The Ultimate Guide for Every Wedding Attire

I know we have all been in the situation where we have gotten a wedding invitation that has left us completely clueless about the guest dress code. No one wants to be “that person” who is overdressed or underdressed and everyone notices as a result. Sometimes the language of “black-tie optional”, “cocktail attire”, and “semi-formal” is hard to decipher what the bride and groom truly want and mean.

Formal attire is the most common dress code for weddings nowadays. Formal, semi-formal, and casual are super vague than black-tie and is difficult for guests to plan out what exactly to wear to the wedding. I suggest to Google the venue and do some research on what the venue is like can give you a feel of the wedding style. Sometimes there are photos from past weddings, so it’s helpful to see some examples of what other people have worn to the specific venue.

Here are the most common dress codes explained so you can plan and arrive appropriately and stylishly.

Black Tie

This is the most formal wedding dress code and means the wedding is an evening event. Women should wear a formal floor-length gown that does not reveal the ankles at the hem of the dress. If you know the wedding seems less formal, then a sophisticated cocktail dress is acceptable. Elegant pantsuits also work for women. Men, tuxedos are a must. Make sure to have a black bow tie, black vest or cummerbund, and leather shoes. If the wedding is in the summer, a white sport coat and black tuxedo pants are acceptable.

White Tie

If you have never heard of this before, Yes, this is legit. White tie is the most formal wedding attire possible, more formal than black tie. Women MUST wear a formal-floor length evening gown. Pair with jewelry, heels, and an elegant clutch bag. Men, wear a tuxedo with tails, a formal white shirt, white vest, bow tie, white or gray gloves, and formal shoes.

Formal/Black-Tie Optional

A tuxedo isn’t required, but the event is still formal enough for it. Men also have the option to wear a formal dark suit, with a white shirt, and conservative tie. Women, choices are the same for black tie: floor length gown, fancy cocktail dress, or an elegant pantsuit.

Cocktail

Cocktail is a step above semi-formal, but not as formal as black-tie, so it’s in between both. Cocktail attire is all about having a balance of being elegant and comfortable. Since cocktail is more formal than a day wedding, it is more casual than a night celebration of black tie. A floor length dress is too formal for cocktail. Instead, women should go for a tea-length, knee length, or midi dress. Men must wear a suit and tie regardless of the venue and setting. Cocktail attire is all about looking classy and polished, but don’t go too fancy to upstage the bride and groom.

Semi-Formal / Dressy Casual

If you see this listed on the invitation, make sure to take the time of the wedding into account. If its an evening wedding, wear darker, more formal colors. For daytime wedding, wear lighter colors. Women can wear a below-the-knee dress or a dressy skirt and nice top. An elegant pantsuit would also work. No floor-length gowns are necessary and considered inappropriate. Pair with heels, nice wedge sandals, or flats. Men should wear a dress shirt and nice pants, and depending on the time of day, a daytime wedding should wear light colors while evening wedding should wear darker colors. If the ceremony is outside, do not wear traditional heels that will get stuck in the grass.

Festive

This is a new dress code that not many people know about. This is all about having fun with your look. Festive attire means cocktail attire, but with a twist of bold colors and playful accessories. Women should wear a cocktail or party dress in a fun color, paired with playful accessories and heels or dressy flats. Men should wear a suit, jazzed up with a bright tie or festive pocket square

Casual

Casual means the wedding will be held outdoors or on the beach, meaning the event will be pretty laid-back when it comes to dress. A summer sundress would be perfect for this attire (make sure the fabric isn’t super formal), paired with cute wedges or dressy sandals. No sandals or sneakers allowed. For men, dress pants or khaki pants with a collared shirt is appropriate. A tie or sport coat can be added, but it’s not required. Feel free to bring a sweater if it gets cold, but stay clear of jeans, tank tops, or shorts even though casual attire is not that casual

Destination

We’ve all had that one friend who is getting married in Mexico or in Florida. Both places are so hot and humid that it is hard to figure out what to wear in the extreme heat. I suggest to err on the side of caution and go dressy. If you fear your outfit is not dressy enough, it is probably not, so add some accessories like a sunhat if the wedding is held outside in the heat.

In the tropics, men usually wear Guayabara shirts, commonly known as sort-sleeved, button down shirts that are embroidered or have decorative square pockets. Several designer clothing brands have their own versions of these, like Tommy Bahama.

Themed

Some couples host themed weddings and request their guests to follow the theme with their attire. If the theme is 1920s Gatsby, guests can look for inspiration from films or the time era. Or some couples may ask for their guests to wear all one color.

Come As You Are

Come As You Are aka dress what you feel comfortable, confident, and great in. Some couples ask their guests not to fuss about what to wear and show up how they see fit. This can be either casual or dressy casual. Take into account the couple’s personal styles, the location of the wedding, and the time of day it’s taking place.