Wedding dress codes range from ultra-formal white tie to relaxed casual. The dress code on your invitation tells you exactly how to dress. Here's what each level means and what to wear.
Quick Reference: All Wedding Dress Codes
| Dress Code | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| White Tie | Floor-length ball gown, long gloves optional | Tailcoat with white bow tie, white waistcoat |
| Black Tie | Floor-length gown or elegant cocktail dress | Black tuxedo with black bow tie |
| Black Tie Optional | Evening gown or cocktail dress | Tuxedo or dark suit with tie |
| Formal | Long or elegant cocktail dress | Dark suit with tie |
| Cocktail / Semi-Formal | Knee-length or midi dress | Suit, tie optional |
| Dressy Casual | Sundress or smart separates | Blazer with chinos, no tie |
| Casual | Casual dress or smart separates | Button-down shirt, dress trousers |
White Tie: The Most Formal
White tie is the most formal dress code you'll encounter, reserved for royal weddings, state dinners, and the most prestigious celebrations1. If you receive an invitation specifying white tie, expect an evening of exceptional elegance.
What Women Should Wear
Floor-length formal evening gowns are required. Think ball gown silhouettes in luxurious fabrics like silk, satin, or velvet. Long gloves (opera length, reaching above the elbow) are traditionally worn with sleeveless gowns. Hair should be elegantly styled, and fine jewellery completes the look. This is the occasion for your most glamorous pieces.
What Men Should Wear
Men must wear a black tailcoat with matching trousers featuring a silk stripe down the leg. The shirt should be white piqué with a wing collar, worn with a white bow tie (never black) and white waistcoat. Patent leather shoes are essential, and white gloves may be carried. Shirt studs and cufflinks add the finishing touches1.
Black Tie: Classic Evening Formality
Black tie is the most common formal dress code for evening weddings2. When you see "Black Tie" on an invitation, the couple is hosting an elegant evening celebration and expects guests to dress accordingly.
What Women Should Wear
A floor-length evening gown is traditional, but sophisticated cocktail dresses that fall below the knee are now widely accepted at modern black tie events. Rich fabrics like velvet, silk, or beaded materials work beautifully. Elegant heels and statement jewellery complete the look. A small clutch bag is appropriate.
What Men Should Wear
A black tuxedo jacket with silk or satin lapels paired with matching trousers is the standard. Wear a crisp white dress shirt with shirt studs, a black bow tie (never a necktie), and either a cummerbund or waistcoat. Black patent leather shoes are preferred, though highly polished black Oxfords are acceptable2.
Black Tie Optional / Formal
Black tie optional gives guests flexibility while maintaining a formal atmosphere. A tuxedo isn't required, but the event is formal enough for one to be appropriate2. This is increasingly popular as it accommodates guests with varying wardrobes.
What Women Should Wear
There's more flexibility in silhouette and style. While a floor-length dress is always a safe choice, a cocktail-style midi dress can work equally well. Choose elegant fabrics and sophisticated cuts. Dressy separates in luxurious materials are also acceptable.
What Men Should Wear
A tuxedo is preferred but not mandatory. A well-tailored dark suit (black, charcoal, or navy) with a white dress shirt and conservative tie or bow tie is perfectly appropriate. Ensure your suit fits well and your shoes are polished2.
Cocktail Attire: The Popular Middle Ground
Cocktail attire is the most common dress code for modern weddings, especially afternoon and early evening celebrations3. It bridges the gap between black tie formality and casual relaxation, allowing guests to look polished without the constraints of ultra-formal wear.
What Women Should Wear
Knee-length, tea-length, or midi dresses are ideal. The "little black dress" is a cocktail attire staple. Elegant jumpsuits with sophisticated accessories also work well. Choose refined fabrics and avoid anything too casual. Heels are typical, though dressy flats are acceptable3.
What Men Should Wear
A suit is expected, though you have flexibility with colour beyond black. Navy, charcoal, and grey suits all work well. A tie is traditional but increasingly optional. A crisp dress shirt (white or light blue) and polished dress shoes complete the look3.
Semi-Formal: Slightly Relaxed Elegance
Semi-formal falls between cocktail and casual. It's appropriate for daytime weddings, garden celebrations, and venues where full formal attire might feel overdone. Many couples use "semi-formal" and "cocktail attire" interchangeably3.
What Women Should Wear
Midi or knee-length dresses work perfectly. Dressy separates (an elegant blouse with tailored trousers or a skirt) are appropriate. You can opt for lower heels, structured flats, or wedges depending on the venue. Fabrics should be polished but needn't be formal evening wear.
What Men Should Wear
A suit is still appropriate, though you can skip the tie and potentially the jacket depending on the season. A well-fitted button-down dress shirt with dress trousers is the minimum. A blazer with contrasting trousers works well for less formal semi-formal events3.
Dressy Casual / Smart Casual
Dressy casual (also called smart casual or elevated casual) is a step above everyday wear and below cocktail attire4. You'll often see this dress code for outdoor weddings, rustic venues, beach celebrations, and daytime events.
What Women Should Wear
A sundress, smart skirt with a blouse, or tailored jumpsuit are all excellent choices. Flats, wedges, or low heels work well, especially for outdoor venues. The key is looking polished without being overdressed. Avoid anything you'd wear to the beach or gym4.
What Men Should Wear
A collared shirt with chinos or dress trousers is the foundation. Add a blazer for a more polished look, or skip it in warmer weather. A tie is not required. Smart loafers, Derbys, or clean leather shoes work well. Avoid trainers, flip-flops, and overly casual footwear4.
Casual: Relaxed But Respectful
True casual dress codes are rare for weddings and typically reserved for very intimate celebrations, backyard weddings, or destination events where comfort is prioritised. Even with a casual dress code, aim to look neat and respectful.
What Women Should Wear
A casual sundress, nice blouse with tailored shorts or trousers, or comfortable separates all work. Sandals, flats, or wedges are appropriate depending on the venue. Avoid anything too beachy (swimwear cover-ups) or too casual (athleisure).
What Men Should Wear
A button-down shirt (polo shirts may be acceptable depending on the venue) with chinos or nice shorts. A blazer can elevate the look if you're uncertain. Clean, neat shoes are important even for casual weddings.
Regional Dress Code Variations
United Kingdom: Morning Suit and Lounge Suit
British weddings often use traditional dress codes that differ from American conventions5.
Morning Suit (Morning Dress): The most traditional British formal daywear, commonly seen at royal weddings. Men wear a morning coat (tailcoat), waistcoat, and grey or grey-and-black striped trousers. A top hat may be carried. This dress code applies to weddings beginning before 4:30pm. Women wear formal daytime dresses with hats being commonplace but not essential5.
Lounge Suit: Despite its name, this simply means a smart suit—any suit that isn't tails or morningwear. It offers flexibility in colour and style beyond typical business attire. Lighter suits work for summer, tweed for winter or rustic settings5.
| UK Term | US Equivalent | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Morning Suit | No direct equivalent | Daytime formal with tailcoat |
| Lounge Suit | Suit / Formal | More colour flexibility |
| Smart Dress | Cocktail | Same formality level |
Australia: Climate-Conscious Formality
Australian wedding dress codes often account for warmer weather and outdoor venues4.
Smart Casual: Very popular in Australia, especially for outdoor, beach, or garden weddings. Linen and cotton blends are favoured for comfort. Men can wear lighter suits or blazers with chinos. Women opt for flowy dresses and comfortable heels or wedges4.
Beach Formal: Combines elegance with practicality. Women wear flowy maxi dresses or elegant jumpsuits with wedges or dressy sandals. Men wear light-coloured suits (often without ties) or linen trousers with a blazer. Avoid board shorts regardless of how casual the beach setting seems4.
What to Do When There's No Dress Code
If the invitation doesn't specify a dress code, consider these factors:
- Venue: A country club or ballroom suggests dressier attire. A backyard or casual restaurant suggests more relaxed dress.
- Time of day: Evening weddings are typically more formal than daytime celebrations.
- Season: Winter weddings tend to be more formal than summer celebrations.
- Location: Destination beach weddings will differ from city cathedral ceremonies.
When in doubt, default to cocktail attire. It's better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed at a wedding4.
Common Dress Code Mistakes to Avoid
- Wearing white, ivory, or cream: These colours are reserved for the bride.
- Matching the bridesmaids: Avoid wearing the wedding party's colours.
- Underdressing for the venue: A backyard invitation doesn't mean jeans are acceptable unless explicitly stated.
- Wearing a necktie with a tuxedo: Tuxedos require bow ties.
- Assuming "optional" means casual: Black tie optional still expects formal attire—the tuxedo itself is optional, not the formality.
Sources and References
Footnotes
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Emily Post Institute, Attire Guide: Dress Codes from Casual to White Tie, 2024. https://emilypost.com/advice/attire-guide-dress-codes-from-casual-to-white-tie ↩ ↩2
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Curated Events, Wedding Dress Codes Explained: Black Tie & Beyond in 2025, 2024. https://curatedevents.com/blog/luxury-wedding-dress-codes/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4
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The American Marriage Ministries, A Simple Guide to Wedding Dress Code Meanings for Guests, 2025. https://theamm.org/articles/2501-a-simple-guide-to-wedding-dress-code-meanings-for-guests ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5
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ABIA Weddings Australia, A Simple Guide to Wedding Guest Dress Codes, 2024. https://abia.com.au/wedding-blog/a-simple-guide-to-wedding-guest-dress-codes ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7
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The Wedding Edition UK, The Most Common Wedding Dress Codes Explained, 2024. https://www.theweddingedition.co.uk/the-most-common-wedding-dress-codes-explained/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3