Weddings are a fun opportunity to dress your best. But the process of choosing attire is ripe for confusion! As a wedding stationer, I recommend using the couple’s invitation to steer you in the right direction. Most couples will indicate the attire they require, whether casual, black-tie, or somewhere in between. Also, consider the wedding location, season, and time of day. To make your choice easier before your next event, I’ve compiled this guide to wedding dress codes!
For a casual wedding, choose attire that is laid-back, comfortable, and easy to dance in. However, avoid overly casual items such as jeans, shorts, tank tops, sneakers, and flip-flops (after all, it’s still a wedding, not a barbecue!). Moreover, choose attire that will be comfortable during the day and night, regardless of temperature shifts. I recommend choosing clothing in breathable fabrics like linen and cotton for a summer wedding to avoid those dreaded sweat stains.
Left photo by Omar Lopez on Unsplashed, right photo by Samantha on Unsplashed
This dress code falls between casual and formal and generally calls for understated cocktail attire. In other words, you don’t need to wear a full-length gown or tux but may need to think beyond your typical “church” or “date-night” attire. Solid, dark colors are best unless the couple has specifically requested bright hues. You might also consider wearing a subtle pattern like stripes or a classic floral print.
Left photo by Amy Kate on Unsplashed, right photo by Haute Stock
Formal evening events—taking place at 7:00 PM or later—are the typical setting for black-tie attire. If a couple wants their guests to wear black-tie attire, their invitation will indicate so. Dress should be appropriately formal but not showy; it’s best to stick to subdued, evening-appropriate, solid colors (when in doubt, just wear black!).
Photos by Haute Stock
Wedding dress codes don’t have to be complicated! Bookmark and follow this guide the next time you need to choose attire for a casual, semi-formal, or black-tie event. Are you on a wedding planning journey? Discover how to enhance the guest experience with seven thoughtful touches.