A Simple Guide to Wedding Dress Code Meanings for Guests

Crack the code on wedding attire! This simple guide to common dress codes will help

 

Most wedding invitations include helpful information on what to wear as a guest – a straightforward wedding dress code. But sometimes these descriptions can get a little too creative, to the point of feeling almost cryptic – like ‘mountain chic’ or ‘desert formal.’ So today, we’re here to help you crack the dress code, to attend any wedding in style and confidence. 

 

First we’ll take a look at classic wedding dress codes, then we’ll cover a few unconventional options for wedding attire that have been popping up lately.

 

Related: What to Wear (and Not Wear) as a Wedding Officiant

 

 

Common Wedding Dress Code Meanings

 

1. White Tie

 

This is the most formal dress code, like dinner-with-the-royals level of formality. You can't 'overdress' for white tie, but it's easy to underdress. Think floor-length evening gown with a modest neckline, velvet gloves, and your very best jewelry; or a 3 piece vested tail suit, white bow tie, high-polished black shoes, and gloves. All hairstyles and makeup should be sophisticated and polished. This is absolute elegance, no exceptions.

 

 

Two simple examples of elegant white tie wedding attire: A black tuxedo with tailcoat, and a polished black floor-length gown paired with black satin gloves and a tiara. (Photos left to right: anatoliycherkas / MaxFrost /iStock)

 

 

2. Black Tie

 

This is classic formal evening wear, and is fairly easy to interpret. This is the time to put on a black tuxedo, vest, and bow tie, or a floor-length long gown with chic jewelry. Don’t get creative – stick with classic elegance and traditional upscale attire, but you can leave the gloves and top hat at home. 

 

 

Black tie attire is still very formal and elegant, but it's a step down from the "tiara and tails" of white tie wear. (Photos left to right: Team Maestroo / Manuel Figueroa / Unsplash)

 

 

3. Black Tie Optional / Formal

 

This is one step down from black tie, but you’re encouraged to go full-glam if you want. A tuxedo is still preferred, but you can also pull off a dark suit with a subdued, thoughtful tie or bowtie. An elegant cocktail dress or long gown is a good choice, and guests of all genders should stick to conservative colors and patterns – nothing too bold or bright. 

 

This is a great option for couples who want an elegant wedding vibe, but want to give guests a little leeway (so they don’t have to buy or rent a tux or gown if they can’t easily afford it). 

 

 

Keep it elegant, but go ahead and wear that formal dress or standard dark suit if you have it - no need to buy something new. (Photos: Orbon Alija / Chris Ryan / iStock)

 

 

4. Creative Black Tie

 

A blend of formal wear and artistic flair, this dress code is perfect for fashionable couples who want elegant attire with a splash of color and fun. Think fashionable velvet tux jacket, or bright floral bow tie or ascot, a velvet gown with jeweled florals, or a playful-but-elegant pattern. Some creative black tie weddings will also have an added color theme to guide your attire choices.

 

 

(Photos: Left: Aleksandr Golubev; Right top: staticnak1983; bottom: Maynagashev / iStock)

 

 

5. Cocktail Attire / Semi-Formal

 

This dressed-up vibe definitely says ‘special occasion,’ but keeps things a little more fun. Think well-tailored suit and tie, cocktail dress (at the knee or below), or elegant blouse and slacks with stylish coordinating jewelry. Keep quality fabrics and structured silhouettes in mind, too, but have fun!

 

 

6. Dressy Casual / Smart Casual

 

This is where things usually start to get confusing for guests, because it can be hard to find the line between ‘semi formal’ and ‘dressy casual.’ In this case, you can skip the tie and suit jacket (blazer optional), but you’ll want to stick with a button up dress shirt and well-fitting trousers. A stylish dress or dressy jumpsuit, well-tailored blouse and skirt (around the knee or below), and heels or fashionable flats work well. Think chic and comfortable, classy, polished, and put together.

 

 

 

 

7. Garden Party / Outdoor Chic

 

For ‘garden party chic’ wedding attire, let the natural setting inspire you. Think stylish and comfortable looks that fit well with the weather and season, with special attention to your footwear! A lightweight suit in soft gray or sage, or white dress shirt and slacks with patterned suspenders works well. An off-shoulder sundress with block heels, or chic satin jumpsuit or breezy separates with wedges. You’ll want something that’s comfortable and classy for outdoor conversations and photos, and remember that you might be walking on grass, paths, sand, and gravel – so plan your shoes accordingly.  

 

8. Beach Formal

 

Beach formal is a popular choice for coastal outdoor weddings, but unpredictable natural elements can make it difficult to choose the right fabrics, accessories, and shoes. Consider a light-colored linen suit without the tie, paired with a stylish pocket square and comfortable loafers. A loose-fit maxi dress or dressy sundress in breathable fabrics, paired with flat dressy sandals or wedges also work well. In either case, pay special attention to your accessories – aim for elegant, classic, and sophisticated accents to tie your look together – not bohemian. 

 

 

"Beach formal" wedding examples include light linen suits, breathable fabrics, flowy dresses, and dressy sandals or loafers. This look is airy and elegant, perfect for a stylish beach wedding!  (Photos left to right (cropped): Pollyana Ventura / FG Trade Latin / iStock) 

 

 

9. Casual Wedding Attire

 

Casual wedding attire is comfortable, relaxed, and informal, but you’ll still want to dress like you’re going to a special occasion. Think khakis and dress pants with a button up shirt or polo shirt, a casual dress, or a simple but stylish blouse and skirt. Choose comfortable shoes or sandals, but don’t you dare wear dirty sneakers to the wedding! 

 

10. Come As You Are or No Dress Code

 

If there’s no dress code or the couple says to ‘come as you are,’ wear whatever makes you happy – while still being respectful of their big day. Casual is totally ok as long as the look is clean, neat, and presentable (nothing ragged or ripped, even if that’s the intentional style).

 

If you think the couple has simply overlooked including a dress code (but might have an expectation for guest attire), it’s always a good idea to check in with them before the wedding day to ask.

 

Related: Your Guide to Wedding Dresses for a Second Marriage

 

 

Creative Wedding Dress Codes

 

As couples feel increasingly empowered to think outside the box and plan personal, nontraditional weddings, dress codes have also become more creative. This can be a lot of fun, but unusual dress codes can be a little harder for guests to decipher. Here are a few of the creative wedding attire choices we’ve seen, and what they mean. 

 

1. Mountain Chic

 

This look combines the rugged charm of the mountains with a polished, chic look. On the formal end, think dark earth-toned suits in emerald green, slate, or redwood; or faux fur, soft knit wraps, and embroidered cowboy boots. On the dressy casual end of things, consider fitted black jeans or slacks with a plaid snap-front shirt, dresses and drapes in earth-tones and jewel-tones, and rustic patterns. Add artisan jewelry or a hand formed felt hat for an artistic touch.

 

2. Desert Formal

 

Formal desert attire blends the essence and climate of the desert with a classy, chic wedding vibe. It’s breathable, loose, and opulent. Stick with lightweight fabrics and light colors that fit the natural environment, like a light linen suit with loafers, or loose-fit silk dress with dressy sandals. Muted pastel chiffon, earth-toned palazzo pants, and jeweled wedges will also do.

 

3. Farmhouse Chic 

 

Farmhouse chic or barn wedding chic mixes dressy casual with country, like a button up dress shirt and slacks paired with polished cowboy boots, or a black sundress paired with a western belt and wide brimmed hat. 
 

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More Wedding Attire Inspiration from AMM

 

• Simple Guide to Wedding Dress Color: Meanings & Magic
   
• 10 Winter Engagement Photo Outfit Ideas & Advice
   
• What to Wear to Officiate a Winter Wedding
   
• When is it Ok to Wear Black to a Wedding?
   
• Wedding Hat Etiquette: Can Wedding Officiants Wear a Hat to the Ceremony? What about Guests?
   

 

Need advice on wedding hats - dos and don'ts? Click the article linked above for stylish tips for the wedding day! 

 

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