Junior Rasmussen
Wedding dress codes can be confusing, with various levels of formality from whimsical garden party to white tie. Formal wedding attire is one of the most common wedding dress codes, but what does it actually mean? Formal wedding attire is synonymous with black-tie optional, offering more flexibility than black tie. For women, this means a floor-length gown, a cocktail dress, or a dressy pantsuit. Ankles can be shown at a formal wedding, but not at a black-tie event. For men, a tuxedo is not required, but a dark suit and tie are appropriate.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Formality | Fancy and flexible |
| Comparison to other dress codes | Slightly more elevated than cocktail attire and a touch less dressy than black-tie |
| Men's attire | Tuxedo, dark suit and tie, cufflinks, dress shoes |
| Women's attire | Floor-length gown, cocktail dress, pantsuit, jumpsuit |
| Season | Lighter fabrics and brighter colors for summer, darker shades, thicker fabrics and longer sleeves for winter |
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What You'll Learn
White-tie dress code
White-tie is the most formal wedding dress code, usually reserved for state dinners, royal banquets, and very formal weddings. It is a standard of dress that began in the mid-19th century, when aristocrats and members of royalty wore it as a symbol of opulence.
For men, a white-tie dress code consists of a black tailcoat (or a dress coat) worn over a white dress shirt with a starched or piqué bib, a white waistcoat, and a white bow tie worn around a standing wing collar. Slim-cut trousers were popular in the early 1920s, while wide-lapelled tailcoats and double-breasted waistcoats were in vogue by 1926. Mid or high-waisted black trousers with galon, a braid of trim consisting of two silk stripes to conceal the outer seams of the trousers, along with court shoes (or pumps in American English) complete the outfit. Orders, decorations, and medals in miniature may be worn, as can a black top hat, white gloves, a white scarf, a pocket watch, a white pocket square, and a boutonnière.
For women, a white-tie dress code calls for a formal, floor-length evening gown with jewellery, heels, and an elegant clutch. Elbow-length white silk gloves can also be worn, as can a tiara.
White-tie is a rare dress code in the 21st century, but it is sometimes used for weddings, particularly those with a formal or historical nature. It is also used for royal and state ceremonies, audiences, balls, and a select group of other social events in some countries.
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Black-tie dress code
A black-tie wedding dress code indicates a formal, evening event. It is a step down from white-tie attire, which is the most formal wedding dress code.
For women, a formal floor-length gown or an elegant, floor-length pantsuit is appropriate for a black-tie wedding. The gown should touch the ground or reach the top of your shoes. It can be made from sumptuous fabrics like silk, satin, chiffon, or organza. A long black tie or a string tie can be worn with the outfit. If the wedding is less formal, a sophisticated cocktail dress or a tea-length, knee-length, or midi look may be acceptable, but it is best to consult the couple first.
For men, a tuxedo is a must. 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. If you prefer not to wear a tuxedo, a dark suit and tie are also appropriate.
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Black-tie optional
For women, a floor-length gown, a fancy cocktail dress, or a dressy pantsuit are all acceptable options. A key difference between black-tie and black-tie optional is that it is more acceptable to wear a shorter dress that shows the ankles at a black-tie-optional wedding. This means that, in addition to the options available for a black-tie dress code, women can also opt for a tea-length, knee-length, or midi dress. The choice of outfit can also depend on the season. For summer weddings, lighter fabrics and brighter colours are common, while winter weddings call for darker shades, thicker fabrics, and longer sleeves.
For men, a tuxedo is not required but is still an option. If men prefer to wear a suit, it should be a formal dark suit, such as a fitted, darker-hued suit, paired with a white shirt and a conservative tie. For footwear, dress shoes are appropriate, such as patent leather loafers or laced oxfords. Men can also experiment with trendy (yet still formal) separates, a dressy blazer with a full skirt, or wilder shoes that would be considered "too much" for black-tie.
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Formal attire for men
Fabric Choices:
When choosing what to wear, consider the time of year and the wedding's location. For summer weddings, opt for lightweight and breathable fabrics such as linen or a linen-cotton blend. A light grey linen-cotton suit is a great choice for a warm-weather wedding, offering both style and comfort. You can also add a pop of colour with a windowpane or small houndstooth pattern. For winter weddings, choose warmer fabrics like wool blends, or wool and silk blends for a classic look with a subtle sheen.
Suit Colours:
When it comes to suit colours, deep greys, navy, or dark blue are always excellent formal options. For a touch of colour, consider a light green or brown suit, but be mindful of the setting and climate. If you want to stand out, a timeless navy blue tuxedo with contrast shawl lapels can make a statement.
Tuxedo or Suit:
While tuxedos are often associated with formal dress codes, they are not always required. Formal attire offers flexibility, and a well-tailored dark suit and tie can be a perfect choice. A crisp white dress shirt and a conservative tie are recommended. If you prefer a more relaxed look, a semi-formal style may suit you better, where you can lose the tie or opt for a knitted option.
Accessories:
Don't forget to accessorize! Cufflinks, a pocket square, and a French cuff can add a refined touch to your outfit. When it comes to footwear, dress shoes are a must. For a tuxedo, patent leather loafers are a great choice, while laced oxfords pair well with a suit.
Black-Tie Optional:
If the dress code is black-tie optional, you have room to add a touch of personality to your outfit. While a tuxedo is still appropriate, a dark suit is also acceptable. This is a great opportunity to incorporate a vest or a colourful pocket square.
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Formal attire for women
If the wedding is white-tie, the dress code is the most formal possible. Women should wear a formal, floor-length evening gown, with jewellery, heels, and an elegant clutch. A black-tie dress code is a step down from white-tie, but still indicates a formal, evening event. Women should wear a floor-length gown in sumptuous fabrics like silk or organza. If the wedding is a bit less formal, a sophisticated cocktail dress or an elegant pantsuit may be acceptable.
If the dress code is black-tie optional, a tuxedo is not required, and men may opt for a formal dark suit, white shirt, and conservative tie. For women, the outfit choices are the same as for black-tie weddings, but it is more acceptable to wear a dress that shows the ankles.
Some examples of retailers that offer formal wedding attire for women include Lulus, Reformation, and Anthropologie. Lulus offers a range of floor-length dresses in sizes XXS to 3X, many of which are under $100. Reformation dresses are pricier, but they specialise in silky styles, on-trend silhouettes, and fun floral prints. Anthropologie has a dedicated "Weddings" section on its site, with a range of styles for different dress codes.
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Frequently asked questions
Formal wedding attire is generally considered to be a step down from black-tie, but a step up from cocktail attire. For men, this means a dark suit and tie, with dress shoes. For women, a formal dress is a must, such as a midi dress or a floor-length gown.
Black-tie optional is slightly less formal than black-tie. For black-tie, men must wear a tuxedo, while for black-tie optional, a dark suit and dress pants are acceptable. For women, a floor-length gown is expected for black-tie, while a knee-length or midi cocktail dress is appropriate for black-tie optional.
White-tie is the most formal wedding attire. For men, this means a tuxedo with tails, a formal white shirt, a vest, a bow tie, and white or grey gloves. For women, a formal floor-length evening gown, jewellery, heels, and an elegant clutch are expected.
Cocktail attire is a step above semi-formal. For men, a dark, well-tailored suit is appropriate, while a tuxedo may be worn if the event is more formal. For women, a sophisticated shorter dress or a longer dress in darker colours like navy or black is suitable.
