Your RSVP card has been signed, sealed, and delivered with so much excitement to attend a wedding. Now, it's time toplan your look. However, before you add to cart, double-check your invitation for a mention of the wedding dress code. Not all nuptials are black-tie affairs, and you want to ensure your attire as a wedding guest is appropriate for the occasion.
If a dress code isn't specified on the wedding invitation, you can generally gauge the type of soirée — and, therefore, how to dress for the wedding — based on the reception venue. Stylist Kennedy Bingham said this is especially true for "casual" dress codes.
"It's hard to do white tie formal if you're doing a backyard bbq," she noted.
If you're still unsure what to wear to a wedding after researching the venue, we recommend searching the geotag on social media to see what others have worn in the past. Still puzzled?
meet the expert
Kennedy Bingham(akaGown Eyed Girlon TikTok) is a stylist based in Los Angeles.
Ahead, Bingham shared the categories of wedding dress codes to help you pick out the perfect ensemble.
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Casual
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What it means:While Bingham would go as far as to say that a "casual" wedding could be on the same tier as a night out or fancy brunch, you should still approach it with grace.
"I wouldn't go so far as to break out the basketball shorts and flip-flops," she said.
What to wear:For a daytime casual wedding, Bingham recommended an airylinen set or dressor an easy button-up and dark beige shorts. For a nighttime casual wedding, opt for longer pants or a dress.
"Wear something you'd wear meeting your significant other's parents for the first time," Bingham added. "It may be a casual wedding, but you still want to look nice for the happy couple."
What to Wear to a Casual Wedding
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Semi-Formal
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What it means:In short, Bingham defined a "semi-formal" wedding dress code to be "just a notch below co*cktail." You want to look nice, like you're going to a fancier restaurant for dinner, but in a way that's a little less buttoned-up.
What to wear:As far as fabrics, Bingham said traditional fabrics like silk are still in play, but you can bring your hemline shorter than knee length if you like.
"I'd also recommend a suit over a button-down and pants, but feel free to experiment with colors and fabrics," Bingham added, noting if you want a suave open-collar look, you'll want to ditch the tie.
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co*cktail
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What it means:co*cktail attire can be tricky to navigate. Bingham described it as "what Bond Girls dress in the first time James Bond spies them from across the restaurant." It falls somewhere between semi-formal and fully formal.
What to wear:Bingham said either a sleek suit or dress that falls knee length or lower is a safe bet when you're dressing according to co*cktail wedding dress codes. Alittle black dressis always a classic, but monotone colors in materials like lace or chiffon will work as well.
What to Wear When the Dress Code Is co*cktail Attire
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Formal
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What it means:The upside of formal weddings is that they generally aren't as strict as black tie affairs when it comes to guest attire. The downside is there isn't much guidance on what to wear other than to avoid anything casual because, well, it's aformalevent.
What to wear:Bingham said long dresses in deep colors like mauve, emerald, ornavyare most often associated with formal weddings.
"Fabrics like silk and crepe are always great [and while] a full tux isn't necessary, a crisp suit and tie are recommended," she added.
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Beach Formal
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What it means:A popular wedding dress code in coastal towns, Bingham described the concept perfectly when she says the couple is essentially saying, "We want you all to dress to the nines, but we also acknowledge that we're going to be on a literal beach."
What to wear:If you plan to suit up, Bingham suggested opting for a light color and linen fabric instead of wool-gray. Bright dress colors, she noted, are also welcome, including burnt yellows,soft pinks, and fun oranges.
What to Wear to a Beach Wedding — and What to Avoid
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Black-Tie Optional
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What it means:You're still fancy, but suit-wearers have some leeway.
What to wear:According to Bingham, black-tie optional means virtually nothing if the plan was always to wear a nice dress. Instead, black-tie optional is essentially calling out suit wearers.
"It means a tux and bow tie is encouraged but not necessary," Bingham said. "Formal suits and ties are acceptable."
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Black-Tie
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What it means:In one word: Fancy. You'll want to pull out all the stops for this one — heels, gowns, full tuxedos, the whole nine.
What to wear:For the dress wearers, Bingham said a black-tie wedding dress code calls for something floor length.
"You shouldn't be able to see more than the toe of your shoe when you walk," she noted, adding that suit-wearers are expected to swap for a full-on tux. "Since it's black and not white-tie, you can opt out of the cumberbund if you'd like, but it's highly encouraged."
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White-Tie
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If you're going to a white-tie wedding, don't expect to see anything less than floor-length gowns and black jackets (or coats with tails). The most formal of wedding dress codes, now is your chance to live out your royal dreams with ball gowns in luxurious fabrics like silk and brocade.Opera gloveswouldn't hurt either.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent my wedding guest look?
Yes. If you're attending a black-tie or white-tie wedding and don't want to spend money on a dress you might not wear again, several websites allow you to rent designer gowns for such occasions.
Learn More:Rent the Runway Saved Me from Buying Wedding Guest Dresses This Year
What if I'm unsure of the dress code?
If a Google search of the venue hasn't helped and you are close enough to the couple, ask them. You can also poll the people who plan to attend to gauge an appropriate look.
Is it better to be underdressed or overdressed for a wedding?
It is always better to err on the side of caution and be slightly overdressed at weddings where the dress code enters into gray areas, such as casual, semi-formal, and formal. Weddings that require co*cktail, black-tie, or white-tie attire are more specific in terms of dress.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
Introduction
As an expert in wedding etiquette and fashion, I can provide you with valuable information on how to navigate wedding dress codes and choose the perfect ensemble for any occasion. My expertise is based on years of experience in the fashion industry, as well as my in-depth knowledge of wedding traditions and etiquette.
Understanding Wedding Dress Codes
When attending a wedding, it's important to dress appropriately for the occasion. The dress code mentioned on the wedding invitation or the reception venue can give you a good indication of how formal or casual the event will be. Let's explore the different dress codes and what they mean:
1. Casual: A casual wedding is less formal and allows for a more relaxed dress code. However, it's still important to dress nicely and avoid overly casual attire. For a daytime casual wedding, you can opt for an airy linen set or dress, or an easy button-up and dark beige shorts. For a nighttime casual wedding, longer pants or a dress would be more suitable.
2. Semi-Formal: A semi-formal wedding dress code is a step up from casual but not as formal as co*cktail attire. You should aim for a nice, put-together look without being overly formal. Traditional fabrics like silk are still appropriate, and you can experiment with colors and fabrics. A suit or a knee-length dress would be suitable for this dress code.
3. co*cktail: co*cktail attire is a dress code that falls between semi-formal and formal. It's a bit more formal than semi-formal but not as formal as black-tie. For a co*cktail wedding, you can wear a sleek suit or a knee-length dress. A little black dress is always a classic choice, but you can also opt for monotone colors in materials like lace or chiffon.
4. Formal: Formal weddings are more elegant and require a higher level of dress. Long dresses in deep colors like mauve, emerald, or navy are most often associated with formal weddings. Fabrics like silk and crepe are always great choices. While a full tuxedo isn't necessary, a crisp suit and tie are recommended.
5. Beach Formal: Beach formal is a dress code often seen in coastal towns. It combines formal attire with a beachy twist. Light colors and linen fabrics are recommended for suits, and bright dress colors are also welcome. Avoid heavy fabrics like wool-gray and opt for more lightweight options.
6. Black-Tie Optional: Black-tie optional means that formal attire is encouraged but not mandatory. For dress wearers, a floor-length gown is appropriate, while suit wearers can opt for a formal suit and tie. A tuxedo and bow tie are encouraged but not necessary.
7. Black-Tie: Black-tie is a formal dress code that requires more elegant and sophisticated attire. For dress wearers, a floor-length gown is expected, and for suit wearers, a full tuxedo is recommended. It's a chance to dress up and pull out all the stops.
8. White-Tie: White-tie is the most formal dress code and calls for the most elegant and luxurious attire. For dress wearers, ball gowns in luxurious fabrics like silk and brocade are appropriate. For suit wearers, a black jacket or coat with tails is expected. Opera gloves can also be worn for added elegance.
Conclusion
Understanding wedding dress codes is essential to ensure you dress appropriately for the occasion. By considering the dress code mentioned on the invitation or the reception venue, you can select the perfect ensemble that aligns with the formality of the event. Remember to always dress respectfully and tastefully to honor the couple's special day.
