Today’s post is all about Decoding Wedding Dress Codes. Whether you’re the mother of the bride or a wedding guest, you may be wondering about what to wear. Good news: I’ve helped countless women and men prepare for wedding season. In fact, this post was suggested by one of my clients who is attending three this summer.
The key is to make sure your outfit fits into the dress code, it’s location and weather appropriate, and you feel confident in what you’re wearing! I’ve got you covered with some tips on decoding wedding dress codes!
DECODING WEDDING DRESS CODES
Be sure you check the invitation for the dress code to the event, so you have time to prepare the right kind of outfit. If the invite does not indicate the dress code, take a cue from the location and the time of day for the wedding/reception. Cocktail attire is always a safe bet.
WHITE TIE
White Tie weddings are a lavish affair. The most formal of all event types, gentlemen are in long tailcoats and women are in floor-length ball gowns.
BLACK TIE
Men wear tuxedos and women wear formal evening gowns, most often floor-length. A Black Tie wedding is less opulent than a white tie wedding but still very dressy.
FORMAL or BLACK TIE OPTIONAL
Black Tie Optional, means tuxedos are encouraged, but dark suits for men are just fine. Women can wear formal gowns of any length.
BEACH FORMAL
Beach weddings aren’t necessarily casual events unless that’s been stated. If it’s beach formal wedding, opt for a formal sundress or a knee-length dress or longer. Plan to wear dressy flats. Men can wear a summer suit with a linen shirt.
COCKTAIL ATTIRE
The most popular dress codes I come across when I work with clients is cocktail attire (also known as dressy casual or semi-formal attire). If you are in doubt about how dressy to be in these dress codes, I suggest being more formal than less formal. It’s better to be a little overdressed than underdressed. Women can wear a cocktail dress and men can go with a suit and tie or a sportcoat.
CASUAL
For this type of affair, think dressed up casual. I’d suggest a sundress for women and dress pants with a button down shirt for men. A sportcoat is always a nice touch, but not needed.
For more tips on wedding dress codes, check out these blog posts:
What was the dress code for the last wedding you attended?
And, what did you end up wearing?
WANT ONE ON ONE HELP? Special occasion dressing is one of my specialties! I love decoding wedding dress codes and helping clients get ready for special events. Click here to contact me to learn more and schedule a complimentary call!
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