Summer means it’s officially wedding season. Decoding the wedding guest dress code is a difficult task and sometimes confuse guests. If you’re ever in doubt, it’s best to err on the side of caution and dress more formally.
If you’re unsure how to dress for a wedding, follow these simple guidelines when choosing your attire.
White Tie
White tie is a more conservative proper affair, as formal as it gets.
For women it’s safest to stick with a floor length gown.
For men, the dress code is strict: a black tail coat, a white vest, a formal white shirt, white tie (specifically a bow tie) and gloves
Black Tie
This usually indicates an evening event.
Men typically wear a dark tuxedo, a white dress shirt, and a coordinating bow tie
Women can wear either a long gown or a formal cocktail dress
Semiformal (Cocktail)
The time of the event will dictate what you should wear. If it’s an afternoon or early evening event, reach for light colors and fabrics. If the event is later in the evening, wear darker colors and more muted patterns.
Men, jackets are required with or without ties.
Women have a lot of flexibility. Select a Cocktail or tea-length dress
Casual
Casual attire really varies depending on things like venue and time of day.
Men can wear khakis and a blazer
Ladies can wear a sundress and sandals
Some Extra Tips For The Ladies
Appropriateness has more to do with the cut, fit and material of the dress as opposed to its color.
No short low-cut dresses. Dresses and skirts should be a fingertip length at the shortest
Avoid choosing colors that match the wedding
Save the animal prints, leather and neon colors for another event
This isn’t the first time you’ve heard this, but, it bears repeating… Never upstage or upset the bride by wearing whites, creams and ivories.
Guests should dress for weddings in outfits that will add to the occasion in a positive way.
