From black-tie to casual, here are the attire guidelines for every level of formality. 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. 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. She has planned dozens of weddings and events. 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. 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. Photo by Hugo Coelho Photography. 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. Photo by Sasithon Photography. As the wording here suggests, black-tie optional is a wedding guest dress code that's slightly less formal than black-tie wedding attire.
