Title: Decoding the Wedding Dress Code – A Quick Guide
Subtitle: A cheat sheet to demystify those wedding invitations.
White Tie
Formality: Highest
What to Wear: For a white tie wedding, you will typically wear a black tailcoat, matching trousers with a silk stripe, a crisp white wing-collar shirt, a white pique bow tie and waistcoat, and black patent shoes.
Notes: Often includes gloves and formal decorations. You won't often see this dress code outside of royal and state events.
Black Tie
Formality: Very formal evening
What to Wear: For a black tie wedding you'll need a tuxedo (black or midnight navy), a black bow tie, a white formal dress shirt with studs, patent leather oxfords, and the optional cummerbund or waistcoat for added flair.
Notes: As a good rule of thumb, this dress code usually falls after 5–6 PM.
Formal / Black Tie Optional
Formality: Formal but flexible
What to Wear: Here a tuxedo is ideal, but a dark suit (in navy, charcoal, or black) with a conservative tie is also acceptable.
Notes: The key is to wear high quality, polished garments. We suggest leaning toward elevated materials and polished shoes to ensure appropriate attire.
Cocktail Attire
Formality: Semi-formal, stylish
What to Wear: A dark or medium suit, dress shirt, tie (often expected), and leather dress shoes will be acceptable.
Notes: Cocktail attire is the perfect time to have fun with more fashion-forward details — ties, pocket squares, and textures are a great place to showcase some personality.
Semi-Formal
Formality: Smart but not evening-formal
What to Wear: A semi-formal wedding usually calls for a suit in lighter colors (like blue and gray) and a dress shirt. We would recommend a tie, unless otherwise indicated in the invite.
Notes: Semi-formal weddings are often a daytime wedding level of formality, nothing too serious.
Dressy Casual
Formality: Elevated everyday
What to Wear: A dressy casual wedding is the perfect time to wear your favorite blazer or sport coat, some trousers or chinos, and a collared shirt. Tie optional, but always encouraged.
Notes: You still want to appear polished – no jeans or sneakers, unless the venue is very relaxed and it seems appropriate to do so.
Beach Formal
Formality: Light fabrics for hot climates
What to Wear: For beach weddings you will be grateful to have a linen or breathable suit, a light dress shirt, and loafers or dress sandals.
Notes: Feel free to skip socks if appropriate. And definitely avoid dark or heavy wool. You will thank us later.
Garden Party / Daytime Casual
Formality: Cheerful and relaxed
What to Wear: For a garden wedding, it is appropriate to wear a sport coat if desired, chinos or tailored trousers, and pattern shirts are fair game. Pair with dress shoes or nice loafers.
Notes: Suede and seasonal fabrics like cotton and seersucker work well and look sharp.
Festive Attire
Formality: Cocktail + playful
What to Wear: A festive attire dress code is your chance to have some fun. Opt for a suit or blazer with a bold color, a tie and pocket square with personality, and fun, bright patterns.
Notes: Dress for a party – these dress codes are often expected for holiday weddings, New Year's weddings, etc.
Casual
Formality: Lowest still appropriate for a wedding
What to Wear: For a truly casual wedding, you are safe to wear a button-down shirt, dress trousers or chinos, and loafers or clean dress shoes.
Notes: Even for a casual wedding, a blazer is smart even if not required. Avoid shorts, jeans, or polos unless hosts make it explicit.
When the Dress Code Is Unclear
Unfortunately, wedding dress codes are often not listed or are not very clear. We recommend you default to a navy suit and tie – this combination is almost always safe for nearly all weddings. When in doubt, it is always best to go slightly dressier than too relaxed.
You can often use context to help hone in on an appropriate ensemble. Time of day can dictate suit color (lighter suits in daytime, darker at night) and the venue can hint at formality – you would dress down for a barn wedding and elevate for a wedding in a ballroom.
No matter the dress code, Shepherd's has what you need for all your weddings year-round. Schedule a custom consult today to make sure you are looking and feeling your best at every social engagement: www.shepherds.com/pages/custom.