Key Takeaways
Wedding dress codes should be clearly stated to inform guests of how to choose their wardrobe for your celebration. More formal dress codes come with certain requirements—like dark jackets and long gowns—while casual dress codes allow for more flexibility in guest attire.
If you’re looking to encourage a certain level of formality at your nuptials—or simply want to create a specific ambiance—then wedding dress codes can be an important tool. (It’s not often you get to tell your friends and family how to dress, after all.) And while there are some classic dress codes that most people attending your event will probably know, there are also some more creative ones you can plan to have guests to follow as well.
“If you’re creating a wedding dress code, clarity is everything,” emphasizes bridal stylist Maisie-Kate Keane. “Be specific about what you want—whether it’s black-tie, cocktail, or something creative like a themed or color-specific dress code. Including examples or inspiration can help guide guests and avoid any confusion, this can be linked to your wedding website so your guests can easily reference the dress code details. Clear communication makes sure everyone’s on the same page and can enjoy the wedding day without stressing about what to wear.”
Choosing a dress code really comes down to aesthetic, mood, and even temperature control. As someone who hosted a fall black-tie wedding, I understood that it would set a specific tone for our event. Having all men in tuxedos throughout the event did create a particular atmosphere that fit the formality and décor. However, I would not have chosen the same dress code in the hot summer months. Required jackets and layers could make the event unbearable in high temperatures. Asking guests to follow a less formal dress code can allow for flexibility in fabric that leads to a more comfortable experience.
Dress codes are a two-way street. If you RSVP yes to a wedding, you are essentially agreeing to the terms of the invitation and will be expected to follow the attire guidelines laid out for you. “When following a dress code, the key is understanding the level of formality and staying within those boundaries,” notes Keane. “If you’re unsure, it’s always safer to be a bit overdressed than underdressed! And if in doubt, don’t hesitate to reach out to the couple or wedding planner for clarification! They will appreciate you wanting to get it right.”
Still unsure about what to wear to a wedding? Ahead, we break down the most common wedding dress codes you may see on an invitation—as well as some unique additions that have joined the sartorial conversation around weddings more recently.
White Tie
As the dress code of debutante balls and state dinners, white tie is the highest level of formality any event code can go. If the invitation states the wedding is a white-tie affair, women will be expected to wear full-length gowns and heels. Fine jewelry and elegant evening bags like a clutch can accessorize this look. Men do not have much flexibility in their ensemble and will have to wear a tuxedo with tails, as well as a formal white shirt with a starched or piqué bib, a vest, a white bowtie, and formal footwear in black patent leather. They can accessorize with a white pocket square, a boutonnière, white gloves, a white scarf, or a black top hat.
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