Are There Style Guidelines for Guests' Wedding Attire?

Cracking the Wedding Day Dress Code

From the location to the time of day to the type of wedding, figuring out what to wear can be tricky. To avoid being over- or underdressed, follow our guide to cracking the cryptic wedding day dress code.

Type of Wedding

Formal, casual, beach chic...each wedding style comes with its own set of rules. Don’t feel overwhelmed; just follow these simple guidelines:

• White Tie: The most formal dress code (and rarely seen except for state occasions), guests are required to dress in their most luxe ball gowns and tuxedos with tailcoats. Bare shoulders may not be appropriate, so women should bring a shawl.
• Black Tie: A common wedding style among the rich and affluent, black-tie weddings are extremely formal. Men don tuxedos and women wear cocktail dresses or ball gowns. Generally, the more formal the location, the longer your dress should be.
• Creative Black Tie: Fairly less formal, guests can add creative panache to their attire. While men still wear tuxedos, they can swap a bow tie for a collar stud and also wear a playful vest or cummerbund. Women should still be formal in cocktail dresses or ball gowns, but they can wear bright colors or patterns as well.
• Semiformal: A little bit formal but still slightly casual, this is the trickiest type for which to dress. Look to the venue and time of day for extra hints on what you’ll be expected to wear. Usually a cocktail dress and a suit and tie will do the trick.
• Casual: Although the invite reads casual, this doesn’t mean anything goes -- proper attire is still required. Men should consider khakis or dress pants with a button-down shirt, no tie necessary. Women should wear a trendy dress or a skirt with a stylish top.
• Beach or Outdoor Chic: Whether set on sand or grass, beach or outdoor weddings allow for very lax attire. Men should sport linen pants, khakis, or a summer suit with a button-down shirt. A tea- or knee-length sundress is ideal for women.

Location, Location, Location

After figuring out what type of wedding you’ll be dressing for, look to the location for further instructions. Check with the venue to see if there’s a dress code (although it should be listed on the invite). Ladies may need to bring a wrap to cover their shoulders for exceptionally posh places, and men might need a tie and jacket. For formal locations, follow the invite and venue dress code down to the last detail. Meanwhile, outdoor weddings have their own guidelines. Sand and grass allow you to dress very casually; flats and loafers are acceptable, but remember that you should still look classy and put-together.

Time of Day

Even though the location and type of wedding are the most important, you’ll want to alter your attire slightly depending on the time of day. Keep it more casual in the morning, slightly more formal midday, and most formal for late-evening nuptials. Most likely, the style of wedding, time, and location all go hand in hand; however, some couples are planning less traditional weddings these days, giving guests a little room for slight modifications. If you’re still unsure, ask the maid of honor or mother of the bride for some dress code suggestions. When in doubt, keep it chic and simple and just have fun.