well: darker fabrics for evening weddings, lighter colors and fabrics are OK for daytime events.
Casual
“Casual” dress often indicates an outdoor affair, so take weather into account while still erring on the dressier side (i.e., no shorts). No suits, jackets or coats are necessary, but men should wear slacks/khakis and a button-downs or polo shirt. Ladies can wear sundresses, jumpsuits or casual maxi dresses.
Beach Casual
Jetting off to a destination wedding? If the celebration is in a tropical locale, opt for sundresses for women and linen pants or khakis for men – still no shorts, unless indicated. Embroidered, button-down linen or Hawaiian shirts are typically OK for men, but make sure the print is not distractingly bold.
What not to wear to a wedding: anything white, anything resembling the bridesmaids’ dresses if you know ahead of time what they’re wearing, anything too revealing or anything that would be more appropriate for a nightclub.
A note on jeans and boots:Texas weddings are a little different than most in that it’s not uncommon to see male guests wear boots and occasionally, a nice pair of jeans. So when is it OK to wear jeans and boots to a wedding? Guys may be able to opt for dressy western boots in lieu of dress shoes for co*cktail, Dressy Casual or Casual events. However, the only dress code where jeans might be appropriate is Casual, and even then, it’s usually a better idea to opt for slacks. Use the venue as a gauge for whether or not this type of attire could be acceptable – think barn venues and rustic, casual outdoor settings. If the ceremony is at a church or religious center, save the jeans and boots for another time. Jeans should always be paired with a button-down long sleeve shirt and weather-permitting, a jacket or sport coat.
What if there’s no dress code specified? Again, this is where you’ll want to use the venue as a guide for what to wear. A rustic or barn venue typically invites a Casual dress code, while more formal wedding venues, country clubs and hotel ballrooms necessitate Dressy Casual or co*cktail attire at a minimum. If the ceremony will be at a church or religious center, you’ll definitely want to forego any Casual attire and choose a Semi-Formal outfit. When in doubt, always err on the dressier side!
FAQs
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.
How do you answer what is the dress code for a wedding? ›
Wording examples for each dress code
- 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. Black Tie Optional: Formal attire is suggested.
- Creative Black Tie. ...
- co*cktail. ...
- Semi Formal. ...
- Festive Attire. ...
- Garden Party.
However, in recent years, “Texas formal” has become a more widely used dress code to encourage guests to dress “fancy” without being afraid to show their personal style and Texas roots. For men, that means you can feel free to wear cowboy boots or bolo ties with suits.
What does a formal dress code mean for a wedding? ›
Formal Wedding
As the name suggests, it allows more flexibility than a black-tie dress code. Men can wear tuxedos or formal dark suits, and women can wear anything from evening gowns to dressy co*cktail attire.
What is not appropriate to wear as a wedding guest? ›
Avoid sequined ball gowns, sparkly tiaras, sky-high platform heels, or other articles of clothing that will draw attention away from the bride. A wedding isn't the proper time to make a bold fashion statement. If you're at a complete loss for an outfit, Sabatino suggests sticking with a long or short black dress.
What is considered a formal dress code? ›
Men typically wear tuxedos or dark suits for formal events and suits or blazers for semi-formal events. Women often opt for floor-length gowns for formal events and stylish co*cktail dresses or pantsuits for semi-formal events.
Who pays for wedding attire? ›
While this responsibility can vary from culture to culture, historically the bride's family will pay for her wedding dress and accessories. This includes everything from the dress itself to the veil and shoes.
Who pays for the wedding dress? ›
Who pays for the wedding dress? This ultimately falls to the bride and her family. They're also expected to cover the cost of the veil, accessories and the rest of the wedding wardrobe, including outfits for the shower, bachelorette party, rehearsal dinner, and honeymoon.
Does the dress code go on the wedding invitation? ›
Dress code wording is another topic that comes up all the time when it comes to proper wedding invitation etiquette. The easiest way to get your point across is to include your desired dress code on the bottom of the invite or on a separate details card.
Does Texas have a dress code? ›
Our new report shows that more than half of Texas public schools have dress code policies that shame and penalize students for simply showing up in the classroom as their authentic selves.
Typically seen at meetings, many official military events, appointments. o Texas Casual: Western wear, cowboy boots, hats, denim – “cowboy” style. Denim tops worn with denim bottoms is called “The Texas Tuxedo”. Worn at most casual events (and even some dressier ones) throughout the Southwest.
What to wear to a casual Texas wedding? ›
Casual. “Casual” dress often indicates an outdoor affair, so take weather into account while still erring on the dressier side (i.e., no shorts). No suits, jackets or coats are necessary, but men should wear slacks/khakis and a button-downs or polo shirt. Ladies can wear sundresses, jumpsuits or casual maxi dresses.
What colors to wear to a wedding as a guest? ›
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.
Do you have to wear wedding colors as a guest? ›
The colour scheme, when it comes to what to wear, is designed for the bridal party i.e. the groom, groomsmen, bridesmaids, pageboys etc. Unless you're in that bridal party, you'd be best to steer clear of trying to match them. Think of it a bit like a stage show.
Do you have to dress up for a wedding reception? ›
The dress code should be spelled out for you on the invitation. From black tie and semi-formal to dressy-casual and beach celebrations, the style of dress can vary. You may have been absent from the ceremony, but you promise to have and to hold onto your great style at the reception.
What is the dress code for a casual wedding reception? ›
"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.
