What’s the Attire? | Decoding Wedding Dress Codes

We’ve all heard of basic dress codes: black tie, cocktail, casual attire, etc. But it’s more common than ever to see more unique dress codes appear on a wedding weekend event invitations too. From “Alpine chic” to “garden cocktail” we’ve seen it all! So as a newly engaged couple, what terms work best for the feeling you’re aiming for on your wedding day? Or as a guest, what are you supposed to be pulling out of your closet for this wedding weekend?! We’ve got you covered! Read on…

Casual

Though we don’t often see casual dress codes associated with a wedding invitation, casual attire can absolutely factor in for other activities during the wedding weekend! “Casual” ultimately means whatever you’re comfortable in! Jeans are often acceptable for both men and women, and non-dressy shirts, sandals, and casual sundresses might work well too.

Semi-Formal

Often confused with cocktail attire, semi-formal attire leans a little closer to the casual category. For women, dresses or skirts that fall below the knee are often appropriate. If you prefer pants, a stylish pant-suit could also be an appropriate choice! For men, a dress shirt and dress pants will be the best base, with the option of adding a tie.

Cocktail

As mentioned, cocktail attire will be a deliberate step up from semi-formal. While a dress length similar to semi-formal would also be appropriate for cocktail attire, it is important to take the style of the dress into consideration here as well. Cocktail attire allows you to opt for a dress with slightly more embellishment or maybe darker colors. For men, a suit with a tie is appropriate.

Photography by Jillian Knight

Formal or Black Tie Optional

Formal can be a confusing term and isn’t one we recommend, but it gives a bit of flexibility for guests to float in-between cocktail and black-tie attire. “Black tie optional” is a more direct phrase to communicate appropriate attire. For example, you could choose between either a fancier cocktail dress or opt for a floor length gown. Similarly, men have the option of either a dark suit with a white shirt or a tuxedo.

Photography by Heather Beerman

Black Tie

Moving up in formality to black tie, women should choose a floor-length gown or a formal pant-suit or tuxedo. Men should wear a tux and black tie (hence the name!). A suit is considered too informal for this occasion. Cummerbunds and patent leather shoes are also suggested.

White Tie

This is the fanciest of the fancy dress codes, so go all out (without upstaging the couple, of-course)! Women can don their fanciest ball gown or floor-length gown. Gloves are also optional for white tie affairs. A black tail-coat with trousers, a white shirt, vest and bow tie are a must for men.

Out-of-the-Box Dress Codes

So you have a wedding coming up that lists “summer cocktail” as the dress code and have no idea what to do? A lot of more creative dress codes use one of the six basic dress codes above as a start with an additional descriptor. In those situations, start with the base attire and use the feeling that the descriptor gives you to adjust your outfit accordingly!

For example, for summer cocktail attire, start with maybe a tea-length cocktail dress. Now think of the things that summer emulates: light fabrics, floral patterns, bright colors, etc. and adapt your dress accordingly! If you still feel stuck, pull up Pinterest and type in the dress code. We have no doubt you’ll find instant inspiration and visual cues.