The wedding planning process is so involved. Making decisions on everything from venues, color schemes, and the wedding party. Not to mention what you and your wedding party will be wearing on the day of your wedding. That's a whole other conversation. In addition to all of that, you have to also decide on what you would like the wedding guests to wear. There are many different wedding ensembles to choose from. We've come up with A Complete Guide to Wedding Guest Dress Attire that we'd like to share with you. Be sure to list your wedding dress attire on your wedding website to make sure all of your guests are of the dress code.
A Complete Guide to Wedding Guest Dress Attire - Photo Credit: Jason Briscoe
1. Black Tie
One of the most popular forms of formal wedding attire is black tie. That's why this is first on our list of A Complete Guide to Wedding Guest Dress Attire. When you inform your guests that your wedding attire is a black-tie affair, you can expect the women to wear anything from cocktail dresses to long ball gowns with high heels. In addition, the men wear dark tuxedos, white shirts, and bow ties with a matching cummerbund along with dress shoes.
2. White Tie
Even more formal than black tie attire is white tie attire. Men attending white tie affairs are decked out in tuxedos with tails, white formal dress shirts, white vests, including white or gray gloves, and formal footwear. The women wear long formal floor-length evening gowns. There aren't any exceptions made to the dress attire when you attend a white tie affair.
3. Cocktail
Also on our list of A Complete Guide to Wedding Guest Dress Attire is cocktail attire. If you don't want to be too formal or too casual, then you can choose to have your guest in cocktail attire. For women, cocktail attire consists of, you guessed it, a cocktail dress that is knee-length or midi dress instead of the long ball gown. For men, the required dress code is a suit and tie. Cocktail dress attire is elegant yet comfy.
4. Casual
If you are looking for a more laid-back vibe at your wedding when it comes to your wedding guest dress attire. Casual attire is popular among beach and outdoor wedding venues. However, you don't want to show up in cut-off shorts and flip-flops. A nice sundress with wedges or sandals with a heel is ideal for women. Dress pants, linen pants, or khaki pants are more suitable for men and also a shirt with a collar. No tennis shoes or tank tops.
5. Black Tie Optional
Although this one is black tie "optional", if you are uncertain about the attire, you can't go wrong by choosing to dress accordingly. Otherwise, a dark-colored suit instead of a tuxedo should be accompanied by a conservative tie. For the ladies, no floor-length ball gowns are required instead a cocktail dress paired with a fun pair of shoes is appropriate.
6. Semi-Formal
When it comes to semi-formal wedding dress attire it's all about the time of day the wedding takes place. If the wedding celebration is more towards the evening hours, opt for formal and dark colors. On the other hand, if the wedding is during the daytime, opt for light colors and fabrics. The key to semi-formal wear is a balance between comfort and casual, but not too casual.
If you would like to learn more about our A Complete Guide to Wedding Guest Dress Attire, contact us to speak to one of our wedding planners.