Weddings are magical events full of love, laughter, and a chance to dress up. However, the dress code mentioned in the wedding invitation can often leave guests puzzled. Should you go for something casual, semi-formal, or pull out all the stops for a black-tie event? Knowing what to wear is essential not just for looking good, but also for showing respect to the occasion and the couple getting married.
In this blog post, we will demystify various types of wedding dress codes and give you advice on what to wear as a guest.
1. Casual
Contrary to popular belief, casual doesn’t mean you can show up in jeans and a T-shirt—unless explicitly stated, of course. For men, casual typically means dress slacks and a button-down shirt. Women can opt for sundresses or something similar. Some feminine dresses from a popular fashion label like For Love and Lemons could be an excellent choice for a casual wedding. Fabrics like cotton and linen are your friends here, as they offer both comfort and style.
Shoe Guide
- Men: Loafers or dress sandals
- Women: Flats or low-heeled sandals
2. Dressy Casual / Smart Casual
Slightly more formal than casual, this code calls for a polished yet relaxed look. Men can wear a blazer over a button-down shirt, and women can consider cocktail dresses or a skirt and blouse combination.
Shoe Guide
- Men: Dress shoes or loafers
- Women: Heels or dressy flats
3. Cocktail Attire
Think of this as your chance to look sophisticated without the constraints of a full-length gown or a tuxedo. Men should aim for a dark suit and a tie, while women can choose short, elegant dresses or jumpsuits.
Shoe Guide
- Men: Leather dress shoes
- Women: Heeled sandals or pumps
4. Beach Formal
Beach weddings require a delicate balance: you want to look good without seeming overdressed or uncomfortable in the sand. Men can go for a summer suit with a linen shirt (no tie needed), and women can choose a summer dress or a maxi dress.
Shoe Guide
- Men: Dress sandals or loafers
- Women: Wedges or embellished sandals
5. Semi-Formal / Dressy Semi-Formal
For semi-formal occasions, men can choose a suit and tie, preferably in darker shades for evening events. Women can opt for cocktail dresses or long dresses depending on the time and location of the wedding.
Shoe Guide
- Men: Leather dress shoes
- Women: Heels or elegant flats
6. Black-Tie Optional
Men have the choice between a tuxedo or a formal dark suit and tie. Women can go for formal full-length gowns or opt for something slightly less formal like a cocktail dress.
Shoe Guide
- Men: Patent leather shoes
- Women: Strappy heels or stilettos
7. Black-Tie
For black-tie weddings, men should wear a tuxedo and women should choose a full-length gown. This is your opportunity to look your most elegant. Feel free to add tasteful accessories.
Shoe Guide
- Men: Patent leather shoes
- Women: Strappy heels or stilettos
8. White-Tie
This is the most formal dress code. Men should wear a full tailcoat, black trousers, and other specific accessories. Women should opt for full-length formal gowns, gloves, and elegant accessories to match.
Shoe Guide
- Men: Patent leather dress shoes
- Women: High heels, the more elegant the better
In Conclusion
Dressing appropriately for a wedding shows your respect for the occasion and makes for better photographs, which are the lifelong memories of the special day. If you’re ever in doubt, it’s always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. Now that you’re armed with this guide, you’ll be the epitome of style and grace at every wedding you attend—no matter the dress code!
