Formal Wedding Attire: What To Wear

Formal attire for a wedding is a step up from semi-formal, but a step down from black-tie. It's a popular choice for couples who want to add a touch of style and sophistication to their big day. For women, this means a floor-length gown, a fancy cocktail dress, or a dressy pantsuit. Men typically wear a tuxedo, but a dark suit and tie are also acceptable.

Formal attire for men

For a formal wedding, opt for a dark suit in a colour such as black, charcoal grey, or navy blue. A 2-piece suit is acceptable, but a 3-piece is a very suitable option too. Wear a collared dress shirt—a white shirt is a safe choice, but you can also opt for colours, textures, and patterns such as pinstripe or pastel. You can wear a bow tie or choose a smart necktie, but avoid novelty ties.

Complete the look with elegant accessories including cufflinks and a watch. As for footwear, wear black leather dress shoes and a matching belt.

Formal attire for women

For a formal church wedding, it is best to keep things traditional and respectful. Opt for a dress that covers your shoulders and is not too revealing or over the top with sequins and ruffles. You can always change into something different if the reception doesn't immediately follow the ceremony.

For a formal beach wedding, you can show off your shoulders and play with hemlines. Keep in mind that you're still at the beach, so the fabric should be lighter and flowier. You can have fun with colours and prints, trying lighter colours and embracing pastels, or even brighter fun colours and some prints.

For a formal summer wedding, the same rules apply, but keep the fabric in mind. Leave the heavier fabrics like velvet and taffeta in the closet and instead try lighter fabrics like lace and silk, and also beautiful light chiffon or organza.

For a formal winter wedding, opt for darker shades, thicker fabrics, and longer sleeves and hemlines.

When it comes to accessories, don't be afraid to have a little fun with your fashion, either through a fun colour or playful print. A colourful shoe, patterned tie, statement piece of jewellery or a fun pair of sunglasses (if the wedding is outdoors) are all ways to add personality to your ensemble.

Differences between formal, semi-formal and casual weddings

Formal, semi-formal, and casual weddings each have their own distinct dress codes, with varying levels of formality and sophistication. Here is a breakdown of the differences between the three:

Formal Weddings

Formal weddings call for elegant and sophisticated attire. For men, this typically means suits, tuxedos, dark colours, and formal footwear. A white dress shirt, well-fitting dark suit, and dress shoes are recommended. Accessories should be simple and understated, such as cufflinks and black bow ties.

For women, formal weddings are a great opportunity to wear floor-length gowns, long dresses, or formal cocktail-length dresses in dark, neutral tones. Subtle jewellery, sleek dress shoes, and elegant clutches are perfect accessories.

Semi-Formal Weddings

Semi-formal weddings sit between casual and formal, offering guests a balance between elegance and comfort. For men, semi-formal attire includes dress shirts, dinner jackets, blazers, and dress pants. Brogues, loafers, or dress shoes are appropriate footwear choices. A pocket square can elevate the look, but a tie is not necessary.

Women can opt for midi or knee-length dresses, slip dresses, dressy skirts and tops, or elegant pantsuits. Heels, wedges, or formal flats are suitable footwear choices. Accessories should be simple and minimalist, such as delicate gold or silver jewellery.

Casual Weddings

Casual weddings are typically held outdoors or on the beach and are more laid-back. Guests should still dress appropriately, avoiding jeans, shorts, tank tops, t-shirts, flip-flops, and sneakers. Men can wear dress pants, khakis, or collared shirts, with the option to add a tie or sports jacket. Women can choose summer sundresses, floral mini dresses, or dressy sandals.

In summary, the key differences between formal, semi-formal, and casual weddings lie in the level of formality and sophistication of the attire. Formal weddings are the most elegant and refined, with strict dress codes, while semi-formal weddings offer more flexibility and a wider range of suits and dresses. Casual weddings are the most relaxed, but guests should still aim to dress appropriately for the special occasion.

Etiquette for formal weddings

Formal weddings are more traditional, meaning they are fancy gatherings that require guests to dress up elegantly. There are more rules regarding the 'etiquette' of the event, and the venue is usually at a nicer location with plated food. Couples will also spend more on decor, food, the venue, and their personal attire. Most formal weddings take place in the evening.

• Invitations: If you are invited to a formal wedding, always abide by the dress code on the invitation.
• Dress code: For men, formal wedding attire means a tuxedo and a bow tie. The only time a tuxedo is not required is when the invitation states 'black-tie optional'. In this case, a very nice dark suit will suffice. For women, formal attire means a full-length gown, a fancy cocktail dress, or a glamorous pantsuit.
• Colours: Avoid wearing white or anything close to it, such as cream, ivory, soft gold, pale blush, or light tan. Black is acceptable, but the happy day may call for happier colours. Neon colours, red, and gold (metallics) should be avoided to keep all attention on the happy couple.
• Footwear: Heels are highly recommended for women. For men, dark dress shoes are appropriate.
• Accessories: Men should wear a matching jacket and trousers, either in the form of a tux or suit, or by wearing trousers that match their dinner jacket. Cufflinks, a shiny watch, and a leather belt are also good additions. For women, shiny jewellery, an elegant clutch, and a dressy hairstyle are all appropriate.
• Ask for advice: If you are still unsure about the dress code, contact the marrying couple or the party planners to get an exact estimate of how formal your attire should be.

Venue-appropriate formal attire

When it comes to venue-appropriate formal attire, there are a few key things to consider. Firstly, the venue itself will play a significant role in determining the dress code. For example, if the wedding is taking place in a church, it is important to respect the traditional setting by keeping your outfit modest and avoiding anything too revealing or over-the-top. On the other hand, a beach wedding calls for lighter and more flowy fabrics, with fun colours and prints. For a formal evening event, you can go all out with a glamorous gown, while a daytime wedding might call for something more low-key yet still elegant.

The season and weather are also important factors when choosing your outfit. For summer weddings, opt for lighter fabrics, brighter colours and shorter hemlines to stay cool and comfortable. In contrast, winter weddings are the perfect opportunity to lean into rich, earthy tones and luxurious fabrics like velvet and satin. Don't forget to consider the temperature and opt for longer sleeves and closed-toe shoes to stay warm.

When in doubt, it is always better to be overdressed than underdressed. A dark, well-tailored suit or a floor-length dress are usually safe choices for formal weddings. However, don't be afraid to experiment with jumpsuits, colourful jackets or bold accessories to add a touch of personality to your outfit. Just remember to avoid anything that could be considered too casual, like a cotton sundress or sports coat.

Frequently asked questions