Guest dress code: Choosing the best outfit for a wedding

Going to a wedding is an excellent opportunity to have fun and enjoy yourself, but there’s a question that can put a damper on everyone’s enjoyment right away: What are you going to wear?

If it’s the first time you’re attending, you might feel quite clueless about which outfits would be better and what the dress code entails. While some newlyweds want everyone to dress formally, others are fine with things being a bit more relaxed, especially if they plan on having their wedding in the countryside or at the beach. 

If you’ve been stressing out about what to wear at an upcoming ceremony, here are a few ways to make the selection process much easier. 

White tie 

White tie (also known as a full evening dress or a dress suit) is the most formal evening Western dress code, requiring a tailcoat, white dress shirt, a white piqué waistcoat, and white bow tie worn around a standing collar.

The trousers should be black and either mid- or high-waisted, while the preferred footwear is court shoes. Women must wear full-length ball or evening gowns with opera gloves, jewelry, a small handbag, and, optionally, a tiara. 

The gown you choose for a white-tie wedding must be floor-length with no exceptions, and the accessories you choose need to be elegant and understated. Nothing bold or which would look out of place in any way is acceptable.

The color scheme you should focus on includes neutrals and muted hues, but you can also choose jewel tones if you’d like something more vibrant. The truth is that although white seems really restrictive, it might be the easiest dress code to shop for since you don’t have a large number of pieces to choose from. 

The styles are set in stone, and there’s no room for movement when it comes to white tie, meaning that you won’t feel spoiled for choice and won’t have much trouble finding the perfect dress. 

Black tie 

Black tie is the type of formalwear the majority of people are familiar with, but it is actually only semi-formal according to sartorial laws.

If the invitation you receive specifies that it will be a black-tie event, you will be expected to wear a floor-length gown, meaning that it shouldn’t reveal the ankles. The fabrics most commonly used for these dresses are luxurious as well, with organza and silk being the most well-known alternatives. 

If the event is set to be a little less formal, you might be able to wear a sophisticated cocktail dress as well. This option is somewhere between elegance and style, typically being around mid-length, a hemline that is both flattering and comfortable.

Materials such as satin, chiffon, and lace can be used as well, apart from the standard silk. The thing that makes these dresses more sophisticated is that their designs tend to be much more elaborate and include embellishments such as beading, lace, or more intricate cuts. 

If you’re more comfortable wearing a pantsuit instead, you should know that they are perfectly acceptable for weddings. Just make sure that it is elegant and comes in a sensible color, preferably black. You can add extra detailing as well, such as by wearing a lace bodysuit underneath, to make it stand out more. 

Black tie optional 

If you’ve never encountered this term before, you might be a little puzzled as to what black tie optional means. In simple terms, this dress code means that although you can wear black-tie attire, it is preferred but not required in the strictest terms.

As such, you have the ability to choose between the formal alternative and something that is a little more relaxed. Floor-length gowns are obviously the safest choice, but you can also wear a dressier pantsuit or a more elevated cocktail dress. 

Mini skirts are a big no-no, though, as they are far too informal. The look should also not draw a lot of attention as you’re going for something upscale and elevated. The gown mustn’t be too revealing, overly dramatic (like a ballgown), or excessively sequined.

If you’re short and believe that a long gown won’t create a beautiful, sculptural look but swallow your frame instead, make sure to choose an option with a slit, as it will create the visual illusion of being significantly taller. 

As far as the chromatics are concerned, all hues are appropriate except for neon, the color the bridesmaids are wearing, pastels, and, of course, white. A printed outfit is a great idea, but the season is essential as well.

During the summertime, you might want to focus on yellow, orange, pink, or blue, but if you were invited to a winter wedding, you’ll want to go for jewel tones or a rich navy. 

Cocktail and dressy casual 

Cocktail is a step above semi-formal and is perhaps the most popular choice when it comes to weddings nowadays. This dress code is at the crossroads between elegant and comfortable, so instead of needing a floor-length gown, you can go for tea- or knee-length instead.

The silhouettes can vary as well, ranging between A-line, sheath, and fit-and-flare. There’s also a wide variety of necklines, so you can choose from V-necks, scoop necks, off-the-shoulder, and halter styles. The one that’s most flattering on you is the one you must go for. 

Some cocktail dresses are sleeveless, some are strapless, and others have three-quarter or full sleeves. From the classic black to vibrant hues and bold patterns the colors vary significantly as well.

Dressy casual is even more laid-back, with the materials chosen for the dresses typically being much more casual compared to silk. For instance, a high-quality sundress or maxi dress is a great choice for a wedding that has dressy casual as its sartorial request. 

The biggest advantage of this style is that although you can buy something new, you should also be able to find something that fits dressy casual in your wardrobe. To make it more festive, pair it with accessories and footwear that’s a little more formal, such as high-heeled sandals. Jumpsuits and two-piece ensembles fit as well. 

The perfect wedding outfit will depend on the dress code the spouses choose for their ceremony. Knowing exactly what each of them means is of tremendous help when it comes to choosing your outfit. In fact, you can say that your work is already halfway done by that point. 

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Our writers like to blog about fashion. We launched the award-winning Seasons in Colour in 2015 and the luxury property and interior decor blog www.alltheprettyhomes.com in 2024 to cover all your interior design, travel and lifestyle inspiration needs.