Between “black tie optional” and “semi formal” figuring out what the wedding attire is going to be can be a tad confusing. The wedding planning team at Tara M Events has put together a cheat sheet to figure out what to label your attire so guest know exactly what to wear, and how to tell your guests the attire.
White Tie
This is the most elegant of dress codes. If you are planning on having a wedding as formal as the Oscars after party, this is the attire you are going for. Men should come dressed in a tuxedo with tails and ladies should come dressed in long elegant ball gowns.
Black Tie
The next step down from white tie is black tie, still formal but your guests do not have to dress up as if they are attending the next Royal Wedding. Men should still come dressed in a tuxedo, and ladies should come dressed in a long dress or an elegant cocktail style dress
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Wedding by Tara M. Events
Wedding by Tara M. Events
Formal – Black Tie Optional
This attire label specifies that the wedding is still an elegant affair, but is not is less fancy than black tie. Men can choose to still come dressed in a tuxedo, or they can opt for a formal dark suit and the ladies should wear a long dress or a formal cocktail style dress
Cocktail Attire
Outfits for this is can be slightly confusing. This is a step down from formal and black tie because the men can come dressed in a suit and tie of any color, rather than limiting them to only dressing in black. Ladies should come dressed in a dressy jumpsuit, or a cocktail length dress.
Wedding by Tara M. Events
Beach Formal
If you are hosting your wedding on a beach, or by the beach this dress code might be perfect for you. This allows your guest to be comfortable on the sand while still being dressed nicely. Men should come dressed in a nice linen suit, no tie required, and ladies should wear a long sun dress or something similar.
Casual/Day Time
If you are opting for a low key casual wedding, there’s a dress code for that too! Let your guests know that this is going to be a casual outing. The men can come dressed in dress pants with a button down, and the ladies can come dressed in a sundress or pants and a nice blouse.
South East Asian
For a South East Asian wedding if you want your guests to dress in traditional attire, be sure to let them know. Many of your guests will know exactly what to wear, but there might be some unfamiliar with the culture and what to wear. For this mean should come dressed in a long sleeve tunic and pants, and ladies should come dressed in a colorful traditional saree. All guests should dress in fun and bright colorful outfits, but be sure to stray away from the color red and white.
As for how you should let your guests know what the dress code is for your wedding, there are many different options. Some couples choose to label it on their invitation, put it on their wedding website, or send an email.