When reading a wedding invitation, you’re likely to find a line that indicates a certain dress code is required for the occasion. Wedding guests can usually expect to wear formal attire, but there are many other dress codes that may be listed on the invitation. Ranging anywhere from the well-known black-tie to the more obscure semi-formal dress codes, it can be difficult to determine exactly what the bride and groom will deem appropriate. Here’s a guide to some of the most common wedding guest dress codes to help you fit in perfectly at the ceremony:
White-Tie
Starting with the most formal wedding attire, white-tie dress codes call for the most elegant looks you can think of. Women should wear floor-length evening gowns and accessorize with luxurious jewelry, clutches, and heels. Men must wear 3-piece tuxedos with tails, a bow tie, a pair of gloves, and formal footwear, such as oxfords or derby shoes.
Black-Tie
Black-tie is the next most formal wedding dress code, and typically indicates that the ceremony will be an evening event. Similar to white-tie, this dress code requires men to wear a tuxedo and women to wear elegant gowns. However, black-tie allows men to lose their gloves, and women have the freedom to trade out their floor-length gowns for pantsuits, or particularly tasteful cocktail dresses.
Formal or Black-Tie Optional
Formal and black-tie optional dress codes indicate that the couple expects guests to dress in appropriate, formal attire, but aren’t expecting tuxedos and floor-length gowns to be the norm. For these dress codes, men can wear suits and ties, while women basically have the same options they would for a black-tie affair, although shorter dresses are much more acceptable here.
Semi-Formal & Dressy Casual
For these two dress codes, considering the venue and time of the ceremony will help clear up any confusion you may have on what to wear. Semi-formal and dressy casual dress codes allow women to wear comfortable tea-length or knee-length dresses, or skirts and nice tops. Men should wear dress shirts, slacks, and can decide on whether or not they ditch their tie.
Casual
Casual dress codes tell you that the wedding is a much more relaxed affair and will likely be held outdoors, potentially on the beach or in a forest. Although this dress code is the most laid-back of the bunch, guests should still follow basic guidelines for ceremonious occasions: no t-shirts, sneakers, cut-off shorts, jeans, or anything you would wear to exercise or sleep. For women, ideal options include casual sundresses, modest skirts, dressy sandals, and wedge heels. For men, pair a collared shirt with dress pants or khakis, and you’re good to go.
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