Decoding Wedding Attire: What Each Dress Code Means

When you receive a wedding invitation, one of the first things you’ll notice—aside from the stunning design—is the dress code. But what does “black tie” really mean? And how formal is “cocktail attire”? As a custom wedding invitation designer, we love helping couples craft elegant wedding invitations, and that includes making sure your guests know exactly what to wear. Below, we break down the different wedding attire terms so you can show up in style and with confidence.

White Tie

The most formal of all dress codes, white tie is reserved for the grandest of occasions. If you see this on an invitation, expect a truly luxurious event.

• Men: Tailcoats, white bow ties, white vests, and formal dress shoes.
• Women: Floor-length evening gowns, often with gloves and elaborate accessories.

Black Tie

A step down from white tie but still highly formal, black tie is common for evening weddings.

• Men: Tuxedos with black bow ties, black dress shoes, and an optional cummerbund or vest.
• Women: Floor-length or elegant cocktail-length gowns.

Formal (Black Tie Optional)

This offers some flexibility while maintaining an elegant look.

• Men: A tuxedo is welcome but not required; a dark suit with a tie is appropriate.
• Women: Long gowns, dressy midi dresses, or sophisticated cocktail dresses.

Cocktail Attire

A balance between formal and casual, cocktail attire is a popular choice for weddings.

• Men: Dark suits with a tie.
• Women: Knee-length or midi dresses, jumpsuits, or dressy separates.

Semi-Formal (Dressy Casual)

Semi-formal suggests a polished look without the strict formality of black tie.

• Men: Dress pants with a button-down shirt and optional tie; a jacket is a nice touch.
• Women: Midi or knee-length dresses, dressy skirts, or chic jumpsuits.

Casual

Casual doesn’t mean jeans and sneakers! Think relaxed yet polished.

• Men: Dress pants or khakis with a button-down or polo shirt.
• Women: Sundresses, skirts with nice tops, or dressy pants.

Beach Formal

Perfect for seaside celebrations, this dress code blends elegance with practicality.

• Men: Lightweight suits or dress pants with linen shirts; loafers or dress sandals.
• Women: Flowy maxi dresses, sundresses, or dressy jumpsuits with comfortable footwear.

A Thoughtful Touch on Your Invitations

Including a clear dress code on your wedding invitations ensures your guests feel comfortable and confident. At Ledgewood Fine Stationery, we specialize in beautifully designed invitations that set the tone for your wedding day—down to the last elegant detail

Photographer: @katieandalecphoto
Venue: @oakmeadoweventcenter

Need help designing your perfect wedding stationery? Contact us today to bring your vision to life!