Evening Attire For Weddings: Decoding The Dress Code

Evening attire for a wedding is generally formal or black-tie, so guests are expected to dress in sophisticated and appropriate wedding wear. For women, this means a formal, floor-length evening gown, with jewellery, heels, and an elegant clutch. Men are expected to wear a tuxedo, a formal white shirt, a vest, a bow tie, and formal footwear. However, if the wedding is black-tie optional, men can opt for a dark suit with dress pants and loafers, while women can choose a knee-length or midi cocktail dress instead of a floor-length gown.

Evening Wedding Attire for Women

For a black-tie wedding, women should wear a floor-length gown that does not reveal the ankles, in sumptuous fabrics like silk and organza. If the wedding seems less formal, a sophisticated cocktail dress or an elegant pantsuit might be acceptable, but it's best to consult with the bride first.

For a formal or black-tie optional wedding, women can wear a floor-length gown, a fancy cocktail dress, or a dressy pantsuit. There is also more flexibility to wear a dress that shows the ankles, which is not true of a black-tie dress code.

For a cocktail attire wedding, women have more flexibility with hemlines, colours, and patterns. Women should opt for a tea-length, knee-length, or midi look.

For a semi-formal or dressy casual wedding, women can wear below-the-knee dresses, slip dresses, a dressy skirt and top, or an elegant pantsuit, styled with heels, nice wedges, or formal flats. For evening events, darker, more formal colours are recommended, while light colours and airy fabrics are more appropriate for daytime affairs.

For a casual wedding, women can wear a skirt and top, nice pants with a pretty top, or a casual sundress or cocktail dress.

For a beach wedding, women can wear a beachy look with a linen or cotton shirt and nice pants, or a pretty, light, flowy skirt, tunic dress, or casual sundress. If it's a more formal beach wedding, women can wear a sundress, a casual maxi dress, or a beachy-but-elegant skirt and top, with dazzling accessories. Flat shoes with grip are recommended for walking on the sand.

Evening Wedding Attire for Men

White-Tie

White-tie is the most formal wedding attire. It is reserved for very formal weddings, as well as elegant events like state dinners and royal banquets. For men, white-tie attire includes a long, dark tuxedo tailcoat with fabric extensions that reach the back of the knee. This is usually paired with a white piqué button-down shirt, a white vest, and a bow tie. The trousers should match the colour and fabric of the jacket and often include a satin or grosgrain stripe along the outer seams. Complete the look with white or grey gloves and formal footwear such as derby shoes or oxfords.

Black-Tie

Black-tie is the next most formal wedding dress code, usually indicating a formal, evening event. Men are expected to wear a tuxedo, a black bow tie, and a white tuxedo shirt. A black vest or cummerbund and patent leather shoes are also recommended. For summer weddings, a white dinner jacket and black tuxedo trousers are also acceptable.

Black-Tie Optional

For black-tie optional weddings, a tuxedo is not required. A dark suit with dress pants and nice loafers would be appropriate. A black satin necktie or a black-and-white bow tie can be worn instead of a bow tie, and a midnight blue tuxedo can be substituted for a black one.

Formal

Formal attire is slightly less formal than black-tie and tends to have fewer specifications. Men can wear a well-fitted dark-coloured suit, such as black, charcoal grey, or navy blue. A bow tie or necktie can be worn, and dress shoes are a must.

Cocktail

Cocktail attire is less formal than black-tie and black-tie optional, and tuxedos are not required. A medium-dark suit is usually best, and the outfit should show a bit more personality with unique accessories like a punchy necktie or a pair of killer shoes.

Casual

Casual attire is the most relaxed dress code, but it is important to remember that a wedding is still a formal event. For men, dress pants and a blazer are a minimum, but a suit with a dress shirt and dress shoes is preferred.

Evening Wedding Attire for Children

When it comes to evening wedding attire for children, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to ensure that the child will be comfortable in their outfit, as formalwear is not always comfortable for long periods. Avoid itchy, rough fabrics that aren't breathable, and try to choose an outfit that can be reused for other formal events.

If the child is part of the wedding party, it is a good idea to consult with the couple about their colour preferences and outfit ideas. For boys, a collared shirt, bow tie, and dress shoes are a good option, and a suit jacket can be added for a more formal event. Pants can be kept neutral with greys, blacks, navy, or khaki. For girls, a floral sundress with a cardigan or a calf-length silk or satin dress with a sash is suitable. Baby girls can wear tulle skirts or dresses with tights underneath during cooler months.

Teenagers should follow the dress code as much as any other adult guest. Sundresses and cocktail dresses are suitable for young women, while suit jackets and ties are appropriate for young men.

It is also important to remember that children should not wear white to a wedding, as it is considered rude and an attempt to upstage the bride.

Black-Tie Dress Code

Evening weddings are usually formal or black-tie events, so guests should aim for sophisticated and formal attire.

Black-tie weddings are formal events, usually taking place in the evening. This is one of the stricter dress codes, with little room for interpretation. For men, this means a tuxedo is required—not a black suit, and definitely not suit separates. A black bow tie, black vest or cummerbund, and patent leather shoes are also recommended. For summer weddings, a white dinner jacket and black tuxedo trousers are also acceptable choices.

For women, a floor-length gown that does not reveal the ankles, in sumptuous fabrics like silk and organza, is the standard. If the wedding seems a bit less formal, a sophisticated cocktail dress or an elegant pantsuit might be acceptable, but it's best to consult with the bride first.

Formal Dress Code

Formal attire is a step down from black-tie, sitting between cocktail and black-tie on the wedding dress code scale. It offers more flexibility than black-tie, so dressy separates and dresses that hit above the ankle are acceptable, as well as fitted, darker-hued suits paired with a crisp white shirt and a tie.

When shopping for formal wedding outfits, it's important to consider the venue and season. For example, for summer events, lighter fabrics, brighter colours, and shorter hemlines are common for formal attire. Conversely, for winter weddings, darker shades, thicker fabrics, and longer sleeves and hemlines are more appropriate.

Unlike black-tie attire, you have much more flexibility when it comes to colours, embellishments, and hem lengths. "Don't be afraid to have a little fun with your fashion either through a fun colour or playful print," says bridal stylist Gabrielle Hurwitz.

For women, formal attire includes both evening gowns and elegant cocktail frocks, but a jumpsuit is also a perfect alternative to a dress and will provide ultimate comfort for a busy day of wedding festivities.

For men, formal wedding attire means a tuxedo or a dark suit and tie. Dress shoes are the go-to for footwear. Consider patent leather loafers for a tux or laced oxfords for a suit.

What Not to Wear

When it comes to colours to avoid for formal weddings, steer clear of white, ivory, cream, or champagne-coloured dresses and light-coloured suits. You should also avoid pieces that may read as too casual, such as a cotton sundress or sports coat with chino pants.

Frequently asked questions