You go out and get the mail and see that familiar envelope in your box, the wedding invitation. Now you mentally go through your closet trying to figure out if you have anything to wear! After scanning your clothing, you are at a loss for what’s appropriate. The last thing you want to do is stick out for the wrong reason! Fear not! We are here to help you navigate the wedding attire maze.
One of the first helpful hints that the couple will give in the invitation is to let you know what type of wedding they are having. Here are some words that you might see: White-Tie, Black-Tie, Formal/Black-Tie optional, Cocktail Attire, Semi-Formal, or Themed. Always, if you are in doubt, check in with the couple to see what they had in mind.
White-Tie
This is the most formal type of wedding attire. Choices include a floor-length gown (cocktail dresses are not considered appropriate here), black pants with matching jacket, coat with tails, white gloves, black patent leather shoes with black laces, and the shirts, ties, and waistcoats are white. If you are going to attend one of these types of weddings and you don’t have the available clothes, you can always rent your attire for the day. This can mean renting the entire outfit or checking with rental companies to see if you can rent specific pieces for your event.
Black-Tie
Black-Tie weddings are normally held in the evening, and this is the second most formal type of dress code. There is the option of wearing a floor-length gown, a longer formal cocktail dress, or a dressier pantsuit. The thing to keep in mind is to make sure that your outfit is longer, but not so long that you are constantly getting it stepped on or tripping on it. Modesty is the name of the game here. You do not want it to look like you are heading out to the club for the night. Additionally, a formal dinner jacket outfit or tuxedo with appropriate footwear is also considered appropriate for this type of event.
Formal
These types of weddings allow for black-tie options as well as attire that is one step above a cocktail outfit. This can include evening gowns, elegant pantsuits, dresses that fall above the ankle, and perfectly paired separates. Tuxedos, dark suits, dark ties, and dress shoes are also the attire for the day. Again, if you are looking through your closet and don’t find anything to wear, you can either use this as an excuse to go shopping, or you can check out the rental companies and see if they have options for you. Sometimes when you know you won’t be wearing anything formal more than once or twice a year, it is good to just rent the clothes, so they are not taking up space in your closet.
Cocktail
The cocktail dress code will include dresses that are knee-length, tea-length, or midi, a dressy suit, or a beautiful pantsuit. Suits and ties are necessary, but tuxedos are too formal. One thing to keep in mind is that cocktail attire, though not as strict, is not the time to put on a mini-skirt or pull out the jeans. As with other options, when in doubt check in with someone if you aren’t sure what’s appropriate to wear.
Semi-Formal
One of the more popular dress codes for weddings is the semi-formal look. Most people already have something in their closet that will be appropriate for this level of event. There is no need for a floor-length gown or tuxedo at a semi-formal wedding. There can be calf or knee-length dresses, jumpsuits, dressy sundresses, less formal cocktail dresses, etc. Since there is no need for a tuxedo, there can be suits, optional ties, a jacket, and buttoned shirts. The color-schemes for the semi-formal look can include suits that are lighter in color and patterned options.
Themed
This type of wedding dress code can be super fun! If the couple has always been a fan of a particular show, movie, or TV character, their wedding could be themed around this. Then you can participate in the theme by matching your outfit to it. As an example, a couple that loves Star Trek can have a Star Trek themed day. Of course, the phasers will be set to stun! The wedding invitation can let the guests know what type of outfits will mesh with the theme and any accessories that would be appropriate for the day.
If the theme could have more than one meaning, it is best to ask to make sure that you are not thinking one thing, while the couple had something completely different in mind. As an example, it is a holiday wedding theme, and you arrive in an ugly sweater while everyone else is wearing red and green dresses and suits.
Season
Another thing that can affect the type of attire you pick out is the season the wedding will be held in and the weather of the day. Seasons can affect the colors that you choose and what accessories you pair with those outfits. Where the ceremony will be held, whether indoor or outdoor, is also a factor. If the event will be an outdoor affair, then what you wear will be affected by the amount of sun and wind that will be present. You are going to want to make sure that you are not too hot or too cold while you celebrate.
No matter the time of year, weddings are a celebration of love. Check out the invitation, plan your wedding attire accordingly, and give your congratulations to the happy couple!
