The average person attends two weddings per year. Over a lifetime, that’s a lot of weddings and a lot of wedding outfits.
If you feel like you’re bad at picking wedding attire, you’re not alone! It’s all too easy to be confused by dress codes and instructions.
Luckily we’ve broken it down for you into easy categories and rules to follow. Keep reading to find out what to wear to a wedding!
Know the Dress Code and What It Means
Oftentimes, wedding invitations will come with a wedding dress code specified. While at first, this may seem authoritarian, it’s really a blessing. A dress code helps you know exactly what to wear to not feel over or underdressed. Let’s walk through what each dress code means.
Semi-Formal
This is typically the least formal that a wedding will be. The outfits in this category fall between casual and cocktail. The wedding attire for women at this level might include mid-length dresses, sundresses, and jumpsuits. For men, khakis and a nice shirt will do just fine.
Cocktail
Cocktail attire is a step up from semi-formal. Here you can expect people to wear slightly more put-together outfits, but there won’t be specific rules. Nicer fabrics and jewelry should be expected, but there wouldn’t be a length rule for dresses.
Formal
Formal attire should adhere to a more elegant look than cocktail or semi-formal. Consider dresses that cover the knees. Wedding attire for men at this level should be one of their nicest suits – nicer than they’d wear to an office event, but not as nice as a tuxedo.
Black Tie Optional
Black tie optional leaves a lot of room for interpretation. You may choose to dress in black tie-level attire, but plenty of people will also choose to go the formal route. Definitely avoid cocktail or semi-formal at this level though.
Black Tie
Black tie is typically the highest level of dress code that you’ll see for a wedding. Dresses should be floor-length gowns, and men should rent or own a tuxedo with a black tie for the event. Think red carpet but not Met Gala.
In the Wedding Party? Know the Color Scheme
If you’re in the wedding party, you have some of your work done for you. The bride (if she doesn’t choose an official bridesmaid dress) may give you a color scheme to work with to choose your own dress for the occasion.
This gives you a lot of freedom to choose a dress that is flattering for your personal figure. If you need a bridesmaid dress plus size, you can make sure that you’re getting one in an appropriate color in a style that actually looks good on you.
Dress for Style and For Comfort
Remember, when choosing a wedding outfit, your comfort should be in consideration. Whatever you choose to wear should be something that you look and feel great in. Remember, you may be dancing for hours in whatever you choose.
You should also be comfortable with the price. Create a wedding outfit budget and stick to it!
Picking Wedding Attire: Easy and Fun!
By knowing and understanding dress codes, you can make picking wedding attire easy and fun. Make sure that you’re aware of dress codes, color schemes, and your own comfort and you’ll look great for every wedding.
Want more fashion advice? Check out our What to Wear section for more!
