You’ve just RSVP’d yes to your friend’s wedding but aren’t sure what to wear! Most likely, you received a detail card with a dress code on it, but what exactly does it mean? But, if the invite doesn’t have dress code info check the website! From formal to casual, and everything in between, we will help you decode the wedding dress code. 

This resource is also super helpful if you are a couple trying to decide what and how to communicate your dress code to guests. Remember be clear, be specific. Clarity is kindness! 

White- Tie: You might have heard of Black-Tie formal, but might not have heard of White- Tie. White- Tie formal is the most formal dress code and not often seen for most weddings. When it comes to White- Tie formal, think showing up to Grammy’s formal or a royal wedding. So what should you wear?

Women-

• Floor length evening gown (nothing shorter) 
• Jewelry
• Heels
• A fancy clutch 

Men- 

• Tuxedo with tail
• Formal white shirt
• Vest
• Bow tie
• White or gray gloves
• Formal footwear (derby shoes or oxfords)

Black- Tie: While it’s not as fancy as a White-Tie event, you can still expect a lot of formality when it comes to the dress code. Seeing Black-Tie on as the dress code usually signifies a formal evening event. When seeing this as the dress code you can expect to wear the following…

Women-

• Floor length evening gown without ankles revealed
• An elegant pantsuit, if more desired

Men-

• Tuxedos
• Black bow tie
• Black cummerbund or vest (optional) 
• White jacket and black tuxedo pants (summer weddings)
• Patent leather shoes 

Formal/ Black- Tie Optional- This is one of the most common dress codes seen at weddings. This dress code is slightly less formal than Black- Tie but still formal. When dressing for a formal or black tie optional event, you can expect the following..

Women-

• Floor length gown
• Longer fancy cocktail dress
• Dressy pantsuit

Men-

• Tuxedo (but not required)
• Suit (in dark colors)
• Formal white shirt
• Conservative tie

Cocktail– This attire is a step fancier than semi formal but a step down from formal. This is a very popular choice for most weddings. We see this a lot for outdoor, vineyard, or garden weddings. You can expect both formality and comfort. This also give people the most versatility on style. 

Women- 

• Tea length, knee length or midi dress

Men-

• Suit and tie
• Dress pants, button down, and tie

Semi- Formal/ Dressy Casual– The key to knowing what to wear for a semi- formal or casual wedding can depend on what time of the day the event takes place. Darker colors are recommended for the evening, while lighter/ brighter colors are recommended more for the daytime. 

Women-

• Below the knee dresses
• Slip dresses
• Dressy shirt/ top
• Elegant pantsuit
• Heels, nice wedges, flats

Men-

• Dress shirt
• Slacks
• Tie optional

Festive– If you get a dress code card stating this, you may really be wondering what it means. The term ‘Festive’ is newer for parties and not as common. When being told to be ‘ Festive’ you can think in terms of bold and bright colors and patterns. We also see this when the wedding is themed: beach weddings, destination weddings, solid color palettes (all white dress code), and more. 

If you are the couple and requesting a specific style give guests an idea of your expectations by outlining dress code on website. For example: We would love our guests to dress in jewel tones for our outdoor garden party. 

Women-

• Cocktail party attire (bold and bright colors and patterns)
• Playful accessories
• Unique silhouettes 

Men-

• Patterned/ textured suit
• Bright ties
• Colorful pocket square

Casual- This usually means that the event is being held outdoors or on a beach. Casual events are typically more laid back but still does not mean that jeans, sneakers, shorts, tank tops or flip flops are acceptable to wear, unless the couple states otherwise. When seeing ‘Casual’ on a dress code card, you get the flexibility to dress more comfortably but be sure not to dress too casual.

Women-

• A nice sundress
• Wedges or dressy sandals

Men-

• Dress pants/ khakis
• Collared shirt
• Tie optional
• Sport jacket optional

Destination/ Tropical- While a wedding that most guests are traveling for is considered a destination wedding, here we are referring to a more tropical/ beachy setting. When traveling to a tropical setting, be mindful of the humidity and temperature. Still opt for a dressier option for attire. In general you can expect to wear the following..

Women-

• Sundress
• Nice sandals/ wedges
• Sunhat optional

Men-

• Guayabera ( Mexican wedding shirt)
• Khakis

Concept Style/ Theme– Concept/ theme weddings are exactly what you would think and you should dress up as the theme given. Some examples of theme weddings are

• All white wedding
• Gatsby theme
• Western
• Costume
• Or any other theme the couple decides

Comes As You Are– This dress code can get a little confusing. While the dress code says to come as is, and allows you to take the lead, it’s important to take the location, time of day and season into account.

As a general rule of thumb, “ If you look good, you feel good.” When in doubt it’s always ok to air on the side of caution and go a little dressy or casual.

While every couple doesn’t always send a dress code card or put it on their website, you can piece together what to wear based on the venue, time of day and the season. 

When in doubt you can opt for the following..

Women-

• Knee length cocktail dress 
• Nice heels/ shoes

Men-

• Dark colored suit

As another rule of thumb, it is not acceptable to wear white to a wedding (unless it’s an all white theme.) It is also important to avoid matching styles with the wedding party and to not wear anything too sexy or revealing. Avoid also wearing anything too casual, such as sneakers or jeans, even if it is a casual wedding.

If you still have questions about what to wear to a wedding, asking the bride is ok, except on the wedding day! If there is a wedding planner, try to ask them questions to avoid bothering the bride.