Black Tie  |  Formal  |  Cocktail  |  Semi-Formal  |  Dressy Casual  |  Casual  |  Beach Weddings  |  Garden Party  |  Country Western  |  Black & White

No idea what to wear to an upcoming wedding? Let’s start by decoding the wedding dress code.

What to Wear to a Wedding: Dress Codes from Casual to Black Tie

Understanding the wedding dress code is one of your most important tasks as a wedding guest. You don’t want to wear something that doesn’t fit the dress code and could draw unnecessary attention to yourself. The wedding invitation should mention what type of attire you need to wear.

The most common wedding dress codes are:

• Black Tie
• Formal
• Cocktail
• Semi-Formal
• Dressy Casual
• Casual

Below we’ll break down each of the most common dress codes (plus a few more specific ones) to help you narrow down your outfit choices.

Black Tie Wedding Attire: Tuxedos & Floor Length Gowns 

Black Satin Bridesmaid Dresses | @ashergardner_

A black tie wedding calls for tuxedos and floor length gowns. Knowing the difference between a tuxedo and a suit is a must for this dress code. Tuxedos usually have a satin strip down the side of the pant leg as well as a satin lapel. Women should be dressed in gowns that reach past their ankles.

**If the invite says white tie you’ll have a slightly stricter dress code. A white tie wedding is even more formal than black tie and requires a tuxedo with long tails and a piqué undershirt. 

Formal Wedding Attire: What to Wear and What Not to Wear

If the invite says “formal attire” you’ll want to make sure you look the part. For a formal wedding  dress code, you should be careful not to underdress. A great place to start is that dress you’ve had in your closet with nowhere to wear because it’s too dressy. Something floor length, a bridesmaid dress, or a formal pantsuit could all work. Men can wear a traditional suit instead of a tuxedo if they want. 

**If the invite says black tie optional, that means you could opt for black tie attire or formal wedding attire.

Cocktail Dresses for Wedding Guests & Cocktail Wedding Attire

The main difference between a formal wedding dress code and a cocktail wedding dress code is hemline. Floor length gowns are suggested for black tie and formal weddings but not required for a cocktail wedding. Midi length dresses or knee length dresses both are acceptable for a cocktail wedding as long as they still feel upscale. Try to dress up your look with elegant heels, bold jewelry, and a formal hairstyle. Men can wear a suit and tie or a tux, whichever they prefer.

Semi-Formal Wedding Attire Guide

Semi-formal wedding guest attire can be tricky. Weddings are some of the most formal events we attend so it’s best to err on the side of caution by over-dressing instead of under-dressing. A formal gown would not necessarily be out of place at a semi-formal wedding. A midi length dress, a simple satin cowl neck gown, or a nice cocktail dress are all great options for a semi-formal wedding. 

A traditional suit works for men or they can dress down a bit with just a shirt and tie or a jacket with no tie. They could also get creative with an interesting color suit or a patterned tie.

What to Wear to a Dressy Casual Wedding

Light Blue Satin Bridesmaid Dresses | @laceyandleephoto

A new dress code to watch out for is the “dressy casual” look. While dressy casual weddings are a fun new trend, they are pretty similar to semi-formal. Think of semi-formal weddings as leaning more toward formal and dressy casual weddings as leaning more toward casual. Sundresses, jumpsuits, and long skirts may be okay for this dress code. Men can skip the tie or skip the jacket like they could for a semi-formal wedding. 

Casual Wedding Dress Code: Sundresses & Collared Shirts

Desert Rose Bridesmaid Dresses | @figlewiczphotography

When the invite says casual you can probably wear something you already have in your closet. Don’t forget you are still going to a wedding so you should still feel a little dressed up. Consider some of your favorite fancy date night dresses, Sunday church looks, and bridal shower outfits. Be sure to note the venue for this type of wedding because it may be on a beach, in a backyard, or at a local church -- all of which call for a different type of outfit.

Themed Wedding Dress Codes & What to Wear

Sometimes the wedding invite will note something more specific than the traditional dress codes. Read the wedding invitation closely. Some brides will request a certain color scheme or theme be adopted in your outfit. Below are some common wedding attire themes and how to dress for each.

Casual Beach & Beach Formal Wedding Attire

Brittany Bridesmaid Dress in Marine | @juniorcruzweddings

Beach weddings call for different clothing than a traditional indoor wedding. If you expect to have to walk on the sand, your shoe choice is going to be limited (think flat sandals or heels that are easy to slip on and off). Keep in mind the time of day and time of year because it might be extremely hot and/or windy on the coast. 

The invitation should give you some hints as to what you can wear. If it says beach casual, you can dress a little more relaxed in linen fabric and comfortable shoes. If it says beach formal, you should wear something that is flowy and beachy but still formal attire.

Garden Party Wedding Attire

@sydneydarwinphotography

Garden party weddings are all about blooming flowers, flowy fabrics, and colorful accents. Try to find something that matches the vibe like a gown with a floral pattern or a nice pastel midi dress. Garden party weddings are usually at least partially outdoors, so look for light and airy dresses and comfortable strappy heels or sandals.

Western-Wear Wedding & Country Wedding Guest Dresses

Kimmy Bridesmaid Dress in Sky Blue | @uncle_tio_photography

Some weddings call for cowboy boots and sundresses. Embrace western wear for a country wedding. A bolo tie is a great way to accent a suit for a country wedding instead of a standard tie. You probably should avoid jeans unless the invitation specifically mentions it.

Black and White Wedding Attire

Black Satin Bridesmaid Dresses | @ashergardner_

Asking guests to wear a specific color has a really cool effect on wedding day. At a color-specific wedding everyone matches, all the photos look organized, and the guests all complement the wedding decor. If the couple asks you to wear black and white, make sure you follow the request: no gray, no navy, no beige. Choose an outfit that’s either all white, all black, or both.

Start Shopping With The Wedding Dress Code in Mind

Make sure you fully understand the wedding dress code before you start shopping for the perfect dress (or suit). Start planning early so you can try on plenty of options. Whether the dress code says semi formal or black tie, your best bet is to do your research and be prepared. We always recommend dressing up more than dressing down. Look for more details in the wedding invitation like the venue, time of day, theme, and more to decide the specifics of your look.

Need an outfit for the bridal shower too? Check out our bridal shower guest outfit guide!

What Do You Wear to a Bridal Shower? Ultimate Guest Outfit Guide