By Terry Meadows

4-minute read

More than likely, the search that landed you here is one that we’ve been seeing more and more of these days. Let us take a guess - did it look anything like “What is black-tie formal?” or “How do I tell my guests to dress casually”? You are left wondering what and how you should tell your guests about the dress code for your wedding.

Here at Zion Springs, our team is dedicated to using our industry knowledge to educate the wide, wide world of soon-to-be-married couples so you can make an informed decision when it comes to planning your wedding.

In this article, we explore the Formal white-tie and black-tie, the Semi-formal cocktail and business casual, and end with the Casual daytime, beach, and theme dress codes. You will feel comfortable knowing exactly what is required for each code, and dress with confidence.

What is a Formal wedding dress code?

If you are planning a formal wedding that strongly adheres to tradition and custom, you want your guests to reflect the elegance and pomp of the setting. The three codes are White-tie, Black-tie and Formal or Black-tie Optional.

White-Tie

This is the most formal and strictest of all dress codes and is most often found at state functions. Think of royal occasions with tiaras and medals on full display. This dress code is rarely used for weddings (unless, of course, you are royalty or dignitary.)

Men	Women
Black top hat for the ceremony Black double-breasted tailcoat Black tuxedo trousers White wing collared dress shirt with mother-of-pearl studs and cufflinks White bow tie White vest White or grey gloves White pocket square Black patent leather dress shoes	Floor-length ballgown made of sumptuous fabric with a wrap for bare shoulders White gloves Jewelry, including tiaras for the evening Hats or fascinators for the daytime No loose hair Heels Small clutch

Black-Tie

A more commonly used dress code for sophisticated weddings is the black tie. While not as extreme as the white-tie events, it is still a chance for people to wear their designer or bespoke suits and gowns. It is often worn for evening weddings, although we have many of our couples wearing this for daytime weddings too.

Men

Black tuxedo suit
Formal white shirt with studs and cufflinks
Black bow tie
Vest or cummerbund
Pocket square
Black patent leather dress shoes

Women

Floor-length evening gown
Jewelry
Hat or fascinator for the ceremony
Heels
Clutch

Formal or Black-Tie Optional

This is one of the more popular dress codes for elegant weddings. We’re are still in the fancy stage for formal or black-tie optional, and it’s a bit more relaxed. You are not required to don the tuxedo and floor-length gown, although you are still using luxe fabrics. Ties are required but not a bowtie. While you can get creative with the colors for the shirt and tie, the suit should be darker. This is more along the lines of what you wore to the prom back in high school

Men

Suit or tuxedo
Long-sleeved shirt with optional cufflinks
Tie
Vest optional
Pocket square
Leather dress shoes

Women

Floor-length evening gown or modest tea-length to midi dress for daytime
Jewelry
Heels
Clutch

Semi-formal wedding dress code?

The semi-formal dress code is a relaxed version of formal, as the name suggests. Tuxedos are no longer required, with suits and ties for men and dresses or separates for women. This code includes Cocktail, Semi-formal, and Business or Dressy Casual.

Cocktail

Want your guests to look elegant and yet still feel relaxed? Then, cocktail attire is perfect for you. This is where men can wear a jacket and dress pants with loafers, and women can wear any length dress or even a sleek pantsuit. Colors are definitely a thing. This dress code epitomizes the “little black dress”.

Men

Suit or dress pants and jacket
Long-sleeved shirt with optional cufflinks
Tie
Leather oxfords or loafers

Women

Midi dress or slightly above the knee, elegant pantsuit, or chic separates
Jewelry
Heels or flats
Clutch or purse

Semi-formal

This is a slight step below the cocktail dress code. This attire is what you would wear to an elegant or fancy restaurant. Chinos for men are also considered appropriate as they are less formal than dress pants and don’t include the crease down the center of each leg.

Men

Suit or dress pants
Jacket
Long-sleeved shirt
Tie
Leather oxfords or loafers

Women

Midi dress or slightly above the knee, elegant pantsuit, or chic separates
Jewelry including costume jewelry
Heels or flats
Purse

Business or dressy casual

The differences between semi-formal and business or dressy casual are getting quite nuanced. Both are interchangeable for women, with the difference being more applicable for men. Daytime weddings lend themselves to lighter colors and fabrics, with evening weddings leaning towards darker colors. As the name suggests, this attire is appropriate for the office, where you are comfortable but still smartly dressed.

What is a Casual wedding dress code?

Alright, now you can relax! Gone are the formalities of strict dress codes and expectations. This dress code most often applies to outdoor weddings. It is always best to avoid jeans unless there is a clear understanding that anything goes. Finally, the Casual dress code includes Daytime casual, Beach formal, and Festive or Themed.

Daytime casual

Women can wear summer dresses or separates with sandals. Men can choose trousers that are paired with a collared shirt and a sports jacket if desired. This is not a time for t-shirts and flip-flops, though.

Men

Trousers
Jacket optional
Collared shirt
Tie optional
Closed shoes

Women

Dress, separates or pantsuit
Jewelry including costume jewelry
Heels, sandals or flats
Purse or handbag

Beach formal

The beach weddings tend to be humid or windy, so you need to dress appropriately. A sunhat is definitely appropriate, and an airy wrap for bare shoulders if there is no shade. Light and flowy fabrics such as linen and cotton outfits are definitely a way to keep cool. Women should avoid high heels that sink in the sand.

Men

Casual trousers
Collared shirt
Tie optional
Sandals
Sunhat optional

Women

Dress, separates or pantsuit
Jewelry including costume jewelry
Sandals or flats
Purse or handbag
Sunhat and wrap optional

How to stipulate dress code on your wedding invitation

Letting your guests know the dress code is as essential as providing them with the address to your wedding. You want to avoid somebody turning up in totally inappropriate attire as it will be embarrassing for them and distracting for you.

Generally, you include the dress code wording on your wedding invitation at the bottom center or right of the card. It is the last item on your invitation.

You can also add a recommendation for your guests if specific attire is required, such as sandals for the beach or warm coats for the mountaintop ceremony.

You can have a section on your wedding website that discusses the dress code with more detail on what guests can expect to wear. Use wording such as:

“Dress code: Black tie - We ask that men wear tuxedos and women wear floor-length evening gowns”.

Which Dress Code is right for your wedding?

You spend a lot of time designing, creating, and implementing your wedding theme, and you want your guests to be an extension of that concept, which is understandable.

Choosing what dress code is most appropriate for you and your venue ensures that the ambiance is cohesive and relevant. Taking into account the venue and weather conditions can ensure guests feel comfortable and included in your celebrations.

We’ve helped hundreds of couples plan and celebrate their wedding, so we hope you found this article helpful. Our specialty is in truly all-inclusive weddings. If you’d like to get some more information on what is included in an all-inclusive venue, we’d like to suggest our article on all-inclusive weddings.

(Note: no compensation was received for mentions and links)