Wedding Dress Code 101
Knowing the difference between each type of dress code is important to the wedding planning process. It ensures all guests are on the same page when the big day comes.
Here are the basics:
Casual
A casual dress code is, you guessed it, casual! You are most likely to see this wedding attire requested at a beach wedding venue or other laid-back locations. While the dress code calls for a comfortable outfit, tank tops, sneakers and distressed clothing should stay at home. Instead, women can opt for a floral dress and sandals, while men can wear khakis and collared shirts.
Semi Formal or Dressy Casual
These wedding dress codes can vary depending on the weather, time of day, and wedding venues. The bottom line is that the wedding attire is more elevated than a casual dress code. Women should wear below-the-knee dresses paired with nice sandals or heels. Men should opt for slacks and a button-down shirt; a tie is optional.
Cocktail
Cocktail attire is immensely popular within the wedding space. The cocktail wedding dress code is a perfect balance between comfortable and elevated. If you deem your wedding’s dress code cocktail, expect to see suits and ties. Women have the option to wear a short, tea-length or midi dress.
Formal and Black-Tie Optional
Formal and black-tie optional wedding dress codes may be slightly less formal than a black-tie wedding, so don’t rent the tuxedo just yet! Men may wear darker colored suits with ties, while women should plan to wear a floor-length dress, an elevated cocktail dress, or a dressy pantsuit.
Black and White Tie
The most opulent weddings may choose to require a black or white-tie dress code. Black-tie is a step below its white-tie counterpart. Both require men to wear tuxedos with a bowtie, cummerbund or vest, and formal footwear. Women should plan to wear floor-length evening gowns to both events, although a modest cocktail dress or pantsuit may be appropriate for black-tie.
Theme
Having an overall theme is an important visual aspect of the wedding. The wedding dress code should tie into the theme and create cohesion across the event.
A good wedding planning tip to help you decide on a dress code is to visualize your ideal wedding photos. Will the colors worn by guests and the bridal party clash with your theme colors? How do you want the event to look when you reminisce? This will give you a promising idea of what your guests and wedding party should wear.
Location, Location, Location
Here’s a wedding tip: think about the wedding venue location when setting your dress code. More formal wedding venues may call for dressier wedding attire, while a beach event may call for a more laid-back look.
Season
While wedding planning, keep the big day’s weather forecast in mind. Consider light and airy fabrics and summer colors for weddings with high temps. For autumn weddings, consider colors and textures that will tie in with the fall foliage. Heavier fabrics like velvet and rich colors like jewel or earth tones will create a breathtaking event.
Keeping Budget in Mind
Another important wedding tip: keep your budget and your guests’ budgets in mind as you plan your wedding. If opulence is important to your wedding dress code, make sure you let your guests and bridal party know well ahead of time so they can budget. Full transparency is key! Let your bridal party know what is included in the day and what they are expected to pay for.
Blackberry Ridge
Blackberry Ridge, a golf course and venue space offers both indoor and outdoor settings. The wedding venue space at Blackberry Ridge is so versatile, it could host a wedding of any theme or dress code! Consider an outdoor “garden” style event and ask guests to wear linens and other light wedding attire, or consider hosting an indoor classy event with bowties and formal dresses to match.
No matter the vibe, Blackberry Ridge has you covered. Our team of experts have all the experience and tools to help you during your wedding planning process and curate your ideal look.
Contact us for more information and wedding tips!
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