Junior Rasmussen
When it comes to weddings, choosing what to wear can be a tricky task, especially if you're unsure about the dress code. The most common wedding dress code is formal attire, but there are many other dress codes that can appear on a wedding invitation, such as semi-formal, black-tie, and casual. If no dress code is specified, it's a good idea to use the venue, time of day, season, and religion of the ceremony as context clues to decide what to wear. For example, if the wedding is in the summer, lighter fabrics and brighter colours are more appropriate, whereas a winter wedding calls for darker shades, thicker fabrics, and longer sleeves. If the wedding is taking place at a church or religious centre, it's best to avoid casual attire and opt for something semi-formal or more formal.
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What You'll Learn
What is formal wedding attire?
Formal wedding attire is one of the most popular wedding attire styles, falling between cocktail attire and black-tie on the wedding dress code scale. It is a little more dressed up than cocktail attire but a touch less formal than black-tie.
For women, formal wedding attire includes floor-length evening gowns, formal pantsuits, or formal (longer hem) cocktail dresses. Dresses should be ankle-length or longer, and women should wear heels rather than wedges or sandals. For men, formal attire means a tuxedo or a dark suit, preferably with a white button-down shirt and a tie. Men should also wear dress shoes, and a suit or sport coat.
When deciding what to wear to a formal wedding, it is important to consider the venue and season. For example, for summer weddings, lighter fabrics and brighter colours are more common, whereas for winter weddings, darker shades, thicker fabrics, and longer sleeves are more appropriate. The time of day is also a factor: darker fabrics are more suitable for evening weddings, while lighter colours and fabrics are fine for daytime events.
It is also important to avoid certain colours and styles. White, ivory, cream, or champagne-coloured dresses and light-coloured suits should be avoided, as these colours are reserved for the bride. Cotton sundresses, sports coats with chinos, and overly casual outfits like jeans and sneakers should also be avoided.
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What to wear and what to avoid
When it comes to wedding attire, it's important to consider the venue, season, and time of day. For a summer wedding, lighter fabrics and brighter colours are common, while a winter wedding calls for darker shades, thicker fabrics, and longer sleeves. If the wedding is in the daytime, opt for light hues and airy fabrics, whereas for an evening event, darker, more formal colours are best.
If the wedding has a formal dress code, this offers flexibility, so ankle-length dresses, dressy separates, and dressy jumpsuits are acceptable, as well as fitted, darker-hued suits with a crisp white button-down and a tie. Formal wedding attire is a step down from black-tie, which usually indicates a formal evening event. For black-tie weddings, men should wear a tuxedo or dark suit with a white button-down shirt, and women should wear a floor-length evening gown, a formal pantsuit, or a formal (longer hem) cocktail dress.
If the wedding is black-tie optional, guests can opt for a full floor-length gown or a fancy short cocktail dress. For semi-formal weddings, women can wear below-the-knee dresses, slip dresses, a dressy skirt and top, or an elegant pantsuit, while men should wear a dress shirt and slacks, with the option to wear a tie.
If the wedding is casual, it's still a good idea to err on the dressier side, so avoid jeans and sneakers. For men, a dressy western boot could be a fun option, but it's best to stick to slacks. For women, a cotton sundress or a fun, playful silhouette could work.
In all cases, it's important to avoid wearing white, ivory, cream, or champagne colours, as these are reserved for the bride. It's also important not to match the colours worn by the bridal party and to avoid anything too revealing, sexy, or flashy.
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How to accessorise
When it comes to accessorising your wedding outfit, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the time of day and season will impact the colours and types of accessories you choose. For example, darker fabrics and colours are more suitable for evening weddings, whereas lighter colours and fabrics are more appropriate for daytime events. So, if you're attending a summer wedding, opt for lighter, brighter accessories, and if it's a winter wedding, go for darker, richer hues.
Secondly, the level of formality of the wedding will dictate the style of your accessories. For a black-tie wedding, the most formal option is a full-length ball gown for ladies and a tuxedo with tails for men. Accessories for this level of formality might include gloves and a clutch for women and formal shoes, like derby shoes or oxfords, for men. Jewellery is also an appropriate accessory for women at a formal wedding, especially if your dress is quite simple and you want to add some extra glamour.
If the wedding is black-tie optional, semi-formal, or cocktail attire, you can be more flexible with your accessories. For women, a fancy short cocktail dress or a formal pantsuit can be accessorised with heels, wedges, or formal flats. Men can wear a dark suit with a white button-down shirt and dress shoes. A tie is optional, but a suit or sport coat is usually required.
It's also important to consider the venue when choosing your accessories. A rustic or barn venue might call for more casual accessories, like a pair of statement earrings or a bold pocket square, while a formal venue like a country club or hotel ballroom may require more elegant accessories, such as a string of pearls or a classic watch. Ultimately, you want to feel comfortable and confident in your accessories, so choose pieces that reflect your personal style while still adhering to the dress code.
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Dress code terminology
Wedding dress codes can be confusing, with various terms indicating different levels of formality. Here is a breakdown of some common wedding dress code terminology, from the most formal to the least:
White-Tie
White-tie is the most formal wedding attire. It is usually reserved for very formal weddings, as well as other elegant events like state dinners, royal banquets, award ceremonies, or galas. For men, white-tie attire typically includes a tuxedo with tails, a white shirt, a vest, and a bow tie. Formal footwear, such as derby shoes or oxfords, is also recommended. Women are expected to wear formal, floor-length evening gowns in luxurious fabrics like lame, velvet, or taffeta. Jewelry, heels, and an elegant clutch are common accessories.
Black-Tie
A step down from white-tie, black-tie weddings are still formal, evening events. Tuxedos are required for men, though a black suit is not acceptable. A white shirt, a bow tie or a simple long black tie, and formal footwear are also part of the attire. For women, formal gowns are expected, preferably floor-length or touching the top of the shoes. Accessories are optional. Black-tie optional is a slightly less formal variation, where a tuxedo is not required, and men can wear a formal dark suit with a white shirt and a conservative tie. Women can wear a floor-length gown, a fancy cocktail dress, or a dressy pantsuit.
Formal
Formal attire, also known as black-tie optional, is one of the most common wedding dress codes. It offers more flexibility than black-tie, with ankle-length dresses and dressy separates being acceptable for women. Men can wear fitted, darker-hued suits with a white button-down shirt and a tie. The season and venue are important considerations for formal attire, influencing the choice of colours and fabrics. For example, lighter fabrics and brighter colours are common for summer events, while darker shades and thicker fabrics are typical for winter weddings.
Cocktail
Cocktail attire is a popular choice for weddings as it strikes a balance between elegance and comfort. It is perfect for afternoon weddings and evening receptions, indicating a semi-formal-to-formal event. Men can wear suits and ties of any colour, while women can choose dresses of various lengths, including tea-length, knee-length, or mid-length. It is important to avoid highly embellished dresses that may take attention away from the newlyweds' outfits.
Semi-Formal
Semi-formal attire, also known as dressy casual, depends on the time of day. For evening weddings, darker colours and more formal styles are preferred, while daytime events call for lighter hues and airy fabrics. Women can wear below-the-knee dresses, slip dresses, dressy skirts and tops, or elegant pantsuits. Men typically wear dress shirts and slacks, with the option to add a tie. While semi-formal allows for comfort, it is important not to dress too casually.
Festive
Festive attire is a newer addition to wedding dress codes, allowing guests to be creative and playful. Women are encouraged to wear cocktail party attire featuring bolder colours, playful accessories, and unique silhouettes. Men can wear patterned or textured suits with bright ties or creative pocket squares.
Casual
Casual dress codes are also popular for weddings, but they can be ambiguous. It is important not to dress too casually, and certain attire, like jeans and sneakers, should be avoided. For women, knee-length cocktail dresses are usually a safe choice, while men can opt for dark suits.
Other creative wedding dress code themes, like "whimsical garden party" or "tropical formal," may also be used, giving guests the opportunity to interpret and showcase their personal styles.
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What to wear when there is no dress code
When it comes to deciding what to wear to a wedding with no dress code, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, look for subtle clues in the wedding invitation. The tone of the invitation can give you an idea of the formality of the event. For example, if the invitation is made of thicker cardstock in a neutral colour with minimal design, it is likely to be a fancier wedding. On the other hand, colourful graphics and patterns on the invitation usually indicate a more relaxed dress code.
Secondly, consider the time of year and the location of the wedding. If it's a summer wedding, opt for lighter fabrics and brighter colours, whereas for a winter wedding, darker shades, thicker fabrics and longer sleeves are more appropriate. The location can also give you an idea of the formality – a ballroom in an upscale hotel will likely be a black-tie event, whereas a wedding in a house of worship may require something more conservative.
Thirdly, think about the time of day. For an evening wedding, darker, more formal colours are best, while daytime weddings call for lighter hues and airy fabrics. If the wedding is in the morning, a knee-length cocktail dress for women and a dark suit for men is usually a safe choice. You can also add poppier colours like bright pinks and blues for a fun daytime look.
Lastly, it's important to feel comfortable and confident in what you wear. While it's respectful to adhere to the couple's attire requests, you can also add your own unique touches to your outfit, such as a statement necklace or colourful accessories. Ultimately, the most important thing is to choose an outfit that makes you feel your best.
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Frequently asked questions
Formal wedding attire is one step down from black-tie, meaning men should wear a tuxedo or dark suit with a white button-down shirt, and women should wear a floor-length evening gown, a formal pantsuit, or a formal (longer hem) cocktail dress.
Nordstrom, Macy's, Dillard's, and David's Bridal are some popular spots for formal wedding attire.
Avoid white, ivory, cream, or champagne-coloured dresses and light-coloured suits. Also, avoid anything that is too casual, such as a cotton sundress or sports coat with chinos.
It's okay to dress up as a guest, even if the wedding is more casual. Just be mindful of the venue and season. For example, if it's a summer wedding, opt for lighter fabrics and brighter colours.
When in doubt, it's better to be overdressed than underdressed. Consider the venue, time of day, and season to help guide your decision.
