Deciphering the Dress Code For Weddings
There are so many different dress codes for weddings, this is your dress code bible for wedding attire, so that you fit in and stand out, rather than just stand out (if you know what I mean).
Smart casual
“Smart casual is defined as conventional, neat and relatively informal style,” says Roshni from Bentex Suits. A smart casual dress code is great for your guests as it provides guidance while also giving them a lot of options. Guests have a wide scope of clothing choices that are smart, without being overly dressy, or overly casual.
Roshni adds: “For us, a smart casual dress code should be about a well-tailored jacket, shirt and dark pair of chinos or trousers. You could opt for a fitted suit – trousers and jacket in one colour, but we recommend you ditch the tie/bow tie for a more relaxed look.”
For women, a smart casual dress code could be anything from a neat tailor blazer, a sundress or even a jumpsuit. Classic skirts and of course that little black dress will also be suitable.
The smart casual dress code is a good go-to for weddings with an outdoor feel, such as beach, garden or boho themes. Some couples also opt for a smart casual look with more relaxed rustic weddings. But Roshni does have one more piece of advice.
“One tip we would like to share with you all is to make sure your shoes tie in the ensemble together. They have to sing the same tune as your outfit. For a smart casual look go with tan boat shoes and no socks!”
Cocktail
The cocktail dress code is one step up from smart casual and is a little more dressy, while still having that informal feel. “Cocktail is the most popular of all formal dress codes,” says Tracey from Ferrari Formalwear & Bridal.
“It’s still formal but leaves a little more room for creativity. While there are no strict rules, cocktail generally means a jacket and tie. Then you can go as far as you want – black or grey trousers with a velvet jacket or a suit.”
Traditionally, cocktail attire for women was restricted to dresses that were knee-length. However, as dress codes become more modern any length shorter than an evening dress, as well as other items such as jumpsuits, may be appropriate for a cocktail wedding.
Jacket and tie
Now that we’re getting into the jacket and tie look, things are getting a bit more formal. The jacket and tie look is slightly more formal than a cocktail dress code (where the tie is optional), and can actually be quite similar to the lounge suit look.
“We always love to add a tie, as we think it adds another level of formality and respect as well as an opportunity to play with colours/patterns of texture,” says Tim from InStitchu.
“Depending on the formality, if you are wearing a pair of cotton chinos, an oxford shirt and a casual, deconstructed blazer, opt for a knitted tie to keep the formality at the same level.”
“You don’t want to wear your Monday business tie with chinos, it just doesn’t quite look or feel right.”
Lounge suit
The lounge suit dress code is a traditional British way of describing a suit and is more directed towards men rather than women. Nowadays, it can be quite similar to the jacket and tie look and is favoured by most weddings looking for a classic dress code.
“A lounge suit is just another way to say a suit that has matching trousers and jacket,” explains Tim from InStitchu.
“For warmer months, you could opt for a linen or cotton blend to be more appropriate for the Australian climate. Or for the cooler months, either a lightweight flannel or heavier worsted wool. The dress code should mention a lounge suit, but for a smart casual look, you can get away with a lounge suit as well. Just lose the tie.”
“The lounge suit dress code is also very similar to a cocktail dress code,” adds Tracey from Ferrari Formalwear & Bridal. “You can keep things simple or spice things up by mixing your pants with a textured jacket. From there you can add extras to dress things up or down – think tiepin, pocket square, bow tie, a pair of cuff links. The versatility is endless with a lounge suit.”
Morning suit
The morning suit is one of the most traditional dress codes and is typically directed towards male members of the wedding party, rather than guests. It’s suited to very formal weddings and is often seen more during royal weddings than regular weddings.
Men should opt for a tailcoat, waistcoat, and striped trousers, while women should wear a very formal daytime dress with a hat.
Traditionally, morning suit was the only dress code for weddings beginning before 4:30pm.
Formal
The formal dress code also comes in somewhere between the lounge suit and a black tie event. For the ladies, this could be either a short or long formal dress, pantsuit, or dressy jumpsuit or separates.
For men, there are a few options and choices, according to Roshni from Bentex Suits.
“You could dress in a well-fitted suit and shirt, you take the look a notch up and add individual flair with a contrasting vest and a tie or bow tie.”
“If the venue is a ballroom or more formal, then the couple could even opt for a black-tie optional dress code for the guests. Which means the guest should wear a dark colour suit or they can make a statement in a tuxedo.”
Black tie vs black tie optional
The black tie dress code is the second most formal dress code and is typically reserved for nighttime weddings, particularly those with an elegant, luxurious or modern theme.
For women, a black tie event dress code means opting for an evening gown, though this can be of any colour.
As Tracey from Ferrari Formalwear & Brida says, the black tie dress code is “crystal clear” for men. ” Wear a tuxedo and a bow tie!”
“The tradition of wearing a luxurious tuxedo is a rite of passage for any man,” says Tracey. “After all, there’s nothing quite like wearing a well-tailored suit to an elegant black tie event.”
“The traditional black tie tuxedo has satin lapels, accompanied with a vest. The classic look involves a shirt with a pleated front, button studs and a black bow tie, white pocket square and pair of black shoes complete the look. Wear a black tux with black patent lace-up shoes and you can’t really go wrong.”
“If in doubt, we say to channel James Bond!”
You might also see the dress code black tie optional, which is one step down from the formal black tie dress code and gives guests a little more room to move. Tracey explains:
“A dark suit is still expected and more commonly worn at these events, however these days, unless you’re going to a seriously traditional event, you can get away with many variations on this theme.”
“In place of a tuxedo, your slim-fitting dark blue or black suit can be worn buttoned up with a bow tie and white pocket square. In fact, if an event says ‘black tie optional’, this is what many men will choose to wear.”
White tie
“While white tie is not as popular these days, this is the most formal of all dress codes,” says Tracey from Ferrari Formalwear & Bridal.
“A tail suit should always be worn along with a white vest, bow tie and a pocket square. You can finish your look by accessorising with a top hat and cane if you are going seriously traditional.”
For women, the white tie dress code involves a ball gown, while evening gloves and tiaras can also traditionally be worn. This is another dress code that is often worn by royals, celebrities, politicians, or at large charity balls.
So there you have it! My guide for men and women as to how they should dress according to the dress code on wedding invitations.
Steve Mummery is a celebrant based in Perth.
You can find him online at smcelebrant.com.au or on facebook @ smcelebrant or, Instagram @smcelebrant and you can find lots of wedding inspiration on his Pinterest page @smcelebrant including wedding & engagement rings, dresses, shoes, groom's attire, flowers, arbours, the lot.
Call Steve to chat about your wedding ceremony today on 0418 897 215 or email steve@smcelebrant.com.au