Ultimate Guide to Wedding Dress Codes– Everything You Need to Know!
Planning your wedding can be one of the most exciting yet overwhelming experiences. With so many details to consider—from choosing the venue and selecting the food to curating your guest list—one element that often gets overlooked is the dress code. Whether you're crafting an intimate ceremony or a grand celebration, setting a wedding dress code helps ensure that everyone looks their best and your event has a cohesive aesthetic.
In this guide, we'll break down the most common wedding dress codes, offering tips on how to communicate them clearly to your guests, and what to consider when deciding on your dress code.
1. Formal or Black Tie
The most formal dress code, "Black Tie" typically indicates a very elegant and sophisticated affair.
For Bridal Couples: As the couple, you’ll want to match the tone of the evening by opting for a stylish, elegant look.
Bride: Think about a floor-length gown with luxurious fabrics like satin, silk, or velvet. An intricate lace design, intricate beading, or a simple yet timeless style works well.
Groom: A classic tuxedo is the go-to. Pair it with a formal black bow tie, polished black shoes, and perhaps a pocket square for that extra touch of elegance.
For Guests:
Women: Evening gowns, cocktail dresses, or sophisticated separates in dark colors or metallic tones are ideal.
Men: A tuxedo or dark suit with a tie or bow tie is appropriate. Don’t forget polished dress shoes!
Accessories should be refined, and the general vibe should be chic and polished.
Tip: Think of this dress code as a chance to go all out and embrace high-end glamour.
2. Black Tie Optional
This dress code allows a little more flexibility but still maintains a level of formality. Men can still opt for a tuxedo, but a dark suit and tie are also acceptable. Women have a broader range, with options including a formal cocktail dress, an evening gown, or a chic dressy outfit that might be on the shorter side. It’s always better to err on the side of more formal, as it’s better to be overdressed than underdressed.
Tip: Choose sophisticated fabrics and elegant styles, but feel free to have a little more freedom with color and length than in a strict "Black Tie" wedding.
3. Semi-Formal or Cocktail Attire
Bride and father of bride walking down the ceremony aisle on a covered patio with string lights in summer at an elegant barn wedding venue in Buffalo NY
As the name suggests, this dress code is less formal than Black Tie but still requires a polished look.
For Bridal Couples: Semi-formal or cocktail attire gives you a bit more flexibility while still maintaining a polished appearance.
Bride: A tea-length or knee-length dress, or even a chic midi gown, works well. You can opt for a more modern or relaxed look while still feeling bridal.
Groom: A dark suit or blazer with dress pants is perfect. You can skip the tuxedo and go for a classic tie or even a stylish bow tie.
For Guests:
For men, a dark suit and tie is typically appropriate, and women can wear cocktail dresses or a stylish jumpsuit. Semi-formal weddings offer a great opportunity for you to experiment with colors and patterns, though avoiding anything too flashy or casual is key.
Tip: This is a perfect chance to show off your personal style while staying sophisticated—think sleek and stylish without going too formal or too laid-back.
4. Casual or Smart Casual
Casual weddings have become more common, particularly for laid-back or outdoor events. But "casual" doesn't mean anything goes.
For Bridal Couples: A casual wedding dress code is perfect for couples looking for a relaxed, comfortable vibe. Think beachy, rustic, or outdoor venues.
Bride: A simple yet beautiful dress in a relaxed fabric like cotton, linen, or chiffon will work perfectly. Boho-inspired wedding dresses or even a jumpsuit can also make for a stunning choice.
Groom: A light-colored suit, a blazer with chinos, or even a crisp button-down shirt with dress pants will keep you cool and comfortable while still looking stylish.
For Guests:
For men, this could mean a nice pair of trousers with a button-up shirt or a casual blazer. Women could wear a nice sundress, a midi dress, or a chic pantsuit, but always avoid anything too relaxed, like flip-flops or t-shirts.
Tip: While the venue and setting should be a consideration when selecting your attire, it is imperative to remember that this is still an important occasion, and your attire should reflect that. We would always caution against wearing denim, shorts, t-shirts, sweatshirts, or sneakers.
5. Beach Formal
A beach wedding is a bit of a mix between formal and casual.
For Bridal Couples: A beach or destination wedding calls for attire that’s stylish but practical for the environment. Embrace the natural beauty around you while keeping comfort in mind.
Bride: A lightweight, flowy dress and headpiece that can withstand the beach breeze or outdoor elements works wonders. Fabrics like chiffon, lace, or organza are perfect for a relaxed yet elegant look.
Groom: A linen or cotton suit in light colors like beige, light gray, or white helps you stay cool in tropical settings. You might even opt for a less formal look, like linen trousers and a button-up shirt.
For Guests:
Men can wear a light-colored suit (linen is a good choice) or a button-up shirt with dress pants, and women can opt for a flowy, elegant dress that’s appropriate for the warm weather and sand. Dresses should be comfortable yet still formal enough to reflect the significance of the event. Stilettos, for example, may not be the best choice for a beach wedding, so consider wedges or sandals instead.
Tip: Prioritize comfort and practicality without sacrificing style. Remember, the goal is to look polished but ready for a coastal celebration.
6. Themed Weddings
Some couples love to add a bit of fun and flair to their wedding day by incorporating a theme. Themes might range from vintage to retro, bohemian, or even costume-based themes (such as masquerade or fairytale).
For Bridal Couples: Themed weddings can be a fun way to add personality and flair to your special day. Whether it’s a vintage, rustic, or fantasy-inspired theme, make sure your wedding attire fits the concept.
Bride: Depending on your theme, you might choose a vintage lace dress, a themed gown (like a fairy-tale princess dress), or something rustic and bohemian in nature. Customization is key!
Groom: A themed suit or even something unconventional like a steampunk-inspired outfit or rustic attire with suspenders and a bow tie can complement the theme.
For Guests:
If you’re invited to a themed wedding, make sure you carefully read the invitation for guidelines and get creative while staying within the theme's parameters. For example, a 1920s-themed wedding might call for flapper dresses and sleek tuxedos, while a boho wedding might encourage free-flowing dresses and earthy accessories.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to embrace the theme but be mindful of not overdoing it. Subtle touches are often more effective than a costume-style approach.
How to Communicate the Dress Code to Your Guests
Black and white invitation suite featuring dress code information for wedding in Western NY
Once you’ve decided on a dress code for your wedding, it’s essential to communicate it clearly to your guests. Here are a few ways to ensure everyone understands the attire expectations:
Include it on the Invitation: Clearly state the dress code on your wedding invitation. You can even indicate a color scheme as shown in the photo above in order to achieve a cohesive wedding aesthetic.
If you have a wedding website, include a section detailing the dress code. You can even provide outfit suggestions for those who may be unsure.
Be Specific: If your wedding has a unique or less common dress code (like "cocktail attire" or "semi-formal"), include descriptions or links to examples of what those terms mean.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the dress code you choose should reflect your personality as a couple and the tone of your wedding day. It’s also important to consider the wedding venue. Whether you’re aiming for classic elegance, a relaxed beach vibe, or something entirely unique, defining a clear dress code ensures everyone feels appropriate and part of your special day! We hope you find this Ultimate Guide to Wedding Dress Codes useful as you plan your most important day! For more wedding attire inspo, visit our Instagram at instagram.com/weddingsatnottinghillfarm.
Photo credits: Photo 1 - Kelly Kaz Photography; Photos 2 & 3 - Lindsey Robinson Photography; Photo 4 - Bound and Branch Photography
