Deciding what to wear to the most important event of someone’s life can be daunting. Do you show some skin? Stay away from white? Wear heels? Flats? The decisions seem endless. Even when the invitation states the wedding dress code, selecting appropriate attire can still feel like an enigma. And when there’s no dress code stated, the confusion is seriously amplified. But we’re here to help. Read on for a guide outlining common dos and don’ts, as well as what different wedding dress codes actually mean.
Wedding Dress Code Dos
Before reaching into your closet, make sure you check off the basics of wedding guest attire. Here are six things to know about getting ready for a loved one’s big day.
Do look for the dress code.
Most wedding invitations list the dress code at the bottom of the invite. If you can’t find one, it’s best to stick to understated cocktail attire. You can also ask someone in the wedding party if you need further direction.
Do keep it simple.
This celebration is all about the happy couple, so stick to sleek, understated attire that won’t steal attention.
Do consider the weather.
If you’re heading to an outdoor wedding in the chillier months, bring layers. For summer weddings, stick to lightweight fabrics so you’re not miserable and drenched in sweat by the end of the ceremony.
Do research the location.
Beaches, farms, hotels and other popular wedding venues all call for different attire, especially when it comes to footwear. If the invitation doesn’t offer attire suggestions, do your own online sleuthing. Check out photos of the venue to see if there are any special considerations such as uneven ground or sand that you need to keep in mind.
Do check in with friends in the wedding party.
If you’re truly at a loss as to what to wear, call a friend in the wedding party. They will likely have more insight about the color palettes for the celebration as well as preferences of the couple.
Do think about dancing shoes.
No matter how much you love your heels, they’re rarely ideal for dancing. So if you plan on cutting a rug, wear flats. Better yet, bring along a back-up pair of comfortable footwear to change into during the wedding reception.
Wedding Dress Code Don’ts
No one wants to be the wedding guest who gets the side-eye from other attendees. Skip the following attire faux pas to nail the wedding dress code.
Don’t wear white.
This is a biggie. Everyone’s top priority during a wedding should be ensuring that the newlyweds feel special. And there’s no quicker way to steal their thunder than by stealing a color typically associated with weddings. While off-white might not offend, it’s best to stay away from anything in the realm of white or beige.
Don’t go overboard with hair and makeup.
While it’s fun to gussy yourself up for a wedding, wild hair and over-the-top makeup will just be a distraction. Sure, stay true to your style and personality, but always keep respect for the couple top of mind.
Don’t skip the undergarments.
Nothing can pull focus from the main purpose of a wedding than someone’s exposed bits and pieces during a gust of wind or a wild move on the dance floor. Just to be safe, say yes to underwear.
Don’t be too casual.
Even if the dress code says “casual,” you don’t want to wear the jeans and T-shirt you’d throw on for a ball game. Unless the invite says, “It’s cool to wear jeans and flip-flops to our wedding,” skip the denim. Try khakis and linen pants or a comfortable sundress with flats.
Don’t look like you’re going to a funeral.
While you don’t want to be too flashy, you also don’t want to look like you’re in mourning. If you love to wear black, consider compromising with navy blue. Understated accessories can also add a pop of color if you’re set on an all-black ensemble.
Don’t bother the couple with wedding dress code questions.
The couple is likely super busy and doesn’t have time to field calls about their wedding dress code. If you have questions before the wedding day, do as we suggested above. Check the wedding website (especially the FAQ page) or reach out to a friend who is in the wedding party.
Dress Code Translations
Different wedding dress codes carry their own unique guidelines and expectations. They ensure that wedding guest attire complements the overall theme and formality the newlyweds envision for their big day. From white tie to destination casual, we’ll explore the most common wedding dress codes and how they translate to what’s in your closet.
White Tie
If your invite says “white tie,” the couple is not messing around. This is the most formal wedding you could be invited to and as a guest, you’ll need to look extra sharp. Be vigilant about sticking to the wedding dress code for a white tie affair.
A floor-length gown is always a safe bet. And we’re not talking full-length boho dress. We mean ultra-formal garb that’s often composed of velvet, satin, chiffon or organza. When it comes to footwear, pumps are best. You could likely get away with open-toe heels, but to be on the safe side, stick with closed-toe shoes. Think “red carpet” as you’re making your selections. Long gloves are optional.
White tie attire can also mean a long-tail tuxedo, such as a black dress tailcoat, white starched shirt, marcella waistcoat, white bow tie worn around a detachable collar, and black patent shoes. If this requirement makes your head spin, head to a tuxedo rental shop where they can ensure you’re fitted with the correct attire. Again, gloves are optional.
Black Tie
While still very formal, a black tie dress code isn’t quite as strict as white tie. But it’s better to be overdressed rather than under for a black tie wedding. If in doubt, go with a more formal option.
A ball gown is often required for black tie. This evening gown doesn’t necessarily have to be full-length, but it should be below the knees and not too sexy. As with white tie, common materials for black tie gowns are velvet, satin, chiffon or organza.
Another formal dress code option is a tuxedo, minus the tails and gloves. So, get your hands on a black tuxedo jacket, matching trousers, formal white shirt, black bow tie, black cummerbund or vest, and black patent shoes and dress socks.
Black Tie Optional
For those who like more flexibility with their attire options but still enjoy dressing up, black tie optional will be right up your alley.
While you need to stay in a formal mindset while shopping, options now range from a full-length gown to a cocktail dress. Just avoid anything shockingly short or tight.
When it comes to suiting, black tie optional usually means the couple would prefer a tux. However, if you’re seriously opposed to that level of formality, they would be fine with a dark business suit and dress shoes.
Creative Black Tie
While some get excited about the term “creative,” when it comes to this variety of wedding dress code, the term doesn’t mean you get total creative license. It does allow more pops of color to be sprinkled throughout the celebration, so have a little fun.
Many consider this dress code to be a “trendier” version of classic black tie. If you want to stick with your classic black tie attire, go for it. You can also toy around with trendy (yet still formal) separates, pair a dressy blazer with a full skirt, get creative with your hair, or splurge on that pair of wild shoes that would be “too much” for black tie.
For suiting, start with the basics: a black tuxedo jacket, matching trousers, formal white shirt, bow tie, cummerbund or vest, and patent shoes and dress socks. But you get to have some fun with color, tapping into your creative side with a colorful bow tie, cummerbund or vest, or shoes. It’s often recommended that you introduce color into only one or two articles of clothing, like a shirt or tie.
Semi-Formal
When choosing a semi-formal wedding ensemble, you want to select something fancier than you would wear to the office, but a bit less formal than black tie garb.
As the term “formal” is still in the works, attire should still be refined. This means putting on that silky pantsuit, a midi satin dress, a fitted jumpsuit or another option that is polished, without looking like you’re heading to the Met Gala.
If you’re reaching for a suit, you can hang up the tux for this wedding dress code. You still need to put thought into your appearance, however. A dark suit with a dress shirt and shoes is appropriate — extra points for a tie.
Cocktail Attire
Your personality gets to shine through with cocktail attire, as there’s more wiggle room with fabric, color and accessories.
Because this is a wedding, you need to keep the “nothing too distracting” motto in mind (so nothing skintight or super short). You can play around with more color and even a fun piece of statement jewelry. But if in doubt, go with a classic “little black dress,” minus the black.
In some cocktail attire settings, you can also get away with wearing a nice pair of jeans with a formal enough top. But because this is a wedding, skip the jeans in favor of slacks, a dress shirt and a sport coat or jacket. An easy go-to is a dark suit — tie optional.
Beach Formal
Light flowing dresses, linen slacks, pastel hues and floral prints are par for the course when it comes to beach formal attire. This wedding dress code is an interesting combination of wanting to look like you tried, while staying away from the “on my way to the Oscars” vibe.
Graceful summer dresses or full-length jumpsuits in light colors or floral prints are ideal for beach weddings. Feel free to pair this wedding attire with sandals or flats that would be easy to navigate in sand.
A summer suit with a light linen shirt is also a good option, or linen pants with a dress shirt. No ties are required and sandals are more than welcome.
Farm Formal
While farm formal may sound like an oxymoron, couples being wed on a farm often list this wedding dress code as a reminder to not show up looking like you’re about to till a field. Think dressy casual, but comfortable.
Your clothing can be similar in style to what you might wear to a wedding requesting cocktail or beach formal attire. Slacks and linen pants with a dress shirt, or a summer suit, will easily check off all the “farm formal” boxes. Vest and tie are optional.
Your footwear is where the biggest differences emerge. You may be walking on deep patches of dirt or rough terrain. Skip the heels in favor of stylish boots or comfortable flats you don’t mind getting dirty.
Casual Wedding
This wedding dress code can be deceiving as it could easily be interpreted as, “Cool, I can rock up in my jeans or sweats.” But no. This is casual wedding attire, not something you throw on to run errands. So by all means skip the bow tie and stiff dress, but don’t skimp on style or respect.
A knee-length summer dress with gauzy fabric, boho-chic jumpsuit, colorful midi or other ensemble along those lines would be welcome at a casual-attire wedding. Feel free to bypass heels for wedges or flats — unless, of course, you’re of the “don’t go anywhere without my heels” kind of mindset.
Clean slacks, a button-down or polo shirt, a belt and closed-toe shoes that you wouldn’t wear to the gym are also a solid option.
Destination Wedding
If you’re heading to a destination wedding with a unique and relaxed atmosphere, the dress code will typically reflect the setting and the overall vibe of the location.
If the wedding is set on the beach or at a resort, feel free to pack your breeziest, flowiest wedding guest dresses and lightweight suits or separates. Look to fabrics like linen and avoid any thick, non-breathable fabrics that you might roast in whilst dancing on a sunny beach.
Headed to a mountain or more adventurous destination? This will call for a more casual dress code. Make sure to pack comfortable and weather-appropriate wedding guest attire. Bring layers like cardigans, blazers and sweaters that you can pair with a midi dress or a button-down shirt and khakis or dress pants. Comfortable shoes are a must.
Desert Boho
Desert weddings are the perfect occasion to embrace a boho vibe. Think relaxed and artistic attire. This wedding dress code merges the beauty of the natural landscape with a bohemian free spirit.
Guests should opt for flowy maxi dresses, suits and tailored separates with bold prints and even fun yet formal jumpsuits. Have fun with your wedding attire and get creative. Recommended accessories include flower crowns, a unique blazer with hand-embroidered embellishments, sun hats or fedoras, and chunky jewelry.
Stick to a warm, desert-inspired color palette. Sandy beige, muted terracotta, dusty rose, sage green, and accents of deep rust or turquoise are great options for a desert wedding.
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