So you’ve received an invitation to a wedding on a particular day, time, and place. As a rule, these cards are given out to guests in advance. Sooner or later, you start wondering what in the world you’re supposed to wear to the wedding. The first thing to figure out is the dress code. Often, the newlyweds-to-be indicate it in the invitation card, notify you in a message, or tell you over the phone.
At that point, you take to putting together a kind of outfit you’ve possibly never had to wear before. Today, we’ve prepared for you a wedding dress-up guide for all dress codes of wedding attendees.
Wedding dress codes
This is an important facet of the event designed to ensure guests’ attire fits in with the rest of the ceremony’s attendees. These outfits embellish the beauty of the special occasion accompanied by music, decoration, flowers, and a meticulously thought-out program. All of this magic is then captured in a wedding video and professional photographs. Ahead of time, it’s still an unknown what exact outfits the guests aare supposed to have on at the event.
At the very least, however, wedding dress codes allow the bride and groom to communicate their dress-up wishes. Attire requirements vary based on the format of the specific wedding.
The concept of a dress code includes:
- The cut, style, and length of dresses
- Decorations
- Accessories
- Shoes and heel heights
- Colors
- Even fabrics
For initial visalization proposes, the bride and groom can test out how different dress codes look on a mockup website online. One such website is Yellow Mockups.
Dress code breakdown
Some options are appropriate for the warm season and outdoors, others for indoor or weather environments. The dress code applies to both women’s and men’s outfits, complete with wishes and prohibitions. Since this is a celebration of the union of two loving people, you need some really special clothes. Here are the basic dress codes you may encounter.
White Tie
This dress code is the strictest. For women, it requires maxi evening dresses and high heels. Men need a tuxedo with a classic white shirt, bow tie, and vest along with white Oxford shoes.
Black-Tie
In this case, there are less stringent requirements for a wedding celebration. Other than evening maxi dresses, women can choose a pantsuit or jumpsuit. For their tuxedos, men need a vest and bow tie. For a summer wedding, black pants with a white jacket do the trick.
Black-Tie Optional
A tuxedo is not required in this case. If men want, they can instead wear a dark-colored suit with a white shirt and tie. Women are to wear evening dresses whose length can be slightly shorter than a maxi dress, down to the shoes. High heels, stylish hairstyles, and jewelry are still required.
Semi-formal
If the wedding invitation specifies this as the dress code, the clothing requirements are more relaxed. In this case, the time of the appointed celebration matters. For women, the hem of the dress is to come down to the knee. They can wear an elegant top and skirt, a pantsuit, or a jumpsuit. High heels or flat shoes can work, taking into account the venue where the event is going to take place.
For men, it’s pants and a dress shirt. If it’s going to be in the afternoon, wear light shades, the evening – dark colors.
Cocktail
In this dress code, knee-length dresses and midi dresses are recommended for young women. Men traditionally wear a suit and tie.
Casual
This suggests women should come in light sundresses, complemented by sandals or open-toed shoes. Men, meanwhile, shall wear light-colored, classic-cut pants and shirts.
Tropical
These weddings dictate that women wear cotton sundresses with elegant sandals or summer shoes. Men do not necessarily need to add a tie to their shirts and pants. Bright colors are encouraged. Keep in mind that the wedding will take place in a hot climate. So consider wearing a hat, for instance, one made out of straw.
Beach wedding
These types of ceremonies allow women to comein an airy sundress or an exquisite top with a beautiful skirt and sandals. Otherwise, they can wear elegant, open-heeled summer shoes. Men must wear linen suits with sandals.
Thematic dress codes
There may be a variety of wishes the bride and groom may voice in terms of the color, materials, styles, and shoes the guests wear. Organizing wedding events like these helps everyone embody the particular atmosphere that the newlyweds envision and create a lively, festive mood.
Country style
Country style calls for earthy color tones and boots. It’s better to familiarize yourself with the traditions in advance and prepare festive outfits that are deemed traditional in the particular area. It is quite acceptable to introduce a few new elements in your attire.
Winter wedding
In these events, velvet dresses or fancy-colored outfits are customary for women. For men, a three-piece suit is required consisting of unicolor dark wool, classic shoes, and a trouser belt. Shoes should be prepared for the snowy environment and restaurant. Most likely, part of the photo shoot will be filmed amidst snowy landscapes. The organizers may plan a number of entertainment programs outdoors. You will be sure to be comfortable wearing warm shoes. Dancing will be easier if you take dress shoes or pumps with elegant heels with you too.
What not to wear to a wedding
First of all, a white dress and trains are taboo and reserved for the bride, as well as light shades of white, whether creamy, milky, or ivory. The most beautiful person at a wedding is supposed to be the bride. The other extreme – jeans, mockup t shirt, and sneakers are definite no-nos as well. Remember where you were invited. Your clothing should be festive and thoughtful, as it shows joy and respect for the union of two people.
Here are some other things to avoid:
- A pretentiousness, loud outfit
- Overly revealing outfits. Bare shoulders, neckline, and skirt length are within reason.
- Very bright colors are not suitable for such a celebration, save them for club parties. A certain amount of modesty and restraint in your attire will serve you.
- Ladies over 45 should opt for dresses that cover the knee or midi.
- Older guests should not leave their arms above the elbow bare: three-quarter or long sleeves are appropriate.
- It is inappropriate for men to wear sweatshirts, turtlenecks, or casual street shoes at a wedding.
Final tips for wedding guests
For the dress code, also take into account the time of year and the venue where the wedding is to take place. Dress nicely, appropriately, and comfortably. You need to be able to feel good in these clothes and be able to roam around feeling light. It would be a good idea for women to take a change of shoes with them.
After all, it often happens that the holiday is in full swing, and your feet are already very tired, but you want to have fun. This is where an elegant pair of slippers or ballet flats will do nicely. If you choose an dress, take a coat or a blanket with you. You will need it if it gets cooler anyway. Finally, if you’re going to a wedding reception as a couple or as a family, choosing matching shirts and dresses will look wonderful as well.
