The Foolproof Guide to Wedding Dress Codes | OneFabDay.com (2024)

The One Fab Day team have attended a lot of weddings over the years, but one thing we still struggle with is wedding dress codes! We've been to black tie weddings that were cool and whimsical, and beach weddings where the bride wore a high-end designer, so you can understand our confusion as wedding guests when that invitation arrives in the post! It doesn't help thatthere are an infinite number of dress codes, with many couples making up their own ("Whatever makes you feel likeBeyoncé" is a personal favourite!).

We thought it was about time that there were failsafe instructions on what to wear for the most common wedding dress codes! We can't be sure whether a couple who specifies "beach formal" is thinking blazers or board shorts, but if you stick to our guidelines, you can't go too far wrong. Just remember that, whatever the dress code, you should incorporate some element of your personal style into your look - you always have a better time when you're comfortable with what you're wearing, and that's precisely what the newlyweds want!

White Tie Dress Code

The most formal of all wedding dress codes is defined by a white tie or dickie bow for menswear, sometimes accompanied by a white waistcoat, a dress coat with tails and patent leather shoes. It's essentially the bit in Titanic where Jack is invited upstairs to the first class dining room!

What to wear: A tuxedo with a white tie and white shirt - the other elements are negotiable. Women should wear a full-length gown in a luxurious fabric.

Black Tie Dress Code

This is probably the most common of the formal wedding dress codes, and again, the name refers to menswear, specifically a tuxedo worn, in any colour, with a black tie. In general, black tie means "dress to impress", although fancier items like dress jackets with tails aren't required.

What to wear:A tuxedo with a white dress shirt, with removable buttons, worn with cufflinks, and paired with a black tie or dickie bow. For womenswear, chic, knee-length co*cktail dresses with heels are usually acceptable, but a full-length gown is a safer bet.

Black Tie Optional Dress Code

This is a slight variation on black tie, which couples use when they want to create an elegant dinner party vibe, but they don't want to put any unnecessary pressure on their guests to dress a certain way.

What to wear: A tuxedo as above, or full-length gown if it's convenient. If not, you can wear a two or three-piece suit, or a chic, knee-length or midi-length co*cktail dress with heels.

Formal Attire Dress Code

Formal attire is often confused with black tie, but the only difference is that, with formal attire, you have the freedom to choose between a tuxedo or a dark two- or three-piece suit.

What to wear: A tuxedo or dark two- or three-piece suit. Women can choose between a chic, knee-length or midi-length co*cktail dress and a full-length dress. A dressy jumpsuit or pantsuit will also work.

co*cktail Attire Dress Code

With co*cktail attire, you're expected to look smart, but not overly formal. It's one step down from formal attire.

What to wear: A suit, or trouser and blazer combo. The tie is optional, but if you're not sure, wear one and you can remove it later. Most dress lengths are acceptable, so long as you don't go too short, and your outfit is still smart and dressy.

Smart Casual or Dressy Casual Dress Code

This is usually a mix of dressy and casual. Light colours are preferable in summer or for a destination wedding, but dark colours are still acceptable all year 'round.

What to wear:A suit, or trouser and blazer combo - the tie is optional. A co*cktail dress or skirt and top combo. In really warm weather, look for breathable fabrics like linen and cotton.

Semi-Formal Attire Dress Code

Generally speaking, smart casual and semi-formal can be used interchangeably. Both signal that the couple are inviting their guests to dress comfortably, but still look sharp.

What to wear:A suit, or trouser and blazer combo - the tie is optional. A co*cktail dress or skirt and top combo. In really warm weather, look for breathable fabrics like linen and cotton.

Beach Formal Dress Code

Is it just us or does beach formal sound like a total contradiction? What the couple means by this is that they're hoping for a laid-back beachy vibe for their wedding, but they'd still like their male guests to wear a shirt and slacks.

What to wear: A shirt and slacks. It's a good idea to bring a linen or cotton blazer - you can always take off if you feel overdressed. Shorts are usually acceptable if worn with a shirt and blazer. Tread carefully where womenswear is concerned - if you would wear it on an ordinary trip to the beach, it's probably too casual. A long dress styled with chic accessories is just right.

Garden Attire Dress Code

Garden attire is on the same level as beach formal, but, of course, the setting is different.

What to wear:A shirt and slacks, with an optional linen or cotton blazer. Shorts are usually acceptable if worn with a shirt and blazer. Chic, smart dresses of all lengths are usually fine for garden party-style affairs, and heels can generally be worn, unless otherwise specified - though perhaps opt for wedges if you know you'll spend the day on grass.

Casual Dress Code

While a casual dress code might imply that the couple want you to wear whatever you're comfortable in, this is not exactly the case! Remember that many dress codes were established in an era when a two-piece suit was considered casual!

What to wear: A shirt, slacks and a blazer. Smart shorts are okay too, if the weather allows. Women should avoid anything too glitzy - a co*cktail dress, sundress or smart jumpsuit is ideal.

Informal Attire Dress Code

In terms of wedding dress codes, informal and casual mean pretty much the same thing - nobody can technically blame you for turning up in cargo shorts and a crop top, but it's best to go for something a little more dressed up!

What to wear: A shirt, slacks and a blazer. Smart shorts are okay too, if the weather allows. Women should avoid anything too glitzy - a co*cktail dress, sundress or smart jumpsuit is ideal.

Festive Attire Dress Code

This is a tough one to gauge as it can refer to the time of year (summer, Christmas etc.), or the theme of the wedding, if there is one. It can also serve as an invitation to show some personality in your outfit.

What to wear: If the couple haven't specified a theme, you'll be safe in a suit and tie that incorporates a bold colour or print. You can always strip down to slacks and a shirt if you've overstepped the mark. Colour and print is a good idea for womenswear, too, along with sequins and glitter.

Strange, Unusual or Confusing Dress Codes

It's always tricky dealing with wedding dress codes that you've never heard of before, as they're always up to interpretation - "funky" could mean a paisley-print bellbottom suit, or it could mean a purple tie! Just remember that, no matter the style of wedding, most guests will err on the side of safety, so unless you're happy to stand out from the crowd, it's best to stick fairly close to typical wedding dress attire, AKA a suit or a dress and heels. The couple's own personal style will give you some clues, too. If they're proudly eccentric dressers, you should be safe adding a little creative flair to your look. If not, stick with the classics.

Featured image credit: Gia Canali via Style Me Pretty

Wondering where to shop for wedding guest outfits? We've got a handy list of reliable stores right here and be sure to follow us on Instagram!