Rhiannon Hendricks
If you've been invited to a wedding at 6 pm, you might be wondering what the dress code is. Generally, evening weddings are more formal, so guests are expected to wear more formal styles, longer dresses, and gowns in special-occasion fabrics. For men, darker suits in navy, black, or gray are appropriate, and a white dinner jacket can also work. For women, a black cocktail-length dress is understated and elegant, and a floor-length gown is also a good option. If the invitation specifies black-tie, this means tuxedos for men and long dresses or cocktail dresses for women. If you're still unsure, it's a good idea to ask the couple or other guests for advice.
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What You'll Learn
- Black-tie weddings: Formal gowns and tuxedos are expected
- White-tie weddings: The most formal dress code. Women wear floor-length gowns and men wear tailcoats
- Semi-formal weddings: A balance between elegant and comfortable. Men wear suits and ties
- Cocktail attire: For women, a sophisticated cocktail dress. For men, a suit and tie
- Casual weddings: Business casual. A dress or a blazer and shirt for men
Black-tie weddings: Formal gowns and tuxedos are expected
If you're attending a black-tie wedding, formal attire is expected. This is one of the stricter wedding dress codes, with little room for interpretation. For men, this means a tuxedo, a black bow tie, a simple long black tie, or a long string tie. A black suit or suit separates are not appropriate attire for a black-tie wedding. Men can also add personality-infused accessories like unique cufflinks or socks.
For women, a formal, full-length gown is expected. The gown should touch the ground or fall to the top of your shoes. Black is an acceptable colour for a formal wedding, but you can also experiment with other colours or styles, like a jumpsuit. You can also dress up your outfit with accessories, statement jewellery, or unique shoes. If the wedding has a creative dress code, like "whimsical garden party" or "tropical formal", you should try to embrace the theme.
It's important to also consider the location and venue of the wedding. A black-tie wedding outdoors may require different footwear than an indoor wedding. For example, stiletto heels may not work well on grass, so a block or wedge heel might be a better option. If the wedding will have a church ceremony, you may want to cover your shoulders or wear a hat.
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White-tie weddings: The most formal dress code. Women wear floor-length gowns and men wear tailcoats
White-tie weddings are the most formal dress code, usually reserved for elegant events like state dinners, royal banquets, and very formal weddings. It is a rare dress code and is considered the most formal of all wedding dress codes.
For women, a white-tie wedding means a full-length evening gown. There is room for creativity, and a wider range of styles and gowns are available across different budgets. Women can also opt for long gloves to complete the look.
For men, the dress code is more rigid. It typically comprises a black tailcoat and trousers, with a white shirt, a vest (usually piqué cotton), and a bow tie. The white shirt should have a wing collar, and the jacket has tails. The outfit should be accented by white gloves, and men can also add a top hat to complete the look.
White-tie attire can be quite expensive, often costing hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. It is a rare and specific clothing category, so it may be challenging to find at regular retailers.
White-tie weddings are a formal affair, usually taking place in the evening. A 6 pm wedding would likely fall into this category, with the dress code requiring formal outfits.
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Semi-formal weddings: A balance between elegant and comfortable. Men wear suits and ties
A 6 pm wedding is likely to be a semi-formal or black-tie event. While black-tie weddings require formal attire, such as tuxedos and floor-length gowns, semi-formal weddings strike a balance between elegance and comfort.
For men attending a semi-formal wedding, the dress code is a balance between elegance and comfort. A suit and tie are generally appropriate, but you can relax the overall look without becoming scruffy. A two-piece suit is most common, but a matching jacket and trousers can also work. The colour can be dark, such as navy or charcoal, or lighter, such as powder blue or dove grey, depending on the season and time of day.
While black is usually best avoided, it is not forbidden. You can also experiment with shirt colours, although white remains a safe choice. A knitted tie can add a relaxed appeal, and you can accessorise with cufflinks, pocket squares, and belts that match your shoes.
For a semi-formal wedding, you can express some individuality and add visual interest, but remember not to upstage the couple. Well-tailored suits are a must, and the groom may wish to stand out with a distinct style.
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Cocktail attire: For women, a sophisticated cocktail dress. For men, a suit and tie
A 6 pm wedding is likely to be an evening wedding, which calls for formal attire. For a wedding with a cocktail attire dress code, the dress code is somewhere between formal and casual, striking a balance between the two.
For Women
Cocktail attire for women means a sophisticated cocktail dress. This could be a knee-length, tea-length, or midi dress, and a safe option is a black dress. However, it is not necessary to wear a full-length gown, and you can opt for a shorter dress. A midi or knee-length dress is a good choice, and you can also wear a jumpsuit with heels or formal flats. The fabric is often the deciding factor, and an above-the-knee dress in a silk georgette is appropriate, while a cotton-blend maxi dress may be too casual. For a summer wedding, opt for light and airy fabrics such as chiffon, linen, or organza, and for a winter wedding, choose richer fabrics and colours. You can also take cues from the invitation, the season, and the venue. For a seaside ceremony, bright colours and lightweight fabrics are appropriate, while an evening wedding at a hotel may call for deeper hues and richer textures.
For Men
Men should wear a suit and tie for cocktail attire. For an evening wedding, choose darker hues such as navy, black, or grey, and for a daytime celebration, lighter colours like blue are more appropriate. A well-tailored blazer and dress pants are also an option. For shoes, select a nice pair of dark dress shoes that match your belt. Even for a more relaxed venue, a jacket and tie are still a must for men. During the formalities, the jacket and tie should remain on, and they can be removed after the formalities have ended and the sun has gone down, or after the groom removes his.
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Casual weddings: Business casual. A dress or a blazer and shirt for men
When it comes to business casual attire for men at weddings, the key is to strike a balance between formal and relaxed. It's important to note that the dress code for a casual wedding still calls for a polished look, and it's respectful to dress up for the occasion.
For a smart casual or business casual wedding, men can opt for a blazer and trousers. Chinos are widely considered a standard choice for a casual wedding, paired with a dress shirt. This ensemble strikes the right balance between comfort and class. A blazer adds a touch of formality while offering versatility and a more relaxed feel. Alternatively, a sports coat, similar to a blazer but with patterned fabric, can be paired with trousers of a different colour or material for a polished yet laid-back vibe.
If the wedding is a little more elegant, or if you're part of the wedding party, dress pants can be a great choice. They are the most formal trousers suitable for a casual event. Jeans are also an option, provided they are well-fitting and the event is not too formal.
Accessories can elevate your look without trying too hard. Consider adding a patterned pocket square or a leather watch for a sophisticated touch. When it comes to shoes, avoid casual styles like sandals, boat shoes, or colourful low-tops. Instead, opt for polished shoes that align with the style and sophistication expected in the setting.
When deciding what to wear to a casual wedding, always refer to the wedding invitation, as it often mentions the dress code and provides valuable clues about the expected attire. The nature of the service, whether secular or religious, and local customs may also influence your dress choice. For example, certain religions or cultures may require head coverings or have specific expectations regarding bare shoulders, arms, or open-toed shoes.
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Frequently asked questions
A 6 pm wedding is likely to be a formal event, so a long dress or ball gown would be appropriate. If the wedding is black-tie, women should wear a cocktail dress or a long dress, and men should wear a tuxedo.
The dress can be black if the wedding is after 6 pm. However, it's a good idea to try to guess the colour scheme from the invitation and avoid wearing the same colours as the wedding party.
A great nude pump is always a good option, or a sleek wedge. If you're wearing a black dress, a strappy muted metallic shoe will go with every colour.
A nice coat or a cape, maybe with a fur trim, will keep you warm without ruining your outfit. A black cashmere pashmina is another good option.
