Today I’m giving a rundown of the different types of dress codes you could see on a wedding or event invitation and how to decipher them. Let’s be real – sometimes it gets confusing! Hopefully this guide will make things a bit more clear so you feel confident in your outfit selection. Whether you’re trying to figure out what to wear to a friend’s event, or decide how to properly label your own wedding dress code, you’re going to want to read on.

White Tie

Let’s start with the fanciest. You don’t see this one too often on wedding invitations, but it does come up every now and again. White Tie is the most formal dress code there is – think glam to the max. I always picture a royal event when I see this on an invitation. This would be on an invitation to the White House State dinner or the most lavish of weddings. Ladies should be in glamorous floor-length ballgowns (no flat shoes), and men should be in dark tuxedos (tailcoats are preferred) with a pocket square and bowtie. Opulent jewelry and white, elbow-length gloves are optional.

Black Tie

I’m sure you’ve gotten a few weddings with Black Tie as the dress code. I love having an excuse to get dressed to the nines for a wedding celebration. This is still considered fancy, just not to the level of a White Tie affair. Think of it as if you were going to the Oscars. Women should wear a long, swanky dress with proper footwear. Sandals, flip flops, sneakers are obviously not appropriate. Men should be dressed in a tuxedo or black formal dinner jacket outfit. You want to look sharp!

Black Tie Optional / Formal

Black Tie Optional / Formal dress code is a nice opportunity to give guests a choice of how fancy they want to be. You are inviting your guests to be formal, but they have the option to be a little less dressed up if they so choose. I’d expect this to be on a wedding invitation that’s hosted in a ballroom, private club, etc. It’s suitable for ladies to dress in either a floor-length gown or cocktail dress. Men are invited to wear tuxedos, but it’s certainly not necessary to rent one if you don’t own one. Darker suits with a tie are also a nice option. We do advise against wearing a light-colored suit to a BTO or formal event.

Cocktail Attire

Think of this dress code as fun, but still classy. I imagine this being on an invitation to a wedding at a garden that starts during the day, but the goes well into the night. (Was that too specific?!) Women can be in any length dress, but keep it more elegant. That means avoid sundresses, as those are still a little too casual for this event. We also start seeing separates being thrown into the mix: a dressy jumpsuit, a fancy skirt with matching top, etc. Men should be in any color suit, with ties being optional.

Semi-Formal

This is one of the trickier ones to dress for, as I feel like it’s the most “in-between” of the dress codes we’ve seen. Semi-formal isn’t quite formal but is not by any means casual or business casual. It’s slightly more relaxed than cocktail attire, so ladies can wear a comfortable mid-length dress or stylish jumpsuit/two-piece. For the men, button down shirts with blazers or a sport jacket are perfect. Ties are a nice addition, but not a necessity.

Casual

To me, Causal means comfortable and laid-back. My mind immediately goes to a low-key beach celebration. Sundresses and sandals are perfectly appropriate for ladies, as well as easy pants or skirts. For men, button-down and polo shirts both work great with a pair of light, breathable pants. Jackets, ties, and dress shoes are all too fancy at this point. Just remember that this is still a celebration, so obviously avoid clothes that are ripped and dirty.

So there you go! My only other piece of advice is to take the time of year and location into consideration when picking your outfits. Now go slay those events, and tag or send us your pictures when you do!

Chat soon!
Kaitlyn + the KBE Team

Photo Sources:

McSween Photography
Janna Brown Design Company
Anya Kernes Photography
David’s Bridal