Wedding Dress Codes Explained and Outfit Examples to Wear
Receiving a “Save the Date” card in the mail could be so exciting! The next exciting part is picking out an outfit to go celebrate the couple. The invitation suite often comes with details about what the dress code for the event will be. For example, “black tie” or “cocktail attire.” So let’s explain what any of those dress codes means to help you pick out your next wedding guest dress.
This guide includes the most common wedding dress codes as well as the trickier ones that aren’t so common but are good to know! And I will also include examples of what to wear as a wedding guest for women, with the most formal dress code first:
Table of Contents
White Tie - The most formal dress code for an event
Think big ball gowns and dinner at an uber fancy banquet hall. This goes to say, for a lady, your gown should be floor-length, no cocktail-style or anything that would be considered semi-formal. Accessorize with opulent jewelry, shoes, and handbag.
This is not a common wedding dress code because of how formal it is. Not a lot of people have white-tie attire hanging around in their closet so this dress code could deter some guests from attending. So keep that in mind if you are a bride and are looking to decide whether you should go with this dress code.
Here is what I would wear to a banquet hall wedding with White Tie dress code:
Outfit Details
Black Tie - A step down from White Tie, still considered very formal
This is probably the most common wedding dress code that you will see on an invitation. It’s not as formal as White Tie but it’s still considered pretty darn formal. So what does that mean for what to wear to a black-tie wedding?
For anything with “Black Tie” as the dress code, you should absolutely avoid anything too casual, like denim or sneakers.
For women, think floor-length evening gowns. Black-tie weddings are typically reserved for evening weddings. So you can opt for evening colors like black, navy, or a dark solid color.
Here is what I would wear to a Black Tie dress code wedding in the evening:
Outfit Details
Gown: Alfred Sung square neck A-line gown | Shoes: old Schutz heel style (similar Schutz heel under $150) | Bag: old Vanina bag (similar bag from Loeffler Randall, OR similar clutch from Nina under $80)
Formal Attire or Black-tie Optional
This is one of the most common wedding dress codes. Formal attire is similar to Black Tie, but not as strict. This means you have the option of wearing a floor-length gown or a dress that falls just below the knee. If you do choose to go with a shorter dress, make sure it is formal and classy – no mini skirts or brightly colored dresses. Depending on the time of day, and location of the wedding, you can wear a pretty pattern dress or a soft pastel color for daytime.
For a daytime Formal/Black-tie Optional event, here is what I’d wear:
Outfit Details
Dress: Mac Duggal gown | Earrings: from Etsy under $50 | Bag: Lily & Bean bag in baby pink OR similar bag under $90 | Shoes: blue bow heels
Creative-Formal Wedding Dress Code
This is starting to become a more popular dress code for weddings. What it means is that you can still dress formally, but with your own personal style. So if you want to wear a long gown but make it your own by adding some beading or embellishments, go for it! If you want to wear a shorter dress but don’t want to go too casual, look for something with some nice details like ruffles or lace.
Here is a long black gown with rhinestone details, something I’d wear to a Creative Formal wedding:
Outfit Details
Cocktail Attire
Cocktail Attire is also one of the most common wedding dress codes. Cocktail attire is less formal than Black Tie or Formal Attire but still calls for a dressier look. A good rule of thumb is to wear something you would wear to a nice restaurant or bar. Just make sure your cocktail dress is not too short – remember, you still want to look sophisticated. So I would save the short mini skirts for a different time and find something longer than thigh length, at least knee length!
To attend a wedding with Cocktail Attire, I would pick something like the look below:
Outfit Details
Cocktail dress: LIKELY ruffle cross back dress | Shoes: pearl strap heels (under $60) | Earrings: from Etsy (under $50) | Bag: CHANEL medium medium flap bag, OR similar pink bow clutch (under $90)
Beach or Destination Wedding Dress Codes
“Beach formal” dress code is essentially the same as regular formal dress, but with a few adjustments to account for the heat and sand. Floor-length gowns are still appropriate, but lighter fabrics like linen or chiffon work better in the heat.
On the more casual side, if the dress code is “beach chic”, or “beach casual”, you can wear a colorful maxi dress or a midi dress at knee length of below the knee. You can add a straw hat and a pretty and light linen cardigan to keep away from the sun if you’ll be out in the sun and wind for the event. Beaded earrings or beach-themed jewelry are good choices to go with the outfits.
Currently, I’m loving this outfit for the fun ruffles and peplum details for a beach chic wedding:
Outfit Details
Garden Party Chic
Similar to “Beach Chic”, this is a “cocktail” wedding dress code, but with special adjustments to hint to the guests that they will be in a garden with lots of flowers, and/or greenery. Consider wedges or block heels as opposed to stilettos since you may be walking on the grass. This dress code is typically a daytime event, so a brighter colored dress or a pretty and elegant print is also a good choice.
Examples would be a pretty flowered dress to go with the garden theme, or an eyelet midi or maxi dress for this type of wedding. You can add a cardigan or jacket if the weather is cooler.
Here are a few wedding dress picks appropriate for a Garden Party Chic dress codes:
Dress Code - Festive
Festive dress is similar to cocktail attire, but with a slightly more casual feel. This is a good choice for daytime weddings or those taking place in the spring or summer.
Think about wearing something cheerful and colorful – after all, it is a party! You can go for a fun print or pattern, or a dress with statement details like ruffles or big sleeves. But as always, make sure your outfit is appropriate for the venue. You don’t want to wear a short dress to a church wedding, for example.
Dressy Casual or Semi-Formal - a common and most casual wedding dress code
Dressy casual and Semi-Formal are used interchangeably. This dress code is very common and is considered the most casual of all wedding dress codes. This doesn’t mean you can wear jeans or a t-shirt, but it does give you more flexibility in your choice of clothing. A sundress or nice slacks and a blouse would be appropriate for a dressy casual wedding. Just make sure whatever you choose is comfortable and wrinkle-free.
If a wedding is specified as Dressy Casual or Smart Casual, it means that the couple is looking for a more relaxed feel to their wedding. They want their guests to be comfortable during the event but don’t want them to show up in shorts and an old t-shirt.
If invited to a Dressy Casual wedding, here is an outfit I’d wear:
Outfit Details
Dress: floral frill midi dress (under $150) | Bag: Tory Burch petite gingham bag (on sale) | Slides: Dior Dway heeled slides | Earrings: from Etsy (under $50)
Another example of something I would wear for a Smart Casual dress code:
Outfit Details
As you can see, there is a wide range of wedding dress codes, from the very formal to the very casual. And as a general rule of thumb, it is always better to be overdressed than underdressed. So if you are ever in doubt, err on the side of caution and dress up a bit more than you think you need to. After all, it is better to be too formal than too casual at a wedding in my honest opinion!
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