A Couple’s Guide to Defining Your Wedding Dress Code

Planning the perfect big day is all about creating the right atmosphere, right? You can do this through music, lighting, flowers, venue decor, etc., but your wedding day dress code also helps set the tone of the day. Knowing what to expect in advance is helpful for everyone involved, regardless of the style of wedding you're hosting, whether that's formal or casual. You can simply create a wedding guest dress code that reflects your vision and enhances the guest experience if you communicate carefully and ahead of time. Not only will your guests want to feel fabulous, but they will also appreciate knowing what to wear to fit in and still feel comfortable in their chosen outfit.

Whilst you might not want to be strict with your wedding dress code, a little help can go a long way to keep reading for some expert guidance on guest attire, including how to word your invitations according to the wedding dress code you've chosen for your big day.

How to choose the right dress code for your wedding

There’s no right or wrong when it comes to your wedding dress code; just do what feels right for you (although be aware that fancy dress/themes might not go down that well!). Here are the factors to weigh up before committing to a wedding dress code.

Fit the mood. Even if you’re not doing a ‘themed’ attire dress code, the outfit vibe still sets the tone. Keep this in mind before finalising your dress code.

Afternoon or evening. Time of day should also play a role. Black tie dress codes feel out of place at 12 noon on a super hot day.

Venue guidelines. Whether or not your venue has its own dress code to follow, advise guests to dress for the location.

Dress for the season. Weather and time of year should help inform your dress code, especially if you’re having an outdoor wedding.

Comfort is key. You want your guests to have a good time on your big day (it can be a long day, after all!). Outline a dress code that sets the right tone that your guests will feel comfortable in for the whole day or evening.

Make it easy to understand. You should be ready to answer any guest questions if they want to know exactly how to get ready to celebrate your big day. But it can save both of you time if your wedding dress code wording is clear and simple.

It's your day! Your wedding dress code should reflect your personality. If you and your soon-to-be spouse love the glitz and glamour of a formal dress code, dressy casual isn’t for you.

Match with your wedding outfit. If those saying “I do” are donned in a flowy beach dress or linen suit, should everyone else really be in cocktail attire? A wedding dress code should be cohesive for the couple AND their guests.

What are the options for wedding dress codes?

Using well known dress code terminology in your invitations can answer a lot of potential guest questions before they come asking you for more information. Here, you’ll find the most common wedding dress codes for every kind of wedding, from the most formal to the most relaxed.

White tie attire: White tie events are as formal as it gets! Highly elevated, with women wearing formal floor-length gowns, jewellery, and heels and men dressed in a tuxedo with tails, vests, bow ties, and gloves.

Black tie dress attire: A black tie dress code indicates that the wedding is held in the evening, and formal attire is expected. Floor-length gowns, tuxedos, a formal white shirt and slightly less formal than white tie.

Formal attire: Also referred to as “black tie optional”, men have the option of wearing a tuxedo, but a formal dark suit and tie is also acceptable. Women have the option of either a floor-length gown, a fancy cocktail dress, or a formal suit.

Cocktail attire: A popular wedding dress code for couples planning for a dressy but not highly formal vibe, cocktail events encourage a classy and polished look without looking over the top. Women tend to wear shorter knee-length or midi dresses rather than formal floor-length gowns. Men should still wear a suit and tie or dressy trousers and a dress shirt.

Semi-formal attire: Smack bang in the middle of classy and casual, semi-formal dress codes allow for a bit more flexibility. Floor-length gowns would be inappropriate, but knee-length dresses or a skirt and top paired with heels, wedges, or formal flats would be a great choice! Men should wear a collared shirt and smart trousers, ties are optional.

Dressy casual dress code: A much more laid-back vibe! This dress code is great to give your guests if your wedding is held outdoors - think sundresses with a more casual fabric, dressy sandals, and khaki trousers with a collared shirt for men.

Beach attire: The weather is the key consideration when attending a beach or destination wedding. Beach wedding attire tends to be more casual, so there is no need for heavy fabrics. Both men and women should embrace natural materials—think lightweight cotton sundresses or linen jackets.

'Come as you are' or Casual: Casual attire will typically indicate that the wedding is being held outdoors or on the beach, a much more laid-back affair. For women, a summer sundress or a floral patterned mini, with wedges or dressy sandals, is great. Men could choose to wear khaki trousers paired with a collared shirt.

Dress code etiquette

As with almost all aspects of wedding etiquette, clear communication is essential. By giving everyone plenty of notice about your wedding dress code plans, you can guarantee a positive guest experience. Your wedding invitation is the ideal location to include information about what to wear. You can include a brief phrase outlining your chosen dress code on your invitation to keep it uncluttered; this is typically mentioned near the bottom of the invitation, just after the details like the date, time, and place. Just don’t forget to use wording that complements the whole of the invitation's language while remaining clear and polite.

Additionally, you can provide information and examples on your wedding website and/or elaborate further in an FAQ section to assist in responding to further questions from guests. An explanation might clear up a lot of misunderstanding if you've picked a dress code that's less well-known or slightly unclear. Similar to your invitation, it's helpful to have your dress code information clearly displayed next to other important details.

Dress code wording tips and examples

White Tie: White Tie Celebration: Please join us in your most royal formalwear.

Black Tie: A Formal Affair: Our venue requires Black Tie attire.

Formal attire: Formal Attire: Come in your finest formalwear.

Cocktail: Cocktail Attire: Elegance encouraged.

Semi Formal: We can’t wait to celebrate with you in your Semi-Formal attire.

Dressy Casual: Comfort Encouraged: Our celebration will be Dressy Casual.

Beach: Seaside Attire: Arrive in your best Beachwear.

Casual: You are welcome to come as you are to our wedding.

Suited and booted

Whether you want to create a more laid-back casual wedding vibe or want every guest to be dressed to the nines, it's important to establish and communicate your wedding guest attire clearly and with a good amount of notice. Indicate on the invitation exactly how guests should arrive, and be prepared to respond to questions about non-traditional dress rules. On the big day, your guests should be comfortable and will be wearing the perfect wedding attire to help create the wedding you've always dreamt of.