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When you receive an invite to a wedding, the first thing that you will probably look for is some clues about the dress you should wear. Starting from a “black-tie” affair to a “casual” dress code, the language is often very difficult to decipher and you might make a wrong choice of dress that is not appropriate for the occasion. Formal attire is the most common but semi-formal and casual are rather ambiguous, making it difficult for you as a wedding guest to settle on the level of formality.
One of the easiest ways but not necessarily foolproof is to do some research on the venue as it is usually the wedding location and the background that sets the benchmarks of what you should wear. Check the photos of the past weddings at the site. Are the guests in long flowing gowns or a wedding guest pantsuit? Is it a strictly “black-tie” venue or more informal where the guests are wearing summer dresses or cold shoulder empire waist outfits? It will be easier for you to decide on your dress.
Here is a handy guide on the dress code and etiquette which you can follow to arrive appropriately and stylishly dressed for the wedding.
White-Tie Weddings
This is the most formal wedding celebration that you can think of. Without exception, wear a formal floor-length sweeping evening gown and pair it with jewelry, an elegant clutch, and heels.
Black-Tie Weddings
This is the second-most formal wedding category and usually signifies that the wedding is an evening do. You should wear a formal floor-length gown that covers the ankles but if you feel that the wedding seems a bit less formal, a cocktail dress or an elegant and dressy wedding guest pantsuit is also acceptable.
Cocktail Weddings
A very popular dress code choice is cocktail attire that falls above semi-formal but not as formal as black-tie events. This dress is elegant and chic and has a certain sophistication about it. A cocktail dress is typically formal for a day wedding but more casual for a night celebration. Rather than go for a floor-length gown or a wedding guest pantsuit, choose a tea-length, midi, or knee-length dress.
Semi-formal Weddings
One of the most critical factors for semiformal or dressy casual weddings is taking into consideration the time of the wedding. You can choose light shades and fabric for day weddings and darker or more formal colors for evening events. An appropriate outfit would be a dressy skirt and top, a below-the-knee dress, or an elegant wedding guest pantsuit. Avoid the traditional floor-length gowns. Pair the attire with nice wedges, formal flats, or heels.
Festive Weddings
This is a comparatively new concept and might leave you confused if you get such a wedding invite. Primarily, you have been permitted to play around with your look and have fun. Choose a cocktail party dress in bold and stunning colors and match with playful accessories. A wedding guest pantsuit in dark mauve or electric blue with heels or dressy flats would fit the bill too.
Casual Weddings
It means that the wedding will be a casual and laid-back affair, especially when it comes to the dress code, and will in all probability be held outdoors on the beach or somewhere similar in informality. A summer dress with wedges or dressy sandals will be very appropriate. However, do not be overly casual and wear jeans, shorts, and tank tops with sandals or sneakers. With this everyday look, it might be difficult for you to get into the mood of the celebrations.
Themed or Concept Style Weddings
The latest fad is to host concept or themed style weddings and couples request the guests to follow the theme with their attire. The most common is to ask for the guests to wear one specific color like an “all-white formal” dress code or a bright red one signifying glamour and happiness. In such cases, a gown for a formal look and a wedding guest pantsuit in a particular color would be right.
As You Are Weddings
Sometimes, the couple prefers their guests to show up without fussing about their attire and as they see fit. Comfort should be the overriding factor here. This dress etiquette works well for a casual beach wedding. But if you are wondering what you should wear, think of what the couple normally wears, the time of the day, and the location of the wedding. Just make sure that you do not feel over or under-dressed and feel confident in your attire without compromising on the glam quotient, so necessary for a wedding regardless of the formality.
You will be ticking all the right boxes if you follow this guide of wedding dress attire for guests. But keep in mind that there is one color to avoid unless it is a part of a theme – white or off-white. This is a bridal color and nothing should take the focus off the bride.
