Deciphering wedding invitations can sometimes seem like a complicated puzzle, especially when it comes to dress codes.
Words such as “black tie”, “casual”, or “festive” might leave you puzzled over exactly what to wear for this special event – and that’s where this blog post comes in!
[so1_timer]We will help explain 8 common wedding dress codes with clear definitions in an effort to simplify things!
Table of Contents
White Tie: The Pinnacle of Formality
White tie wedding attire is one of the most formal options available to you, with men wearing black tailcoats, white pique waistcoats and bow ties with bow ties that match.
Patent leather shoes, dress socks and white gloves complete this attire.
Women should opt for a full-length ball gown in an understated hue such as black, navy or dark brown for their white tie wedding dress code.
A formal hairstyle, makeup and jewelry should also be expected.
Black Tie Events Are The Height of Elegance
Black tie attire remains very formal but has less stringent rules than its white tie counterpart.
Men must wear a black tuxedo jacket with matching trousers, formal white shirt, black bow tie and patent leather shoes in this setting.
Women should wear either a formal full-length gown or chic cocktail dress for black tie wedding dress code events.
Remember that elegance should be at the core of the dress code experience, so choose sophisticated jewelry, shoes, and accessories when selecting your attire.
Black Tie Optional: Formal But Adaptable
This wedding dress code allows guests some flexibility.
Men can wear either a tuxedo or dark suit with tie, while women have options including full-length dresses, cocktail attire or formal suits – and so forth.
With such a dress code in place, guests have the ability to be as formal or as informal as a black tie event requires.
Semi-Formal or Dressy Casual Attire: Mid of the Road
With a dressy casual wedding, the time of day will play an integral part in choosing your attire.
Daytime events generally call for lighter fabrics and colors while evening events require darker and more formal garments.
Men should dress for the occasion by donning a suit and tie with colors suitable to the season and time of day, while women can opt for cocktail dresses, dressy skirts/tops/jumsuits or jumpsuits as appropriate attire.
Beach Formal: Elegance Meets Sun and Sand
This wedding dress code suggests an elegant beach wedding. Therefore, attire should be suitable for the beach (think sand and water) yet still dressy.
Men should wear a summer suit composed of linen pants, an untied linen shirt (no ties necessary), and sandals; women can opt for flowy maxi dresses, casual sundresses or chic jumpsuits; footwear should be beach appropriate so guests can easily navigate the sand.
Casual: Comfort Is Key
Contrary to what its name may imply, casual wedding dress codes don’t require you to come wearing jeans and a T-shirt – although that could certainly work!
Men should opt for formal wear such as dress shirt with khaki trousers, sport coat and loafers while women may choose between wearing an elegant summer sundress, skirt with blouse or pants with lovely top.
Festive: Engaging and Theme-Driven
An extravagant wedding dress code suggests the couple is planning on celebrating with an individual theme or style, from color schemes to costume parties.
As guests are invited to participate in this way, dressy yet appropriate wedding attire should still be observed by everyone present at the celebration.
Dress Code is “Anything Goes:” No dress code applies!
If the invitation states “no dress code“, that indicates the couple wishes for guests to feel free and express themselves through clothing they feel most comfortable in.
Although jeans or other overly casual clothing is acceptable, it would be preferable if guests slightly overdressed instead of underdressed.
Understanding the wedding dress code will allow you to enjoy the event with greater confidence and ease.
[so2_timer]Keep in mind that whatever dress code is specified for a celebration, the key factor should always be respecting and honoring the couple’s wishes while enjoying themselves at the event.
