Everyone knows the golden rule: don’t wear white. Beyond this,trying to decipher all of the different dress codes can seem a bit daunting.Here, we’ve decoded the most common wedding dress codes so that you arrive appropriately — and confidently — to the celebration.
The most formal of all dress codes. Think of the Oscars or dinner at the White House. Men should wear a tailcoat, a formal white shirt, white pique vest, and a bow tie. Black, formal shoes and even white gloves for dancing are appropriate.Female guests should wear a formal floor-length ballgown.Glamorous makeup and dramatic jewelry and hair are also appropriate.
Brooks Brothers Tails // Vika Gazinskaya Gown// Marni Earrings // Tamara Mellon Heels
Black Tie
The next formal of dress codes. This usually indicates that the wedding is an evening affair. Men should wear a tuxedo. A cumme*rbund, black bow tie, and patent leather shoes are also suggested. For women, there are two options: a formalco*cktail dress or a floor-length evening gown.
Brooks Brothers Tuxedo // Marchesa Notte Dress // Percossi Pappi Earrings // Jimmy Choo Heels
This language suggests the affair is slightly less formal than Black Tie. A tuxedo isn’t required, but the event is still formal enough for one to be appropriate.For gentleman who want to go a bit more casual, they canwear a white shirt with a dark suit and tie. Women are free to wear a long dress, formal separates, a dressy suit, or a chic co*cktail-length dress.
Brooks Brothers Suit // Alice + Olivia Crop Top //Alice + Olivia Skirt // Jennifer Behr Headband //René Caovilla Heels
Depending on the time of the event,semi-formal is somewhere in between formal and casual. If a wedding is taking place at 4 or 5 p.m., you should wear something that easily transitions from day to night. A dark suit and tie are appropriate for men, while a co*cktail dress or a long skirt and top combination would work perfectly for women.If the invitation does not make note of a specific attire, these are the guidelines guests should follow.
Brooks Brothers Navy Suit // Vilshenko Dress // EF Collection Ear Crawler // Aquazuura Heels
Casual attire often times means anything goes, however staying away from jeans, tank tops, and shorts is a safe bet unless specifically requested. Men should wear dress pants with a button down or polo and women should wear a sundress or a skirt or pant with a nice blouse.
Brooks Brothers Shirt and Trousers // Paul and Joe Dress // Maria Black Necklace //Jennifer Fisher Cuff //Gianvito Rossi Sandals
Photo Credits: Header Image by The Nichols // White Tie Wedding by Norman Jean Roy// Black Tie Wedding by Tec Petaja // Formal Wedding by The Nichols// Semi-formal Wedding by Johannes Huebl// Casual Wedding via Gallery Hip
