Deciphering a wedding dress code can be tricky, and it’s even harder to know what to wear when there’s no dress code at all.
So, what to wear?
Jaimie Mackey says that there are a few clues that will definitely help you figure it out – possibly even before you pick up the phone and give the bride a call.
When the invitation is missing the key details, there are a few ways to discover what your friend wants you to wear to her big day.
1. Read the Invitation
Take another look at that invitation. Start with the design itself. If it’s fairly traditional, printed on heavy paper, and embossed or letterpressed, there’s a good chance the event will require co*cktail or formal attire. It’s full of clues to help you figure out how formal the wedding is.
Add extra formality points for details like painted edges and swirling calligraphy. An invitation that features colorful graphics, modern fonts, or other playful touches is most likely for a celebration that’s more relaxed.
Read the wording carefully. A more formal wedding will “request the honor of your presence”, while a less formal wedding will “request the pleasure of your company”.
2. Consider the Venue – the biggest clue
Do a quick Google search to see if they’ve chosen a fancy country club, an elegant ballroom, or a trendy restaurant downtown. Opt for attire that is fitting for the location. A reception that begins later in the evening is more likely to be formal, while one that takes place during the daytime will, by default, be slightly more casual.
Related: 5 Powerful Secrets To Be More Intimate With Your Partner
3. Consult the Wedding Website
If they have a wedding website, check it! This is the go-to spot for any information that doesn’t fit on the invitation. It’s often listed on the “events” page as one of the details surrounding the wedding reception, or might be outlined in an FAQ section.
Still not sure? Your best bet is co*cktail attire. Sure, you might be overdressed if it ends up being a more relaxed affair, but you’ll fit right in at a co*cktail attire party, and (with the right accessories) can easily dress up for something on the more formal side.
Women should opt for a dress in a luxe fabric, such as silk. Wear a darker color for evening weddings or something brighter during the day.
Men should wear suits in either dark gray or black, which transition well between co*cktail attire and formal events. Don’t forget a tie.
If all else fails, ask the couple! Whether they intended to leave out the information or not, they’ll be able to quickly sum up what you should wear to the event.
FAQs
Can I bring a plus one? Sharing this answer on your wedding website is a great place to make it know in advance whether “plus-ones” are welcome. If they are not, here is a great sample answer from With Joy, “Our wedding is strictly RSVP only. We will only be able to accommodate those listed on your invitation.”
How to answer plus one question on a wedding website? ›
Can I bring a plus one? Sharing this answer on your wedding website is a great place to make it know in advance whether “plus-ones” are welcome. If they are not, here is a great sample answer from With Joy, “Our wedding is strictly RSVP only. We will only be able to accommodate those listed on your invitation.”
How to determine what to wear to a wedding? ›
1) Do Consider the Wedding Dress Code
- Black Tie: floor length gowns, black ties, tuxedos.
- Formal: floor length gowns, tuxedos optional, black suits acceptable.
- Semi-Formal: below the knee dresses, dress shirts, slacks.
- Casual: sundresses, collared shirts, khakis.
Fit-and-flare Wedding Guest Dresses For Women Over 60
Fit-and-flare dresses whether knee-length or longer are chic and flattering. It has a defined waistline and fits closer to the body but is not too tight which makes it uncomfortable. This forgiving silhouette fits every body type.
What is appropriate to wear to a wedding as a guest? ›
Semi-Formal: For daytime weddings, women can wear a knee-length or midi dress, while men can wear a lighter-colored suit. For evening events, opt for darker colors and more formal attire. Dressy Casual: Women can wear a casual dress or separates, while men should wear dress pants with a collared shirt and blazer.
How do I answer what should I wear to a wedding? ›
3. What should I wear?
- “The wedding is casual, so please feel free to wear whatever you'd feel best in!”
- “The wedding is semi-formal, so we encourage you to wear co*cktail attire [for evening events] / Sunday best [for daytime events].”
- “The wedding is formal, so we encourage you to wear black tie attire.
Often sent to unmarried guests, invitations that extend a plus-one give single guests the opportunity to bring a date with them to the wedding. It's usually not an open invitation to bring a friend along to take advantage of the free food and drinks.
What to wear to a wedding if you don t know the dress code? ›
No Dress Code
The best route is to talk to the bride or groom to find out what they expect. You can also talk to other friends attending the event to get a sense of what they plan to wear. If all else fails, it's safest to go with co*cktail or semiformal attire. You'll look elegant but not over the top.
What is a smart casual dresscode? ›
What Is Smart Casual? Smart casual is an approach to dressing professionally that mixes trendier pieces in with classic staples. The goal is an appearance that's clean and professional but doesn't look too formal. You want to look pulled together but a bit interesting and approachable.
How to dress classy over 60? ›
Know what works.
Some styles work particularly well for senior women, Brock says. Blazers and cardigans pair well with V-neck tops, sheath dresses, shift dresses and button-down shirts. "In warmer months, V-neck tops with elbow-length sleeves are the new T-shirt for seniors," she says.
co*cktail dresses generally refer to shorter dresses with a semi-formal feel (think knee-length or mini), but midi dresses or more casual maxi dresses can work too.
Can an older woman wear pants to a wedding? ›
Totally fine! Just make sure they're dressy enough for the nuptials. Start with tailored trousers and a polished blouse, or make things easy for yourself by grabbing a matching blazer. Pant suits are a great way to go, or you can coordinate the color of your pants with your top and have a monochrome moment.
What is the best color to wear as a guest to a wedding? ›
Neutral shades are timeless options that won't detract from the wedding's formal atmosphere. For a more colorful look, consider wearing shades of blue, lavender, or pink to show that you're in the celebratory spirit. If the wedding is in a tropical destination, opt for colors like yellow, orange, and green.
Can I have bare legs at a wedding? ›
I have advised readers that while bare legs are fine even at the most formal events, hosiery also is perfectly acceptable as long as it's skin tone and sheer. I've just returned from a wedding where I wore my new bargain ($10!) black sequined mini and consignment store jeweled black shoes (also $10).
What is the dress code for a female wedding guest? ›
Formal or Black-Tie Optional
So, a tuxedo isn't required, but can still be worn if preferred. If opting for a suit, however, a formal dark suit, white shirt, and a conservative tie are acceptable. For women, the outfit choices remain the same: a floor-length gown, a fancy co*cktail dress, or a dressy pantsuit.
How to respond when someone asks for a plus one to a wedding? ›
Let that guest know how thrilled you are that he or is able to make it to the wedding, but due to budget or space limitations, you unfortunately have had to cap the guest list at a certain amount and are unable to allow plus-ones (as much as you would like to).
How to word plus one on a wedding invite? ›
Below are some examples of how to address a plus one on wedding invitations. Simply write “Mr. Smith & Guest”- Once they confirm that they are coming, you then can go ahead and change the “plus one” to the guest's name on the seating chart, escort cards, etc. Another way of doing this is by not necessarily saying “Mr.
How do you tell wedding guests they have a plus one? ›
Include the plus one on the invitation
It starts on the envelope. Very traditional wedding invitations have an outer and inner envelope. The outer layer addresses the recipient (the guest or couple you know personally) and the inner paper then lists all the names of those who are invited, like children or plus ones.
How to say no plus ones on wedding website FAQ? ›
Include it in the FAQs
“Q. Can I bring plus one to your wedding?” “A. Unfortunately, we're on a tight budget and have limited space, so we simply can't afford for all of our lovely guests to bring a guest of their own.
