Casual Wedding Attire: Decoding The Dress Code

Casual is one of the more ambiguous wedding dress codes, and can be confusing for guests. Generally, it means a slightly elevated version of your everyday clothes, or business casual attire. It's best to avoid anything too casual like jeans, shorts, sneakers, t-shirts, and flip-flops. For women, this could mean a nice sundress or jumpsuit, and for men, a blazer and slacks or a nice shirt and slacks. It's also important to consider the season and venue—for example, a daytime beach wedding might call for lighter colours and fabrics, while a casual evening wedding could mean a darker dress or cocktail dress for women, and a blazer and tie for men.

Women's attire

When it comes to women's attire for a casual wedding, it's important to remember that casual wedding attire is a slightly elevated version of your everyday clothes. Think along the lines of business casual attire. While you have a lot of options, it's best to avoid clothing like tank tops, flip-flops, and athleisure. Most casual weddings are held outdoors, so opt for something comfortable that you can dance in and that will work for both daytime and nighttime.

For a spring or summer wedding, stick to lightweight fabrics. Floral dresses, a nice sundress, or a jumpsuit are perfect choices for warmer weather. If you're feeling bold, you can experiment with shorter hemlines and show off your legs. You can also opt for dressy separates, a stylish set, or a two-piece set.

In the fall, a midi dress in a silk or chiffon fabric is a great option. If it's chilly, add a sweater on top. You can also wear a comfortable pair of chinos or a flowy midi skirt. For your shoes, instead of sneakers, go for a classic pair of loafers or dressy sandals.

When it comes to accessories, you have a lot of options. A comfortable pair of shoes, a cute purse, and statement earrings can elevate your look. You can also add a fun touch that gives a nod to the wedding theme. For example, if it's a beach wedding, wear palm tree-themed accessories or a fishtail braid. Just remember to avoid wearing black, as it can come off as more formal.

If you're still unsure about what to wear, think about what you would wear to a nice dinner with your family or friends. You can also check the couple's wedding website, as they may provide more details on the dress code.

Men's attire

For men, a casual wedding outfit is all about striking a balance between comfort and style. While you don't want to be overdressed, you also don't want to look like you threw on the first thing you found in your closet.

The type of casual wedding attire you choose will depend on the level of formality. For instance, some couples may ask guests to dress "smart casual", while others may opt for "dressy casual" or "beach casual". According to fashion designer Jonathan Marc Stein, a dressy casual dress code is "slightly less formal than cocktail attire". Meanwhile, smart casual attire is a mix of formal and casual, with men typically wearing chinos, dress pants, and a nice shirt.

For the most casual weddings, such as beach weddings, men can get away with wearing polo shirts and dress shorts. However, Stein recommends that men never turn up to a wedding in board shorts and flip-flops. Instead, he suggests that men can never go wrong with a blazer, button-down shirt, and chino pants.

When it comes to shirts, light and breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen are a good choice. Chinos or dress pants are also a safe bet for the bottom half of your outfit. Blazers can also uplift your outfit by providing a solid colour or a more tailored piece that matches your bottoms. If the wedding is taking place in a windy area or during a colder season, consider adding a blazer, wool peacoat, or another suitable layering piece.

Loafers or dress shoes are a good choice for footwear, with brown shoes often going well with blues, greens, and reds, and black shoes pairing nicely with black or white clothing.

You can accessorise your outfit with pieces like belts, ties, pocket squares, scarves, and hats. However, if you're choosing to wear a hat, make sure it won't block people's view of the ceremony.

Hair and makeup

Casual wedding attire is a slightly more dressed-up version of your everyday clothes. It's similar to business casual attire, so think along those lines. Generally, that means clothing items like tank tops, flip-flops, and athleisure are off-limits. You'll want to avoid anything too fussy or over-the-top, especially if the wedding is outdoors, as you'll want to be able to dance and move around freely.

For hair and makeup, you'll want to keep things relatively simple and natural. Here are some ideas and tips to help you achieve a beautiful, casual wedding look:

Hair

• If you typically let your hair air dry, consider adding a little extra something for the wedding. You could try a loose wave or curl, or even a simple blowout to add some volume.
• If you have long hair, you might want to put it up in a casual updo or half-up style. This can help keep you cool if the wedding is outdoors and also looks elegant without being too formal.
• If you're thinking of adding any accessories, consider something simple and understated, like a few sparkly bobby pins or a small headband.
• If you colour your hair, make sure to touch up your roots before the wedding to avoid any obvious regrowth showing in photos.

Makeup

• For your base, opt for a light to medium coverage foundation or tinted moisturiser. You want your skin to look like skin, so avoid anything too heavy or cakey.
• Add a touch of glow to your complexion with a light dusting of bronzer or a liquid illuminator. This will give you a healthy, radiant look.
• For your eyes, a wash of neutral eyeshadow in shades of brown, taupe, or soft pink will enhance your eyes without looking too dramatic. You can add a little shimmer to the centre of your lids for a bit of sparkle.
• A soft, smoky eye in brown or grey tones can add a bit of depth and drama without looking too over the top.
• A subtle cat-eye using a dark brown or grey eyeliner can also be a great option for a casual wedding. Keep the line thin and smudge it out for a soft finish.
• A few coats of mascara will help define your eyes and make them pop. If you want to go the extra mile, consider adding some individual false lashes for a more dramatic look.
• For your cheeks, a soft pink or peach blush will add a natural-looking flush.
• Keep your brows natural and well-groomed. Fill in any sparse areas with a brow pencil or powder and set them in place with a clear brow gel.
• For your lips, opt for a neutral or soft pink shade. You can go for a glossy finish or a matte lipstick, whichever you prefer. If you want your lip colour to last all day, try using a lip stain or a liquid lipstick as a base and then add a layer of your favourite lipstick on top.

Remember, the most important thing is to feel like yourself. You want to look back on the photos and see a happy, confident version of you, so choose a hair and makeup look that you feel comfortable and beautiful in.

Footwear

When it comes to footwear, it's important to consider the location of the wedding. If the wedding is outdoors, for example, on a beach or a farm, it's best to avoid heels. Instead, opt for stylish boots or comfortable flats that you don't mind getting dirty. If the wedding is at a more formal venue, such as a castle or country club, heels may be more appropriate, but it's always a good idea to bring a pair of comfortable flats to change into during the reception.

For casual weddings, women should opt for a wedge or block heel, while men can go for a casual loafer. It's important to avoid anything too casual, like flip-flops or sneakers, unless the invitation specifically mentions them. If you're unsure, it's better to choose something more formal than not formal enough.

For a smart casual dress code, women can choose from metallic mules, glamorous wedges, fancy flats, or statement block heels. Men should avoid sneakers and opt for more formal footwear.

When it comes to colour, it's best to avoid white, which is often seen as a no-go at weddings, and black, which can come across as too formal. Instead, play with colour and opt for something fun and unique!

Accessories

For Men:

• Belts and Suspenders: These accessories add a touch of casual class to your ensemble, especially if you're wearing a shirt and pants without a jacket. They can be particularly fitting for bohemian or vintage-themed weddings.
• Ties: While not necessary, a tie can add depth to your look. A coloured, patterned, or textured tie can be a fun way to express your style.
• Pocket Squares: Like ties, pocket squares are optional but can be a great finishing touch to your outfit. They can also be used to introduce cohesion among the groomsmen, with each wearing the same pocket square.
• Scarves: A scarf can be a stylish alternative to a tie, worn across the shoulders or around the neck.
• Hats: While hats can be a great accessory, be mindful of the risk of blocking people's views during the ceremony.
• Socks: Don't forget to choose a pair of socks that complements the rest of your outfit! Festive or colourful socks can be a fun addition.

For Women:

• Shoes: Opt for a comfortable pair of shoes that will allow you to dance the night away. Heels, flats, dressy sandals, or a cute pair of mules can all work well, depending on your outfit and the venue.
• Purse: A purse or clutch in a size and style that suits your outfit can be both practical and stylish.
• Jewellery: Earrings, necklaces, and other jewellery can enhance your look. Just remember to keep it subtle and not too garish or elegant to match the casual vibe.
• Scarves: Like men, women can also accessorise with scarves, especially when paired with a nice dress.

Frequently asked questions