The Ultimate Guide To Wedding Dress Codes
Are you a bride or a wedding guest who needs to know the rules of wedding dress codes? Or are you a groom or a father of the bride who needs to help the guests pick the looks? Either way, you’ve come to the right place. Here, you will find everything you need to know about wedding dress codes. From black tie to white tie, find out the do’s and don’ts of each dress code.
Black Tie
Black tie is the most formal dress code for weddings. It typically indicates the event will start after 6pm and be quite a formal affair. For gentlemen, this normally means a tuxedo with a black bow tie or a black long tie, a white dress shirt and a cummerbund or waistcoat. For women, this means a floor-length evening gown. The colours of the gown should typically be muted and conservative like black, navy blue, dark green, or beige.
White Tie
White tie is the most formal dress code and is normally only reserved for extravagant events such as royal weddings and state occasions. For men, it involves a tailcoat worn over a white pique waistcoat and white bow tie, a shirt with a stiff front, and trousers with a silk or satin strip down the outside leg. For women, the look calls for a high-end full-length ball gown in a light pastel colour or a muted jewel tone.
Creative Black Tie
Creative black tie is the most playful wedding dress code as it allows you to express your own sense of style. This dress code provides you with ample opportunity to showcase your personality and style. For men, it’s best to opt for a black tuxedo with a white shirt, a coloured cummerbund and a black bow tie. For women, pick a full length gown with an interesting and unique design. Jewellery and accessories should be kept to a minimum.
Black Tie Optional
Black tie optional is the most relaxed formal dress code. It’s normally used for semi-formal events that start after 6pm. For men, this can mean wearing a dark suit and tie and for women, it means a floor-length gown or knee-length cocktail dress. This dress code allows you to have fun with your look and mix and match different pieces.
Cocktail Attire
Cocktail attire is the most popular dress code for wedding receptions. It’s perfect for events that start after 6pm and end before midnight. This dress code allows you to showcase your personality with a fun and flirty look. For men, a dark suit and tie is the perfect choice and for women, a chic cocktail dress, jumpsuit, or a two-piece ensemble with a skirt or trousers is best.
Semi-Formal
Semi-formal dress code is perfect for daytime events or informal evening events. For men, this entails wearing a suit and tie with a blazer or an odd waistcoat. For women, opt for a short or mid-length dress in a subtle colour. Accessories should be kept to a minimum, such as a single statement piece or a few delicate pieces.
Conclusion
Dress codes are often confusing, but they don’t have to be. With the information provided here, you can now distinguish the different dress codes and dress accordingly. It’s important to keep in mind that the goal is to look chic without stealing the spotlight from the bride and groom. As long as you adhere to the rules and dress appropriately, you’ll have no problem looking your best at any wedding.
We hope this ultimate guide to wedding dress codes has been helpful. All that’s left to do now is to pick out your look. So, go ahead and start shopping for that perfect wedding outfit!