Wedding Dress Codes Explained
WHITE TIE
Most Formal. Think state dinners, galas, and highly formal celebrations.
Black tailcoat
White bow tie
White formal vest
Black patent leather shoes
Floor-length formal gown
Elegant jewelry and accessories
Formal evening shoes
BLACK TIE
Traditional Formal Evening Attire
Tuxedo
Black bow tie
White formal shirt
Black dress shoes
Floor-length gown preferred
Formal cocktail dress or elegant jumpsuit also acceptable
Refined accessories
BLACK TIE OPTIONAL
Formal, With Some Flexibility
Tuxedo preferred but not required
Dark suit and tie acceptable
Floor-length gown
Formal midi dress
Sophisticated cocktail dress
Formal / Creative Black Tie
Elegant Attire with Personality
Tuxedo or dark suit
Unique ties, velvet jackets, or tasteful personal style
Formal gowns
Fashion-forward dresses
Elevated accessories
Cocktail
The Most Common Wedding Dress Code. Dressy but not overly formal.
Suit and tie
Dress shirt and dress shoes
Cocktail dress
Dressy jumpsuit
Elegant separates
Semi-Formal
One Step Below Cocktail
Suit or dress pants with a blazer
Tie optional depending on venue and season
Knee-length or midi dress
Dressy separates
Jumpsuit
Garden Party
Elegant Outdoor Attire
Light-colored suit
Sport coat and dress pants
Floral dresses
Pastel colors
Dressy daytime attire
Beach Formal
Formal Attire Adapted for Sand and Sun
Linen suit or lightweight suit
Dress shirt
Loafers or dress sandals
Flowing maxi dress
Formal sundress
Elegant flats or wedges