Demystifying the Wedding Guest Dress Code | Organizing
March 23, 2022 by Just Marry!
Demystifying the Wedding Guest Dress Code | Organizing
Many people need a helping hand when it comes to understanding the wedding guest dress code. How dressed up (or dressed down) should you be? From ballgowns and tuxes to sundresses and shorts, today I’m demystifying the wedding guest dress code so you can dress the right part at the next wedding you attend!
DEMYSTIFYING THE WEDDING GUEST DRESS CODE
Black Tie or Black Tie Optional
Black tie is the most formal tier of the wedding guest dress code. This style of wedding requires that gentlemen wear black tuxedos or formal dinner jackets (not suits) with black bow ties, formal dress shirts (traditionally pleated), and black dress shoes. Women should wear long formal evening gowns with dress shoes.
Black tie optional weddings require a formal style of dress, but not necessarily as formal as black tie. Gentlemen could opt to wear a nice suit and tie instead of a tux, for example, and ladies could wear less formal cocktail attire. But in general, we suggest dressing up versus dressing down for black tie optional events. Why not dress to impress for such a special day?
Cocktail
A step down on the formality scale is cocktail attire. This is the style of wedding you’re most likely to see for weddings that start in the afternoon and/or take place in warmer seasons. Think “dressy, not stuffy.”
For cocktail attire, gentlemen typically wear suits and ties, though some may opt to wear a vest instead of a full suit (especially here in Florida!). As you might guess, ladies wear cocktail dresses of varying lengths or formal pantsuits.
Semi-formal or dressy casual
As we continue down the tiers of the wedding guest dress code, we reach semi-formal or dressy casual. This might be among the most ambiguous terms when it comes to wedding fashion! This is most typical for morning and brunch weddings, tea time weddings, and events that take place outside.
For semi-formal events, gentleman should wear some type of dress pants with a collared shirt. Polo shirts or short-sleeved collared shirts are acceptable, and ties are optional. Ladies should wear dresses or nice pantsuits.
Casual or "Come as you are"
Casual weddings are most common for events in settings that don’t lend themselves to formality. Beach weddings, destination weddings, and backyard weddings are all settings where couples may opt for a casual or “come as you are” style of dress.
Hate ties? Want to wear shorts and sandals? Prefer to wear tank tops versus sleeves? No problem! Just remember that you’ll forever be in those wedding photos wearing whatever outfit you choose!
Festive or themed
When it comes to festive or themed weddings, any tier of the wedding guest dress code might apply. Couples might want their guests to wear their fanciest black-tie attire for their masked ball wedding, or they might ask guests to slip their swimsuits on beneath their ceremony attire for a casual lakeside bonfire wedding. Pay attention to the wording on the invitation, follow the tips above, and you’ll be ready to party the night away in (the right) style!
MORE WEDDING GUEST DRESS CODE & PLANNING TIPS
If you’re looking for more tips about the wedding guest dress code or other helpful planning topics, we’ve got you covered! Check out some of our previous posts where we provide you with plenty of wedding inspiration and all our best planning tips and tricks.
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Demystifying the Wedding Guest Dress Code | Organizing