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Photo by Brandon Kidd Photography
Have you ever received a wedding invitation that left you completely clueless about the wedding guest dress code? Between "black-tie optional" and "semi-formal," the language can be tricky to decipher. "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 ILÈ Events.
But, while formal attire may be a go-to for many couples, there are plenty of other dress codes that can (and will) appear on a wedding invitation. For instance, semi-formal and casual attire are also popular in the wedding space, but they're a bit more ambiguous than, say, black-tie, and it can be tough for guests to settle on the level of formality if they don't have a general understanding of each look. Luckily, we're here to help.
Meet the Expert
Alicia Mae is a New Jersey-based wedding planner and the CEO of ILÈ Events. She has planned dozens of weddings and events.
If you're stressed out about style formalities and/or what outfit to wear to a wedding, we've got you covered with our handy guide. We asked Mae to break down each wedding attire guideline, so you can arrive appropriately—and stylishly—outfitted for the celebration. Below, the most common wedding guest dress codes, explained.
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Aitor Alcalde / Stringer / Getty Images
White-Tie
A white-tie dress code is the most formal wedding attire possible (think: White House state dinners and royal events). Simply put, women should wear a formal, floor-length evening gown—no exceptions—with jewelry, heels, and an elegant clutch. Men are required to wear a tuxedo with tails, a formal white shirt, a vest, a bow tie, white or gray gloves, and formal footwear, such as derby shoes or oxfords.
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Photo by Hugo Coelho Photography
Black-Tie
A step down from white-tie wedding attire, black-tie dress codes usually indicate a formal, evening event. Women should wear a floor-length gown (that doesn't reveal the ankles) in sumptuous fabrics, like silk and organza. If the wedding seems a bit less formal, however, a sophisticated cocktail dress may be acceptable, but be sure to consult the couple first. Additionally, women can sport elegant pantsuits if they're more comfortable with that specific silhouette. As for men, tuxedos are a must. A black bow tie, black vest or cummerbund, and patent leather shoes are also recommended. For summer weddings, a white dinner jacket and black tuxedo trousers are perfectly acceptable choices, to boot.
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Photo by Sasithon Photography
Formal or Black-Tie Optional
As the wording here suggests, black-tie optional is a wedding guest dress code that's slightly less formal than black-tie wedding attire. So, a tuxedo isn't required, but it can still be worn, if preferred. If men do opt for a suit, it's best to wear a formal dark suit, white shirt, and a conservative tie. For women, the outfit choices remain the same as black-tie affairs: a floor-length gown, a fancy cocktail dress, or a dressy pantsuit. In fact, there isn't much of a difference between black-tie and black-tie optional for women, although Mae says it's more acceptable to wear a dress that shows the ankles to a formal event (unlike a black-tie dress code).
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PHOTO BY KJhon Photos AND DAR ES SALAAM RISER
Cocktail
A small step above semi-formal (which we'll get to next), cocktail wedding attire is an extremely popular choice within the wedding space. This wedding guest dress code strikes a balance between elegant and comfortable and fancy and pared-back. Instead of a floor-length dress, women should opt for a tea-length, knee-length, or midi look. With cocktail attire, tuxedos are no longer an option, so men are required to wear a suit and tie, regardless of the setting.
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Photo by Rebecca Yale Photography
Semi-Formal or Dressy Casual
Part of dressing for a semi-formal, or dressy casual, wedding is paying close attention to when the ceremony will take place. For evening events, darker, more formal colors are best, whereas light hues and airy fabrics are preferred for daytime affairs. Women can wear below-the-knee dresses, slip dresses, a dressy skirt and top, or an elegant pantsuit (styled with heels, nice wedges, or formal flats). As for men, settle on a dress shirt and slacks, with the option to wear a tie. "Semi-formal gives you flexibility on comfort, but be sure not to dress too casually," Mae adds.
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PHOTO BY Kjohn Photos AND DAR ES SALAAM RISER
Festive
A festive dress code is relatively new in the wedding space, so many invitees will be left scratching their heads. To break it down, festive wedding attire gives you the autonomy to play around with your look and have fun doing so. Following the proper attire guidelines, women are encouraged to wear cocktail party attire that features bolder colors, playful accessories, and unique silhouettes. Men should sport a patterned or textured suit, jazzed up with a bright tie or creative pocket square.
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Photo by Jacqui Cole
Casual
Casual wedding attire typically indicates that the wedding will take place outdoors or on the beach, meaning the atmosphere (and therefore the formality of dress) will be more laid-back. With that said, jeans, shorts, tank tops, T-shirts, flip-flops, and sneakers are not appropriate, unless the couple specifically says otherwise. For this type of affair, women can wear a summer sundress or a floral-printed mini dress, accented with wedges or dressy sandals. Men should choose dress pants or khakis, paired with a collared shirt. They also have the option of styling their look with a tie or sports jacket.
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Photo by Jacqui Cole
Tropical or Destination
Tropical wedding attire usually implies hot and humid destinations, so you'll probably be more comfortable leaning into lightweight fabrics and airy silhouettes at nuptials with this type of dress code. That said, always err on the dressier side of caution, and if you're questioning whether your look is appropriate, check with the couple.
Like a casual wedding, this dress code asks that women look for tropical dresses and nice sandals or wedges. If the wedding will be happening outdoors with blazing conditions, consider topping the look off with a sunhat. For men's attire, guayabera shirts are wonderful for the tropics. Known more commonly as "Mexican wedding shirts," these short-sleeved, button-down tops usually have decorative square pockets and some form of embroidery.
Although linen shirts and pants are also appropriate for a tropical wedding, if you're traveling, pack these garments with caution: Linen usually wrinkles easily, and there may not be a dry cleaner in a more remote destination to press it back out.
Photo by KT Merry
Concept Style or Themed
Concept or themed wedding attire is exactly what it sounds like: Guests should wear attire in accordance with a particular theme that the couple dictates. This dress code is especially popular in the case of an "all-white formal" dress code, as it's a stylistic choice that helps the couple create their desired aesthetic. "Another option is inspired looks, like Gatsby or Roc Nation Brunch," Mae adds. For this form of wedding attire, guests can look for inspiration from films or celebrities, depending on the theme.
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Photo by O'Malley Photographers
Come as You Are
According to Mae, some couples may ask their guests to show up how they see fit. And while this wedding dress code allows you to take the lead, it can be a little confusing to follow. To dress accordingly, take the location of the wedding and the time of day into account when selecting your look. "An essential tip is to know yourself as a guest," Mae says. "As the saying goes, 'If you look great, you feel great!' Make sure you’re confident in your attire, so you don't feel underdressed or overdressed."