A Guide to wedding dress codes
Photography: Logan Cole Weddings
Given the time and effort you've invested in planning and selecting flowers, rentals, and decor to create your dream wedding aesthetic, it's important that your guests' attire aligns with that vision as well. However, conveying your desired dress code can be challenging, and guests may find it difficult to choose the right attire without clear guidance.
This week, we are discussing traditional and nontraditional routes you can take when it comes to determining what dress code you’re drawn to along with some inspirational photos you can share with your guests to avoid any ambiguity and to ensure that your guests understand your vision.
Photography: June Cochran
Traditional Wedding Dress Codes
Here are some traditional wedding dress codes that we’ve been seeing for years…
Black tie
Black tie is typically reserved for extremely formal events. For women, this typically means a long evening gown. For men, this dress code requires tuxedos, ties, a white dress shirt and leather shoes.
Formal or Black Tie Optional
This dress offers more flexibility than black tie. Men can wear a tuxedo, but a dark suit and tie are also acceptable. Women can choose between a long dress or an elegant cocktail dress.
Semi-Formal or Cocktail Attire
This tends to be one of the more common wedding dress codes. Men are encouraged to wear a suit and tie. Women can wear cocktail dresses or knee-length dresses. This is typically an in-between where you want to wear something that is still polished and refined, but not overly formal.
Non-Traditional Wedding Dress Codes
These days, you don’t have to follow tradition and you can certainly make your own rules. In recent years, couples have embraced more unique and creative wedding dress codes that reflect their personality. These non-traditional routes offer guests a chance to have fun and express their individuality.
Aloha Attire
Unique to our location and a common dress code amongst the island is Aloha attire. We have had guests and couples planning a destination wedding embracing their location and opting for a dress code that embodies Hawaii. This meant a more relaxed dress code with men wearing dress pants and floral print dress shirts. For women, they can choose to wear flowy maxi dresses or fun, floral printed two-piece sets. Footwear options are also a little more relaxed, with stylist sneakers and strappy sandals being acceptable options.
Photography: Jana Dillon
Photography: Jana Dillon
Garden Party
Photography: Stephen Ludwig
One that we have been loving lately are “garden party” dress codes. Think cocktail attire but with pastels and floral patterns. Maxi and midi dresses are great choices, especially ones with statement silhouettes. This dress code typically includes more lightweight materials like linen, chiffon, silk, or cotton to stay comfortable in the outdoor setting. For footwear, chunky heels or dressy sandals are great options. For men, think lightweight suits, comfortable shoes (such as loafers) and sleek button downs. The goal is to keep it cool and lightweight, but remaining fashionable.
Fashion Forward
We love it when guests dress to impress! If your crowd are fashionistas, this is their chance to dress like they’re going to a fashion show! Think red-carpet inspired gowns with intricate details and statement pieces. For men, think elevated tuxedos with bold colors and accessories. The possibilities are endless!
Themed Attire
This dress code is exactly what the name is referred to. We’ve seen couples set “all white” or “all black” dress codes. We have even seen New Year’s inspired dress codes with black, gold and silver being prominent colors. For those we want to go all out, opt for pieces that have sparkles and sequins! We have also seen guests be a couple’s “something blue” with an all blue dress code. Other fun ideas include a sunset dress code (orange and pink hues) and if you are looking for something extra fun, cowboy chic has been gaining some popularity. Think boots & cowboy hats!
We hope that this has provided you with some idea on how to approach your wedding’s dress code. If you are wanting some visual examples, be sure to check out this Pinterest board we’ve created for some further inspiration
We can’t wait to see the different outfits you choose!
XOXO,
