A Complete Guide to the Wedding Guest Dress Code

Fancy or casual? Long dress or short? If you’ve found yourself answering “what do I wear to your wedding” – you know what I’m talking about!

There are so many directions you can take when deciding on the look and feel of your wedding. If you’re feeling unsure which direction to go in, I’ve got your back. Here are some of the most popular wedding dress codes and what they mean.

White Tie

When you hear “white tie” think of it as the adult version of prom. As the most formal wedding guest attire of them all, it is all about going all out. A floor-length evening gown paired with heels and accessories is a must for the ladies, while men are expected in a tuxedo, white shirt, bow tie, and oxfords. 

Black Tie

Let’s take it down a notch. Black tie events are catered towards evenings. This means going for a longer dress or a sophisticated cocktail number with heels. Just like white tie events, men are still required to wear tuxedos. 

Cocktail

This is one of the most popular wedding dress codes I have heard about working as a bridal fitness trainer. Put the floor-length gown away and lean towards a tea-length, knee-length, midi dress, or even a classy pantsuit. Men are requested to wear a suit and tie but have some wiggle room with colors and fit. 

Casual 

This one is all about finding a balance between style and comfort. For women, a sundress paired with nice flats or wedges is the perfect combination for a more casual setting. Men can wear khakis or dress pants in a button-up shirt paired with a sports jacket. As a golden rule, stay clear of sneakers, sandals, jeans, shorts, or regular shirts. 

Tropical Getaway

If you didn’t know, I got married in the Dominican Republic so this one holds a special spot in my heart! With warm weather and sandy beaches, destination weddings are casual but not as extreme as swimsuit coverups and flip-flops. Ladies should go for nice and flowy dresses with sandals or block heels while the men can wear Guayabera shirts, khakis, or dressier shorts with boat shoes.

Do you know what you’ll pick for your wedding? My wedding was all about the beach getaway vibes but I sure was tempted by a cocktail-themed dress code!