The Ultimate Guide To Wedding Dress Codes

You're absolutely smashing wedding planning; the date has been decided, the venue handpicked, and you're currently casually adding all your wedding information onto your wedding website. But what about the dress code? By no means mandatory, but risking not stating the vibe could open the floodgates for many of the same questions from your guests asking you what they should (and hopefully, shouldn't) wear.

Who knew there were so many dress code options to choose from? Fear not; we've broken it down for you and listed the most common wedding dress codes below. You'll definitely find one that feels right for you, suits your wedding style, and will complement the look and feel of the wedding that you want to create.

White tie

We start with the most formal dress code out there: white tie dress. Confusingly you may also see the terms 'full evening dress', 'tails', or 'dress suit', which all pretty much indicate the same thing. White tie is the most formal of wedding attires out there, and if you thought black tie was formal, you're in for a shock! White tie is the undisputed champion of formality. Think Royal Ball and Bridgerton vibes, and you're on the right track. So if you see this on a wedding invite or you're hosting a wedding and want your guests to be dressed fit for a King, then a white tie dress code is your jam. As for what to wear, here's your list of attire:

• Formal floor-length gown

• Black jackets with tails

• White vest/waistcoat

• Tuxedo pants

• White bowtie (preferably hand-tied)

• Polished dress shoes

• Dazzling jewellery

• Tiara

• Gloves

Black tie

Throwing a wedding in a cathedral, ballroom or elegant stately home? Then a black tie dress code will suit perfectly. Essentially if you're stating black tie, you mean formal evening attire. It is a step down from white tie but still a very formal wedding dress code. It's a popular option for a dreamy winter wedding, and we happen to think that gents in tuxedos and women in sparkles look pretty awesome! Here are a few ideas for black-tie wedding attire:

• Formal to semi-formal floor-length dresses made of luxury fabric such as velvet, chiffon, silk, lace etc.

• A well-fitted black or navy suit jacket with a lapel

• Vest/waistcoat

• Black bowtie

• Elegant heels

• Classy dress shoes

Black tie optional or formal wedding attire

Slightly less formal than black tie, formal attire essentially means you're not forcing some of your guests to fork out for a floor-length gown or waistcoat that they may never wear again. You're giving your guests a little more flexibility with what they wear; for example, some formal attire options could look like this:

• Switching out their bow tie for a nice necktie

• Wearing a shorter dress (above or below the knees) rather than a floor-length evening gown

• Opting for a suit instead of a tux, in any colour

Cocktail dress code

Think of this as the fun wedding dress code but still with an air of sophistication. Cocktail attire is perfectly suited to wedding venues such as light and airy spaces, rooftop bars or outdoor wedding venues. Guests have a little more wiggle room with what they can wear; women have the freedom to wear shorter dresses, while men can bring a pop of colour to proceedings. Here are a few options:

• Short, fun cocktail dresses that fall to the knee or a dressy jumpsuit

• Suit and tie, doesn't have to be a dark colour

• Comfortable, dressy shoes

• A stylish jacket

Semi-formal

Now sometimes known as 'dressy casual', semi-formal attire suits weddings that want to focus on play and polish. Think first-date attire or what might be worn to a nice restaurant. You still want an air of formality, but definitely, no ball gowns and cummerbunds required! Here's your ideas list:

• Dress shirt and slacks with a tie as optional

• Skirt and shirt in a nice fabric

• A knee-length dress

• Tasteful pantsuit or jumpsuit

Casual

If comfort is king, then stating a casual dress code on your invites is giving your guests the green light to wear whatever they want. Casual works well for weddings that are outdoors, in a relaxed rustic barn or brewery/pub venue. Think laid-back comfort and your guests will do the same. You're basically allowing them to leave their heels and suits at home. A few casual wedding dress code options could look like this:

• Sundresses

• Collared shirts

• Skirts

• Sport jackets

• Wedges

• Dressy sandals

Destination wedding

If you're jetting off to some exotic, far-flung location and hosting a destination wedding, you're opening the doors to all sorts of exciting options for your guests. You're all basically going to be on holiday, so think easy breezy beach vibes, flowy romantic dresses and Hawaiian shirts. More often than not, destination weddings mean semi-formal attire. A few ideas could be along these lines:

• Flowy maxi dresses

• Linen suits

• Open toe shoes

• Sun hats

Themed attire

Always been partial to a fancy dress party? Why not host a themed wedding? Themed attire is always fun and makes fantastic photo opportunities. Obviously, give your guests as much notice as possible and be concise and clear, or you will risk many questions flooding in from guests who are unsure of the guidelines. Themed attire also works perfectly if your wedding has a theme too; here are some options:

• Holiday theme: Throwing a wedding on a national holiday? Spread the joy and ask guests to join in the fun. Ask your guests to wear their Halloween costumes or choose a colour to match the holiday, such as pink or red for Valentine's Day or sparkles for a Christmas wedding

• Gatsby-themed weddings: a relatively easy but always glam theme for guests to get involved in

• 70s and 80s themes: Again, guests have the option to wear a hint of fancy dress or go all out rocking their flares and frilly collars!

Come as you are

Sometimes, it is a little confusing for guests, but essentially this dress code allows your guests to take the lead in choosing what to wear. Don't be surprised to see guests rock up in a range of outfits from dresses to jeans, trainers to Crocs. As a guest, if you're not sure where to start, take into consideration what time of year the wedding is taking place, what sort of venue has been picked, and whether it's an indoor or outdoor wedding.