The ultimate guide to wedding dress codes and guest attire
If you have a wedding on the horizon, you may find yourself fully immersed in everything that comes with wedding planning. Between flowers and first dance tunes, bouquets, and bridesmaid dresses, there are a lot of choices to make.
While you’re creating your perfect wedding day, there comes the point when you must ask yourself: what dress code should we choose?
Dress codes are by no means mandatory for a wedding. However, they are a helpful tool that provides your guests with a guide on how to dress. If guests don’t know the overall vibe of your wedding, they may experience a wardrobe predicament—either they take a chance on their attire and risk looking out of place, or they go out of their way to ask you. With all the wedding questions floating around, it’s best to nip that issue in the bud and disclose your dress code straight away.
Let’s break down what exactly wedding dress codes mean and how they can work to elevate your special day.
Table of Contents
1. White tie
Starting with the most elegant wedding dress code, we have the white tie wedding. A white tie event means dressing in your absolute finest. Think White House presidential. Think Royal Ball. Think 10-course dinner with the Dowager on “Downton Abbey”.
If you want your guests to feel like they’ve stepped into a decadently divine evening, a white tie dress code can certainly help bring that vision to life. In fact, wedding specialist Anne Chertoff says that a white-tie dress code means “a woman can wear a grand ballgown and opulent jewels.” Other examples of white tie attire include:
- Formal floor-length gown
- Black jackets with tails
- White vest
- Tuxedo pants
- White bowtie
- Polished dress shoes
- Dazzling jewelry
- Tiara
- Gloves
2. Black tie
Black tie dress codes remain relatively common for formal events. However, since both white tie and black tie events are considered very formal, we know that the distinction between the two can feel blurry. Essentially, black tie wedding attire still means formal. If your wedding involves a gorgeous cathedral, ballroom, or elegant dining room, a black-tie dress code may fit perfectly into this elegant aesthetic.
Here are a few ideas to help you picture a black-tie affair:
- Formal to semi-formal floor-length dresses made with quality fabric (velvet, chiffon, silk, lace)
- Well-fitted black or navy suit jacket with a lapel
- Vest
- Black bowtie
- Elegant heels
- Classy dress shoes
3. Cocktail
Cocktail dress codes may be a fun option while still maintaining an air of sophistication. Think of this dress code as marrying casual comfort and elevated style. Basically, a cocktail dress code invites guests to dress up in ways that make them feel fancy and not stuffy.
If your wedding takes place in an outdoor garden, a rooftop bar, or a light and airy venue, a cocktail dress code could fit in very nicely.
Some examples of cocktail attire include:
- Short, flirty cocktail dresses that fall to the knee (flowy or formfitting) or a dressy jumpsuit
- Suit and tie
- Comfortable, dressy shoes
- A stylish jacket
Cocktail attire blends more relaxed styles with polish. So when in doubt, keep it comfortable and classy.
4. Semi-formal
If you want to say no to floor-length gowns and cummerbunds but don’t want to sacrifice that special-occasion atmosphere, consider the semi-formal dress code. Also known as “dressy casual,” semi-formal attire suits weddings that want to focus on play and polish. Picture what you might wear to a nice restaurant or a fancy first date.
Examples of a dressy casual wedding dress code may include:
- Dress shirt and slacks with an optional tie
- Skirt and blouse in high-quality material
- A knee-length dress
- Tasteful pantsuit or jumpsuit
Semi-formal allows guests plenty of flexibility to choose clothes that make them feel good and look good.
5. Casual
If formal isn’t your style, you can opt for casual wedding guest attire. A casual dress code could work well for you if your wedding takes place outdoors, in a barn, at a park, in a casual restaurant, or in a brewery. While T-shirts and tank tops don’t precisely fit the vibe, your guests should feel encouraged to leave their formal wear at home and opt for a more laid-back look.
Casual dress codes may include clothing choices such as:
- Sundresses
- Collared shirts
- Skirts
- Khaki pants
- Sport jackets
- Wedges
- Dressy sandals
A casual dress code can allow your wedding guests to enjoy the party without worrying about uncomfortable shoes or spilling wine on their expensive suits.
Say “I do” with Paperless Post
With so many wedding logistics to keep track of, don’t let your dress code fall by the wayside. Disclosing your dress code in your invitation can give your guests some peace of mind and provide your wedding with a cohesive look to help fulfill your vision of the perfect day.
At Paperless Post, we aim to excite your party-goers by providing them with gorgeous virtual invitations to delight the senses and set the stage for an unforgettable event. Browse our collection of fully customizable invites that align with your vision. Send them out to your contact list instantly and get one step closer to your happily ever after.
Dress to impress and invite with finesse with Paperless Post.
