Guest attire or Wedding Guest Dress Code
Guest attire and the Wedding Guest Dress Code
An important detail of the wedding is the dress code. How your guests look should be a part of your vision, and should fit with your overall theme.
It’s also helpful for guests to know what’s expected of them for attire, as it removes any ambiguity or stress for them over what’s acceptable to wear. If you’re not 100% sure, we’d recommend semi-formal or dressy casual outfits, which can often be the perfect point of looking well but not under or overdressed.
Where does the Dress code go on my suite?
There are a few options, which depend on your event.
Traditionally, the dress code goes in the bottom right of the invitation. However, it’s also possible to have it centered at the bottom as well.
If the Reception venue is different from the ceremony venue, then it’s important to include it in the dress code as well. This is especially important if there are different dress codes for each
Alternatively, you can include details on your Dress Code card. Here's a sample that couples have recently loved: incorporating watercolor illustrations alongside descriptions of attire for each event. This approach helps provide clarity to your guests about your vision for the big day, minimizing any potential confusion.
In addition to the above, we also recommend adding the dress code to your Wedding website if you have one.
What are the Dress-code options?
We’re going to list the 8 well-known options:
White Tie
Black Tie
Formal Attire / Black Tie Optional
Cocktail Attire
Semi-Formal
Casual Attire
Beach Attire
Traditional
WHITE TIE
This is one of the most formal styles and would be a rare sight nowadays. This dress code is typically reserved for the most eminent events, like Royal Dinners, State Banquets, etc...
For white tie, Ladies should wear a formal, floor-length evening gown. Dresses are accessorized with heels and glamorous jewelry, and even a Tiara is possible.
Men are required to wear a tuxedo with tails, a formal white shirt, white waistcoat/vest white bow tie, and formal footwear such as Oxfords or Opera shoes. A top hat may also be a requirement.
BLACK TIE
Ladies should wear a dressy cocktail dress or formal long gown that does not reveal the ankles at the hem of the dress.
Open-toe flats and sandals should be avoided in favor of closed shoes or heels.
Men must wear a tuxedo with matching trousers with a satin stripe on the side, a black bow tie, a black waistcoat/vest or cummerbund, cuff links, and a pair of black formal shoes like Oxfords.
For summer weddings, a white dinner jacket and black tuxedo trousers are an acceptable alternative.
FORMAL ATTIRE / BLACK TIE OPTIONAL
This may seem confusing at first but actually signifies an event that is not strictly black-tie, but still quite formal.
With this dress code, ladies can wear a midi or knee-length cocktail dress. It's much more acceptable to wear a dress that shows the ankles here than in a strict Black-Tie option.
Men can wear a fusion between black tie and formal fashion. Tuxedos and dark suits are both welcome here.
The time that the event is taking place can also play a part in guests deciding what to wear.
COCKTAIL ATTIRE
If you’re looking to give your guests a little more flexibility, then Cocktail Attire is a great choice.
It’s one of the more popular options and strikes a great balance between comfort and elegance.
It means a more formal daytime wedding, but a slightly more relaxed night-time event.
Ladies should wear a knee-length dress, midi dress, or something a little longer that may reach the ankles.
Men are required to wear a suit and tie, preferably in dark blue or black.
It’s important guests don’t wear anything overly-embellished here, as they shouldn’t try to compete with the outfits of the Newlyweds!
SEMI-FORMAL
Semi-formal attire depends on the time of day:
Ladies can wear darker, more formal colors for an evening wedding; or wear lighter colors and fabrics during the day. Dresses should be just below the knee or can be replaced by a dressy skirt and top, a chic jumpsuit, midi dress, or a wrap dress. Floor-length gowns would be too formal, and would be viewed as over-dressed,
Men should wear slacks/ dress-trousers and a nice shirt, in dark or light colors depending on the time of day. Ties are welcome but usually optional.
CASUAL ATTIRE
Typically casual attire events are outdoors and mean the event is more laid-back. It can be one of the more relaxed of the dress codes, but it’s important to remember that a Wedding is still a formal event. Again the exact garments to be worn can depend on location and time of day.
Ladies can wear a fashionable jumpsuit, high/low dress, or a summer sundress.
For men, Button-down shirts, sweaters,s and chinos/khaki trousers are good choices. A sports coat can be used to finish or elevate the look.
More casual garments like jeans, sneakers, tank tops, or flip-flops are not appropriate unless explicitly mentioned.
BEACH ATTIRE
As Beach weddings are usually in harsher conditions like direct sun, high humidity, etc.. your guests will need to dress accordingly. If formal or cocktail dress is not required, then it’s important that guests dress comfortably.
Ladies can wear their favorite light-weight materials like linen and cotton. Flowing sundress and skirts can be a must with the heat.
Men can wear a light linen suit or sport coat. A tie is optional, but not expected.
In regards to footwear, it’s good to avoid flip-flops or casual sandals. Instead, it’s recommended men wear loafers and boat-shoes, for ladies to wear dress sandals or chunky heels.
TRADITIONAL
According to your culture or heritage, you may ask guests to wear attire that aligns with your customs. For example, ladies can be asked to wear a sari if you’re having a traditional Indian Wedding. In these instances, do explicitly state what you’d like from your guests so there is no ambiguity.
ALTERNATIVES TO THE ABOVE
If you don’t want to follow one of the specific codes above, you can check the following General Rules and communicate your own ideas and wishes for attire to your guests.
Generally speaking, a wedding before 4 pm will be slightly more casual and will typically showcase lighter fabrics, vibrant/festive colors, and slightly less formal attire. For men, mid-dark tones like gray, blue, and charcoal are appropriate.
Typically, a wedding after 4 pm will be more formal and feature darker colors. Ladies should wear longer dresses/gowns, and men should wear darker suits along with navy, black, or grey spectrum.
