Sending in your RSVPs for a wedding may feel exciting, as you just signed up for a day or days filled with fun, food and laughter. But the real stressor here is nailing the wedding dress code. Reading the dress-code language is not all fun and games for everyone, and navigating through white-tie, black-tie optional and cocktail can make even the seasonal wedding guests nervous.
If you are new to the game and have just started getting wedding invites as an adult, we have a simple guide for you. But before we delve deep into the nitty-gritty of wedding dress codes, let’s learn a bit about the importance of different types of wedding attire.
The Importance of Wedding Attire
Picking the right attire for guests is key, as it shows respect for the couple, honours the traditions and culture of the event, helps guests to avoid cultural faux pas, contributes to the festive vibe and adds to the overall aesthetic of the occasion. Picking suitable attire allows guests to express personal style while being appropriately dressed for the event.
Understanding Formal Wedding Dress Codes
White-Tie
The White-tie, also known as “full dress”, is the most formal of wedding dress codes. This dress code signifies the highest level of formality and is reserved for state dinners, royal affairs and prestigious balls and galas.
- For Her: For white tie weddings, women are expected to dress in full-length long dresses for women paired with heels. The formal dress code wedding should be accessorised with fine jewellery and a clutch to look more cohesive.
- For Him: The men attending the wedding are expected to wear a tuxedo with tails, paired with white designer shirts for men, vests, a white bow tie and formal shoes, such as Oxfords. They can further accessorise their attire with a pocket square, white gloves, a white scarf or a top hat.
Black Tie
The black-tie is a semi-formal dress code for evening events such as galas, award ceremonies and formal weddings. It originated in the 19th century in British and North American conventions as an alternative to more formal white-tie events.
- For Her: The women are required to wear a full-length (floor-length) gown or dress for black-tie events. To match the formality of the event, it is recommended to choose luxurious-looking fabrics such as silk, organza and lace. The look should be finalised with fine jewellery and elegant accessories.
- For Him: Men are required to wear a black tuxedo with a black bow and a black vest or cummerbund to achieve the required look. For shoes, men have a few options, including Venetian loafers, opera pumps, black Oxfords and patent black leather shoes.
Formal or Black-Tie Optional
Unlike the black-tie, the black-tie optional provides guests with a choice between a traditional black-tie ensemble or slightly less formal attire. Basically, black-tie optional is a flexible choice for guests who may not want to invest in strictly black-tie attire.
- For Her: As long as it looks sophisticated and polished, a long gown, a fancy cocktail dress or a dressy pantsuit for women will work fine for a black-tie optional. However, it is recommended to avoid anything too casual, such as a sundress or anything denim or leather.
- For Him: Since it is slightly less formal than a black-tie event, men can opt out of wearing a tuxedo and pick a formal dark suit with a white shirt and a conservative tie. But wearing a tuxedo is also an option for those who want to keep it more formal.
Navigating Less Formal Wedding Attire Options
Cocktail Attire
Cocktail parties are held for guests to ease out a bit, mingle with other guests and enjoy an evening with cocktails and scrumptious finger foods. These events typically require you to dress in smart casual or informal attire.
- For Her: Cocktail parties allow a wider range of people for experimentation. Women are allowed to wear shorter hemlines, including midi- to knee-length designer dresses for women. They can also experiment with accessories to create a polished yet fancy look.
- For Him: For cocktail parties, tuxedos are out of the question. Men can ease out a bit and stick to well-tailored suits in their choice of colour, or they can also opt for a blazer with dress pants and polished shoes to match the casual vibe.
Semi-Formal or Dressy Casual
Semi-formal and dressy casual are perfect for weddings that specifically ask guests to dress that way. This wedding dress code is more suave compared to regular casual wear but less formal than business casual.
- For Her: For women, there are several options, including midi dresses, slip dresses, midi-length skirts with tops, or a sophisticated pantsuit. Some of the suitable fabrics include linen and cotton in time-appropriate colours to suit the occasion.
- For Him: Men can choose to wear a dress shirt paired with slacks to maintain a polished look. A tie or suit jacket can be added if you want, but it is not necessary.
Festive Attire
Although new, a festive marriage dress code is focused on combining seasonal colours, patterns and fabrics to create celebratory and stylish looks. You can call it a mix of semi-formal and cocktail attire, offering both elegance and personal expression.
- For Her: Women can sport cocktail attire in bolder colours and prints, paired with playful accessories. Pantsuits or women’s co-ord sets can also be paired with statement jewellery and festive accessories such as scarves and hats.
- For Him: Men can ditch the formal suits for brightly coloured and textured suits to match the festive theme. This is also the time to experiment with unique fabrics such as velvet to create a unique look.
Unique Wedding Attire Scenarios
Casual Wedding Attire
Casual wedding attire is polished yet comfortable and is suitable for relaxed events such as a beach or backyard wedding. For women, a summer sundress or a tailored jumpsuit or a co-ord set could be it. Men can pick a collared shirt with dress pants, paired with a casual blazer or a waistcoat. However, it is recommended to avoid overly casual items such as jeans, t-shirts or flip-flops when attending even a casual wedding.
Tropical or Destination
If the couple is getting married at a tropical destination, this wedding dress code will apply to all the guests and will probably be mentioned on the invitation. It is similar to dressing for a casual wedding, maybe in more summer-friendly fabrics.
The women can wear summery designer midi dresses or a skirt and blouse combination with wedges to create a polished yet comfortable look. Men can opt for short-sleeved shirts and chinos for a polished tropical look.
Concept Style or Themed
Themed weddings are fun, and they give guests a chance to really become an integral part of the wedding. With this type of dress code, the guests have the creative freedom to interpret the instructions to create looks that are unique but relevant. But for this type of wedding, it is recommended that the couple provide some sort of instructions, guidelines, colour palettes or mood boards to maintain the aesthetic of the wedding.
Come as You Are
While it is not a common wedding theme, some couples do ask their guests to dress as per their choice. In this case, you need to consider the location, the time of day and the venue when picking a suitable outfit. The key is still to look polished and sophisticated.
General Tips for Wedding Guests About Wedding Dress Codes
Always Check the Invitation: As a guest, it is your responsibility to read the invitation thoroughly to learn about the dress code. If confused, always ask the couple for clarity. Do not assume and make your own rules.
Consider the Venue and Season: No matter what the dress code is, always consider the venue and season when picking suitable attire. Choose fabrics and accessories in consideration of other factors to nail the required theme.
Comfort is Crucial: While achieving the desired wedding guest look is crucial, you must ensure your comfort. Do not compromise with comfort even as a guest.
When in Doubt: It is always better to be overdressed than underdressed for a wedding. When in doubt, always go overboard with the dressing.
Accessorising Smartly: No matter how well you dress for the occasion, your look is incomplete without the right accessories. It is best to pick accessories based on style as well as utility to elevate your look.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of dressing for weddings takes time. But once you get the hang of it, you are most likely to be the best-dressed among the lot every single time. Enjoy the process of following the themes, styling your outfits and putting together sartorial marvels.
Dressing appropriately is your way of contributing to the once-in-a-lifetime celebration of the couple and adding to their happiness.