Wedding Attire Explained

Here's a breakdown of wedding dress codes, ranging from most formal to least formal:

White-Tie:

The most formal wedding attire. Imagine a grand gala. Here's what to wear:

• Men:

  • Tailcoat: Black or midnight blue tailcoat with a waistcoat and formal trousers.

  • Wing-collar Shirt: Stiff white shirt with wing collar and cufflinks.

  • White Tie: A white bow tie is the only acceptable option.

  • Dress Shoes: Black patent leather shoes.

• Women:

  • Full-length Evening Gown: An elegant floor-length gown in luxurious fabrics like silk or satin. Gloves are optional but traditional.

To give you an idea of the formality, I could really only find a picture of “White Tie” with the President.

Black-Tie:

Extremely formal attire, but slightly less formal than white-tie. Think upscale evening event. Here's what to wear:

• Men:

  • Tuxedo: Black or midnight blue tuxedo with a black bow tie and a dress shirt. Cummerbund (optional).

  • Dress Shoes: Well-polished black oxfords or derby shoes.

• Women:

  • Floor-length Evening Gown: A classic choice. Alternatively, a very dressy knee-length or midi cocktail dress can work.

  • Dressy Pantsuit: A sophisticated option for women.

  • Shoes: Elegant heels or dressy flats.

Formal or Black-Tie Optional:

Provides flexibility within a formal setting. Here's what to consider:

• Men:

  • Tuxedo (Preferred): Black or midnight blue tuxedo is ideal, but a dark suit with a tie can be acceptable.

• Women:

  • Formal Evening Gown (Preferred): A floor-length gown is best. Alternatively, a very dressy cocktail dress.

  • Dressy Pantsuit: A great alternative to a dress.

  • Shoes: Elegant heels or flats.

Cocktail:

A balance between formal and informal. Think sophisticated and stylish. Here's a guide:

• Men:

  • Suit: A well-tailored suit in a dark color with a dress shirt and tie (optional). A sports jacket with dress pants can also work.

  • Shoes: Leather dress shoes or loafers.

• Women:

  • Cocktail Dress: A dress that's above the knee or midi-length. Experiment with patterns, colors, and embellishments, but keep it dressy.

  • Elegant Separates: A skirt and dressy blouse or a jumpsuit can be stylish alternatives.

  • Shoes: Heels, wedges, or dressy flats.

Semi-Formal or Dressy Casual:

A more relaxed approach to wedding attire, with a focus on looking neat and put-together.

• Men:

  • Dress Pants or Chinos: Opt for a neat pair in a neutral color.

  • Collared Shirt: A button-down shirt or a nice polo shirt.

  • Sport Jacket (Optional): A light jacket can add formality.

  • Dress Shoes or Loafers: Avoid sneakers and sandals.

• Women:

  • Sundress: A flowy sundress in a nice fabric is a great option for a summer wedding.

  • Dressy Jumpsuit: Comfortable and stylish.

  • Knee-Length or Midi Dress: A casual, yet put-together dress.

  • Shoes: Wedges, sandals, or flats, as long as they're neat and stylish.

Festive:

A fun and celebratory atmosphere! Let your personality shine through with a touch of elegance.

• Men:

  • Dress pants, chinos, or a nice pair of jeans (dark wash, no rips). A collared shirt or a festive sweater.

  • Loafers or boots.

• Women:

  • A dressy sundress, jumpsuit, skirt and blouse combination, or a festive top with dress pants or a skirt.

  • Shoes with a bit of flair can add to the festive vibe.

Remember:

• Consider the venue, time of day, and season when choosing your outfit.

• If unsure, err on the side of being more dressed up.

• Most importantly, feel comfortable and confident in what you wear!

• ITS NOT YOUR WEDDING - YOU ARE A GUEST - IF THE ATTIRE IS WRITTEN OUT: FOLLOW IT