Depending on the time of the event, choose an outfit that falls in between formal and casual. Some couples are host concept or themed weddings, and they request that their guests follow the theme with their attire. This structured LBD is really cool while still being good for, If its important for you to keep your look a. sexy, you can try something like a silky slip dress. Opt for cocktail party attire featuring bolder colors and playful accessories. If you're having an earlier wedding, guests may choose cocktail or garden attire as their go-to dress. For men, maybe youll want to remove a tie or a jacket. For example, this powder blue cocktail dress is stunning, appropriate, and modern, with clean lines and a soft color. From black-tie to casual, we break down what each wedding dress code means. What should I wear to a wedding with no dress code? "Simply put, a formal affair is after six o'clock and the wordsblack tieor white tie are included on the reception card," Kallett says. "Any reputable stationer can help guide you through the countless details that will honor your vision and the formality or informality of this important day. But eventually, wedding season will be back, and well need to trade in our comfy loungewear for chic suits and pretty cocktail dresses. 
Although linen shirts and pants are also appropriate for a tropical wedding, be cautious in selecting them when you're traveling. This is the most formal wedding attire possible (think: White House state dinners). ", "Invitations are one of the first things guests formally receive about your wedding, so it's the perfect opportunity to set the stage for the look and feel of the celebration you're planning," Wechtaluk says. ", More and more brides are skippingdress codeson their invitations. For one, remove some accessories, especially things like sunglasses or large jewelry, like earrings. For example, some couples ask for their guests to all wear one color, Mae says. Sign up on The Knot to reach more couples and book more weddings! Black Tie is the second most formal wedding dress code. He gets away with no tie and sunglasses! This is the next most formal wedding dress code and usually means the wedding is an evening event. From beach wedding attire to ideas for barn wedding outfits,we have everything you need for picking out the best outfit. Further, avoid matching the colors worn by the bridal party, wearing anything that is too revealing, sexy, or flashy, or opting for clothes that are overly casual, like jeans and sneakers, even at a casual-attire wedding. "With the rise of backyard weddings, casual dress codes are common," Durham says. Women can opt to wear a long gown or formal cocktail dress, and high heels are highly recommended. However, if there is no theme, the second meaning of festive dress is to give your cocktail attire more oomph. This means no tuxedos or high heels. What Kind of Wedding Will Call for Cocktail Attire? Cocktail attire has become one of the most popular wedding dress codes and is pretty ambiguous for those who havent attended a lot of weddings. You can also wear a short formal dress or an elegant jumpsuit with jewelry. For instance, men could consider a floral pocket square. Floor-length gowns, however, would be inappropriate. For something a bit more formal, this sparkly look will make you feel like a walking disco ball! There are all different kinds of dress codes that may leave you wondering, what is cocktail attire? For women, cocktail dresses, suit separates, dressy skirts or even jumpsuits are acceptable.
Men must wear a tuxedo. Women can dress a bit more casually, too, in either a long gown, formal cocktail dress, or suit separates.
On the inverse, you may overdress, finding yourself in a more black-tie vibe. At a country home or farm?
", It's important to note that black-tie wedding attire is one of the stricter dress codes with little room for interpretation. There are a few things you can do to remedy this issue. "You can never go wrong with a navy blazer, a blue button-down shirt and khaki pants," Durham adds. Further, if the wedding is outside in summer, you have more free reign to be colorful and loose, whereas an upscale indoor venue is probably the cue for something a bit more conservative. "An elegant dress or a nice pantsuit would also be appropriate.". You may not be sure how much to spend on your wedding outfit. Beach Formal is a more uncommon dress code. If you're stressed out about style, we've got you covered with our handy guide. Black Tie Optional/Formal means that while black tie is still appropriate, if the wedding guest chooses, they may dress a little more casually. For something in a colder temperature, you may be looking for something with sleeves. Remember to look classy and polished, but don't wear something overly embellished or fancy that you take away from the newlyweds.
Since cocktail wedding attire is slightly less formal than black-tie and black-tie optional, tuxes and floor-length gowns are not required. These are things that all count as cocktail dress for women! It might also be accented with jewelry or a nicer pair of shoesembellishment is key for a cocktail dress code.". When youre invited to a loved ones wedding, there may be a ton of questions that cross your mind: planning necessary travel. Take cues from the weddings location. One of the most popular wedding dress codes is formal attire. ", A casual wedding dress code also comes with more flexibility in terms of experimenting with trendy colors, patterns and fabrics. It can be harder to make such judgments online, so be sure to use a reputable website, ideally one that youve bought from before, so you have an idea of their sizing. Known more commonly as "Mexican wedding shirts," these short-sleeved, button-down shirts usually have decorative square pockets, and often have embroidery. It's a balance between elegant and comfortable and typically more formal than a day wedding but more casual than a night celebration. ", If you are set on a black-tie wedding, consider more customaryphrasing on your invitation. As with a casual wedding, look for cotton sundresses and nice sandals or wedges. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. "A dress for a semi-formal wedding might not include any sort of beading or statement accessories," says Durham. As long as your attire abides by the preferred wedding dress code, you'll look (and feel) your best as you celebrate the happy couple. Sarah is an Associate Digital Editor for The Knot, with special focuses in fashion, pop culture and wedding trends. The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Guest Attire, Wedding Invitation Attire Wording Best Practices, Where to Place the Dress Code Information. There are a lot of different kinds of dress codes that a wedding may specify. If you're still stuck on what formal wedding attire looks like, you can never be too overdressed. For the spring and summer, we recommend lighter colors for your suitperhaps even a light seersucker, if held during the day. Some venues are facing literal Champagne problems. "While many couples would like their guests to arrive in black-tie attire, the most common wedding dress code is formal attire," says Alicia Mae, CEO of the New Jersey-based wedding planning company IL Events. Evening weddings often imply a more formal wedding style. If you want to remain somewhat neutral, this navy look is dashing yet still effortless. Remember, always err on the dressier side of caution. From the pages of history books, scripts, celebrity gossip columns and more, we've rounded up the memorable matchups whose love makes us swoon. Men should wear a tuxedo accessorized with bowtie and cummerbund. So, you showed up underdressed, perhaps in a more semi-formal look than a cocktail look. And besides, now is a great time to online shop from your couch. If youre not as comfortable with fashion terms or history, you may have no idea what cocktail attire will look like on you and with your closet. To help you find the best wedding guest outfit, we're breaking down exactly what wedding attire wording means. "An essential tip is to know yourself as a guest," Mae says. Be sure to dress appropriately for what looks best on your body. This page may contain affiliate links. As they say, its always better to be overdressed than underdressed, as it shows an attempt to put effort into how you appear at the event. Semi-formal/Dressy Casual means dressing somewhere between casual and formal. For something in a colder temperature, you may be looking for something with sleeves.
Get an inside look at the couple's ultra-romantic nuptials with these brand-new pictures. Semi-formal wedding attire may seem like one of the tricker dress codes to nail. Another big thing to keep in mind is what youre going to wear to the big day! Linen usually wrinkles easily, and there may not be a dry cleaner to press it back out in a more remote destination. Brush up on the basics of wedding dress codes below, and use this guide to find an outfit that's perfect for celebrating the couple on their big day. If your wedding starts after six, expect guests to come a little more dressed up unless you say otherwise. "The request line should say something along the lines of 'request the honor of your presence' or 'request the pleasure of your company.' Basically, guests are given the go-ahead to have fun and play with their look. Thankfully, there is appropriate cocktail attire for men. If the wedding is being held outside and the weather is blazing, consider topping the look off with a sunhat. If the wedding is in the afternoon, youre probably able to go more casual than an evening affair. While theres no set rule on how much to spend, you should still expect to spend a little bit on a nice outfit. Cocktail attire is a smidge more formal than semiformal attire, and is often for weddings held later in the day, while semiformal is usually for afternoon weddings.
"Similarly, you can always opt for a dress with a nice neckline and simple accessories. She has planned over 50 successful weddings and events. Ultimately, no one will be mad at you, and you might just feel awkward. However, cocktail is still more formal than semi-formal, which often indicates a daytime wedding or something outdoors. As stated above, the entire idea of cocktail attire is inspired by the classic womens cocktail dress. 50 Wedding Guest Instagram Captions for All the Likes, 45 Gorgeous Summer Wedding Guest Dresses You'll Love, What to Wear to a Wedding That's Black-Tie Optional, Your Comprehensive Guide to Formal Wedding Attire, What to Wear to a Black-Tie Wedding as a Guest, Exactly What to Wear as a Guest at a Traditional Indian Wedding, Here's What to Wear to a Dressy Casual Wedding, The Best Fall Wedding Guest Dresses of 2021, 25 Wedding Guest Dresses on Sale at Nordstrom Right Now, The 25 Most Beautiful Beach Wedding Guest Dresses, 20 Stylish Grandmother-of-the-Groom Dresses. When you're choosing what to wear to a cocktail wedding, a suit and tie with a crisp black or white shirt with dress pants is a no-fail choice. "Semi-formal falls in the gray area between casual and formal," says Coleman. And, for women, you can't go wrong with pieces that add sparkle to your outfit, "Refined jewelry like pearls or diamonds are the best options to dress up an evening gown," explains Ranu Coleman, CMO of wedding fashion brand Azazie. If youre overdressed, you may want to create a more casual vibe by working with a looser hairstyle, either by taking it down or removing some gel. This dress code is relatively new and will leave many guests scratching their heads. If youre exclusively a jeans and a sweatshirt person, now is the time to expand your horizons jeans, sneakers, and flip-flops are definitely not appropriate here. With the return of weddings will come a range of invitationsfrom your cousin whos getting married on the beach in Bora Bora to a friend from college whose ceremony in Napa is at a vineyardall requiring different dress codes. When it comes to cocktail wedding attire, guests have more flexibility with hemlines, colors and patterns. For many guests, its time to hit the mall, shop the online stores, or even rent a nice outfit. Have you ever received a wedding invitation that left you completely clueless about the wedding guest dress code? COVID-19 has recently caused many wedding postponements or cancellations as we continue to shelter-in-place and practice social distancing. Caitlin Wechtaluk is the owner and designer of Caitlin Creative Works invitations and event branding in Rockville, Maryland. Well email you a link to reset your password. This look is still pretty tame, but is a bit more revealing than some others. For women, this may mean wearing a classy jumpsuit instead of a gown, and for men, it may mean a fun-colored jacket or shirt. Featured image byFrans HuletonUnsplash. What should I not wear to a wedding as a guest? Women should expect to wear a pair of heels or a very formal pair of sandals. For fall and winter, we suggest darker colors and materials, like a navy tweed. "If you're going to a wedding on the beach, opt for a linen dress shirt and slacks with a blazer, or a sundress with a straw hat or bag since that fits the aesthetic," explains Durham. However, its more relaxed than a formal black-tie event, meaning you can incorporate color in many different ways. 87 years of expert advice and inspiration, for every couple. "Guests can better understand how to dress based on the wording, font choices, and colors a bride selects," Kallett says. The choices are the same as with black-tie: a floor-length gown, a fancy cocktail dress, or a dressy pantsuit. High heels are always appropriate. For men, look no further than guys like this dapper dude above. This look is just cool! Do: Wear something that shows your personality. And for nuptials that'll take place in warmer climates, shorter skirts and light, airy fabrics like linen and cotton will help you stay cool while keeping in line with the preferred wedding dress code. It's a stylistic choice that helps the couple create their desired aesthetic. A cocktail dress is an elegant look that is usually knee-length. Shortly after you RSVP to attend a wedding, you'll likely start thinking about what to wear. You likely wont ever be overdressed. Men may be reading up until this point thinking, okay, so this is all based on a style of a womans dress?
Cocktail dress codes arent nearly as formal as black tie. Consider your comfort while selecting an outfit. Albiate Washed Slate Blue Mid Weight Denim, Navy Reversible Foulard Cotton Blend Pocket Square. Sunglasses are a no-no for both genders. Casual wedding attire is the most relaxed out of all the dress code wording examples on this list, but it's important to remember that a wedding is still a formal event, after all, so there are some rules to keep in mind. Wear dress pants or khaki pants with a collared shirt. For women, considering the sandone might choose a maxi-dress or jumpsuit and flat sandals. Did your favorite Neil Lane sparkler make the list? Closed-toe shoes like loafers are suggested. This does not, however, mean jeans are appropriate unless approved by the couple. If you want to thrift, spend a while hunting the racks for the perfect item you never know what youll find in the vintage realm, and if its high quality, it might not be as cheap as you expect. If an invitation is worded 'happily invite you to the best day ever,' it is usually an indication that the event is not formal.". As for accessories, be sure to keep them consistent with your outfit. Fashion rules tend to be a bit more lenient for beach weddings. Below, weve compiled your ultimate style guide to wedding dress codes so you can be wedding-ready for any occasion from barbeque-reception casual to State Dinner formal. Alicia Mae is a New Jersey-based wedding planner and the CEO of IL Events. $150, Navy Reversible Foulard Cotton Blend Pocket Square Pair your dress with jewelry, heels, and an elegant clutch. Attending a wedding with a black-tie dress code is a great opportunity to elevate your outfit with accessories too. "A suit and tie are also appropriate.". Durham, who also appears on TLC's Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta, encourages guests to start with the basics. Men have the option of wearing a tuxedo, or they can wear a formal dark suit, white shirt, and conservative tie. Though the trend has gone in and out, the cocktail dress, and cocktail attire as an extension, symbolize the respect for a formal event while not being too stuffy. ", Embellishments and additional features on an outfit can also help differentiate cocktail attire from semi-formal attire. Plus, with the rise of creative wedding guest attire suggestions (like "dressy casual" or "beach formal"), you might be stumped when it comes to interpreting what they mean. Another thing to note is the location and venue of the event.
Women should wear a formal floor-length gown that does not reveal the ankles at the hem of the dress, but if the wedding seems a bit less formal, a sophisticated cocktail dress may also be acceptable. Men might dress in a suit and tie with oxfords, the colors of which depend on the season. It's encouraged to wear darker, more formal hues for an evening fte, while light colors and fabrics would be appropriate for a daytime wedding. This gorgeous Hollywood couple finally made it official in a private wedding ceremony at their Bel Air home. Men should wear suits, with or without a tie, and women should wear a nice dress or skirt. This structured LBD is really cool while still being good for an elegant winter look. "When hosting a formal affair, it's best to not stray from the traditional etiquette guidelines," Kallett says. You might be tempted to think that a casual dress code means anything goes, but that's not necessarily the case.
Unlike more formal styles or more restrictive dress codes, youre definitely able to integrate your own personal style in a cocktail dress code. In this fashion cheat sheet, you'll also find tried-and-true styling hacks that'll help you decode the invitation if you're not sure what certain terms look like on the rack. $40, Allen Grey Wool Flannel Suit Jen Gantz is the Founder and CEO of Bridesmaid for Hire, Amazon Bestselling Author, and host of the You're Not Getting Any Younger Podcast. If the ceremony is being held outdoors and you'll be walking across a lawn, avoid traditional heels that will likely get stuck in the grass. As with most outdoor weddings, consider your shoe choice wisely. If you're not sure if what you're planning to wear is dressy enough, it's probably not. But, if you're feeling adventurous, you can experiment with trendy jumpsuits or a suit with a colorful jacket or bold accessories. If your wedding invitation says "black-tie optional," you might be confused as to whether or not you actually need to wear a black-tie wedding outfit. "However, cocktail attire tends to be a little more dressy than semi-formal. A cocktail dress coded wedding will likely be in the mid-afternoon going into night and will probably be inside.
Look for lush, quality materials, and strong stitching. Men should wear a dress shirt and slacks, dark or light depending on the time of day, with the option to wear a tie. Classy but still fun through the bright checks of his blue jacket, he has cocktail attire down pat. Try a below-the-knee dress or a dressy skirt and top. Festive dress could mean different things, depending on the wedding. "Black-tie requires a tuxedonot a black suit, and definitely not suit separates," explains Jian DeLeon, Men's Fashion & Editorial Director at Nordstrom. This may be confusing to some guests, so take into account what the couple normally wears, the location of their wedding, and the time of day it's taking place to help you decide. And, while a classic navy or dark charcoal gray suit will suffice, consider switching up the shirt and tie for a floral camp shirt or knit polo instead.". You might want to swap stiletto heels for wedges or thick sandals, especially if you'll be walking on sand. Where does that leave menswear? The wording here indicates something slightly less formal than black-tie is acceptable. White Tie is the most formal dress code. Whether you'll be heading to the tropics for a destination celebration or you're attending a classic summer wedding, it's important to dress for the elements.
Loafers and lace-ups are both approved footwear. Youll likely want to bring a bag, but a clutch is recommended. Try to think about what styles youre drawn to and what sorts of clothes look best on your body for the fashion hopeless, thats usually the best place to start. Here at Yeah Weddings, we have everything you need to plan your wedding. Can you guess who stayed together after the final rose? The time of day the event is taking place can also be a helpful indicator of what the wedding dress code means. This look is still pretty tame, but is a bit more revealing than some others. "You don't have to wear full tails and cummerbund, but today there are plenty of great formal options at any budget.". $745, Miles 120s Light Blue End-on-End "The phrase 'cocktail' comes from the 1950s," Durham explains. White-tie wedding attire for men includes a long and dark tuxedo tailcoat with fabric extensions that reach to the back of the knee. Evening wear is often expected. It also may be slightly larger than a semi-formal wedding. $895, Albiate Washed Slate Blue Mid Weight Denim You can wear a tuxedo or a floor-length evening gown if you want, but a dark suit with dress pants and nice loafers would be acceptable too. Shoes can range from open-toe heels to sandals or flats. Most designer labels also have their own version of the guayabera if you're looking for something a little fancier. This summer look leans on the most casual side, but is a good reference for a more relaxed suit that still remains classy and appropriate. A black bow tie, black vest or cummerbund, and patent leather shoes are also suggested. If you are attending a white-tie wedding, this is your chance to accessorize with glittering jewels, sleek dress shoes and elbow-length white silk gloves. They're available in a huge variety of colors and styles. Whatever you end up going with, though, you want to make sure its appropriate for the events dress code. As far as women are concerned, there's not much of a difference between black-tie attire and black-tie optional attire, although Mae says it's more acceptable to wear a dress that shows the ankles (which is not true of a black-tie dress code). An evening gown with a full-length A-line or sheath silhouette is appropriate, though you could also consider a floor-length ball gown depending on the formality of the venue. Women are suggested to wear a sundressanything from that flowy, billowing linen dress or the pretty lace sheath you might have in your closeta skirt, or trousers with a blouse. If so, we recommend wearing cocktail attire with a festive element. A cocktail attire wedding will be slightly more casual than a formal attired wedding, which is the fanciest and most extravagant option there is. And, since semi-formal and cocktail attire can sometimes be used interchangeably, you might feel confused when it's time to pick an outfit. Further, your suit jacket may leave room for extra accessories like cuff links or a pocket square, so enjoy the expression that comes from those. Make sure youre confident in your attire to not feel under- or overdressed. All in all, a couple requiring cocktail dress wants their guests to look classy. Avoid a tuxedo and go for a well-tailored suit with a solid shirttie optional but encouraged.