Cocktail Weddings: What's The Stir?

A cocktail-style wedding reception is a more relaxed and budget-friendly alternative to a traditional wedding reception. It involves a mix of heavy passed hors d'oeuvres and food stations, allowing guests to eat when they want, and creating a party-like atmosphere.

Cocktail attire for weddings is a dress code that strikes a balance between formal and casual, elegant and comfortable. For men, it typically involves a suit and tie, while for women, it's a cocktail dress, dressy suit, or formal jumpsuit. It's a step up from semi-formal attire but less formal than black-tie optional.

Cocktail wedding attire for women

When it comes to cocktail wedding attire, the dress code is a step up from semi-formal attire but is less formal than black-tie. It's a chance to get creative and have fun with your outfit, but there are some nuances to consider.

For women, a cocktail dress is a great option. The length should be knee-length, tea-length, or midi—nothing too short or that sweeps the floor. During the day, opt for natural colours and fresh styles, and in the evening, feel free to go for darker hues and embellishments like sequins or feathers. If you don't want to wear a dress, a dressy suit or a formal jumpsuit with heels or flats is also a good choice.

When it comes to accessories, go bold! Statement earrings, trendy shoes, and a fancy clutch can all elevate your look. Just remember, you don't want to take attention away from the bride, so avoid anything too distracting, like bold patterns, neons, or over-the-top sequins.

The venue, time of day, and season will also give you clues about what to wear. For example, an upscale location like a five-star hotel calls for a more formal outfit, while a beach wedding suits lighter colours and fabrics.

• Little black dress with gold or silver jewellery, chic block heels, and a stylish clutch
• Floral lace midi dress with block heels and a clutch
• Emerald green jumpsuit with silver earrings and heels
• One-shoulder cocktail dress with statement earrings, dressy flats, and a clutch
• Multicoloured floral midi dress with understated accessories

Cocktail wedding attire for men

When it comes to cocktail wedding attire for men, a suit and tie are required. For a conservative look, go for dark suit colours like charcoal, navy, or black. These low-key classics are unlikely to steal attention from the wedding party and match any shirt or tie. If you're a wedding guest, a light pink or light blue shirt will work well, as wedding parties often coordinate with white dress shirts.

When it comes to shoes, a simple leather lace-up in a rich brown or basic black is a safe choice. If the wedding is in a hot climate, or it's a summer wedding, socks are optional. Going sockless is more on the casual side of cocktail attire, so cover your ankles if the wedding is more formal.

For a unique look, experiment with textures and patterns. Knit silk, linen, and seersucker are great options for less formal events. A colourful tie can also add a bit of flair, but avoid colourful solids, as these are often worn by the wedding party.

If the wedding is at a relaxed venue, like a beach, barn, or vineyard, a jacket and tie are still a must for men if the couple has chosen a cocktail dress code. During the formalities, the jacket and tie should remain on and only be removed after the sun has gone down or if the groom or senior male attendants have removed theirs.

Cocktail wedding attire etiquette

Cocktail attire is a popular wedding dress code that strikes a balance between formal and casual, as well as elegant and comfortable. It is a step up from semi-formal attire but is less formal than black-tie optional.

For Women

The goal for women is to create an elegant look with a knee-length, tea-length, or midi dress. Natural colours and fresh styles are best for the daytime, while darker hues and embellishments like sequins or feathers are suitable for the evening. To accessorise, opt for a pair of sensible heels or dressy flats, some nice earrings, and a classy clutch. In addition to a traditional cocktail dress, women can also wear dressy suits or nice jumpsuits paired with heels or formal flats.

For Men

All experts agree that a suit and tie are required for men. Go with darker hues in the colder months or for evening events, and lighter greys or blues in warmer weather or for daytime celebrations. As for shoes, keep it classic with a nice pair of dark dress shoes that match your belt.

General Tips

• The venue will give you a clue as to how strict you need to be with your attire. For example, cocktail attire for an afternoon outdoor wedding would likely be less formal than an evening wedding at a private club.
• While cocktail attire isn't as strict as white- or black-tie, it's not an invitation to wear anything you like. The couple expects you to dress up for the occasion.
• Anything too tight, short, or revealing is a no, as are jeans, ripped clothing, shorts, and sandals (for men).
• If you're still unsure about what to wear, reach out to the mother of the bride or the maid of honour (never the bride) for clarification.

What to wear to a cocktail-style wedding reception

A cocktail-style wedding reception is a semi-formal affair, so your outfit should be a step up from business casual but less formal than black tie. Here are some tips on what to wear to a cocktail-style wedding reception:

For Women:

Women usually wear a cocktail dress or a formal jumpsuit to a cocktail-style wedding. Knee-length, tea-length, or midi dresses are appropriate, but avoid anything too short or tight. If you opt for a longer dress, choose a less formal fabric so you don't appear overdressed. In addition to dresses, women can also wear dressy suits paired with heels or formal flats. As for colours, darker hues are more suitable for evening events or chillier months, while lighter colours like pastels are more suitable for daytime celebrations or warmer weather. You can also opt for bolder colours and prints depending on the venue and season.

When it comes to accessories, you can add a touch of elegance with bold jewellery, a fancy clutch, and stylish shoes like stilettos or block heels. Just remember to avoid wearing white, and avoid anything that could be considered distracting, like bold patterns, neons, or over-the-top sequins.

For Men:

For men, a suit and tie are typically required for a cocktail-style wedding. The colour of the suit can vary depending on the time of year and the formality of the event. Darker hues like navy, charcoal, and burgundy are more suitable for evening events or chillier months, while lighter colours like light grey or blue are appropriate for daytime celebrations or warmer weather.

As for shoes, dark dress shoes that match your belt are the way to go. You can also add a pop of colour with your accessories, such as a pocket square, tie, or cufflinks. Just remember to avoid anything too casual, like jeans, polo shirts, or sneakers.

What to wear to a cocktail party

When it comes to cocktail attire, it's all about striking a balance between formal and casual, elegant and comfortable. It's your chance to get creative and showcase your personal style with different fabrics, colours, and prints. Here are some tips to help you navigate what to wear to a cocktail party:

For Women:

Cocktail attire for women typically falls between formal and casual. It's an opportunity to dress up without going overboard. Here are some guidelines:

• Opt for a midi dress: Midi dresses are a safe choice as they are not too short or too long. You can play around with different colours, prints, and styles, such as A-line, strapless, or long sleeves.
• Avoid anything too revealing: Keep hemlines and necklines appropriate. Remember, a cocktail party is different from a night out with your friends.
• Consider a pantsuit or jumpsuit: If dresses aren't your thing, a well-fitted pantsuit or a chic jumpsuit can be a great alternative.
• Accessorise wisely: Choose one standout accessory that you love, such as a bold pair of earrings, a chunky bracelet, or a statement necklace.
• Pay attention to footwear: Avoid sneakers or flip-flops. Opt for stilettos, kitten heels, block heels, or elegant flats.
• Steer clear of oversized bags: A clutch or a small, stylish crossbody bag is more appropriate for a cocktail party.
• Be mindful of the fabric: Lighter fabrics such as chiffon, cotton, or lace are generally a good choice for cocktail attire.
• Keep it sleek: Avoid wrinkled or crumpled garments. Make sure your outfit is well-pressed or steamed.

For Men:

Cocktail attire for men usually involves a suit and tie. Here are some tips to help you navigate the dress code:

• Suit colour: Go with darker hues during colder months or for evening events. Lighter colours like light grey or blue are more suitable for warmer weather or daytime celebrations.
• Footwear: Opt for a nice pair of dark dress shoes that match your belt. Loafers or oxfords are a good choice.
• Venue considerations: Even if the venue is more relaxed (e.g., a beach, barn, or vineyard), a jacket and tie are typically expected for cocktail attire.

Remember, cocktail attire is meant to be a bit more dressed up and elegant, so avoid anything too casual or revealing. Enjoy putting together your cocktail party outfit and have a wonderful time at the event!

Frequently asked questions