Wedding receptions

Mastering Wedding Dress Codes

White Tie

The smartest of the smart. Think state dinners or Hollywood red carpet looks. Nothing short of a formal floor-length evening gown will do for the women, complete with the option of jewellery and a small bag, while a tuxedo, a long black jacket with tails, a formal white shirt, white vest and bow tie and black formal shoes are required for the men.

Black Tie

Not as strict as white tie but still high in terms of formality. Women can wear either a floor-length gown or a smart cocktail dress; men should wear a tuxedo, but a conservative black suit will do in a pinch. A white dinner jacket and black tuxedo trousers are acceptable for black tie summer weddings.

Black Tie Optional

The word ‘optional’ indicates that although a tuxedo isn't required, the event is still smart enough for male guests to wear one, if they so wish to. Women can wear a long dress, dressy separates, or a formal cocktail dress.

Semi-formal/Dressy or Smart Casual

Essentially your Sunday best. Women can opt for a pretty dress with a tailored blazer over it, while a smart suit and tie will do for the men, with the colour of the tie varying according to the time of year and day.

Casual

Casual may appear to give you free rein but it’s worth keeping in mind that a wedding is still a wedding, so do put in some effort. Men can opt for a button-down shirt or a smart polo shirt with trousers – preferably not jeans – while a summer sundress or pretty, low-key separates, natural hair and makeup will do nicely for women.

Festive attire

Festive attire is usually listed as a suggestion when the couple are having a themed wedding; so for example if the couple have gone with a rustic theme, choose an outfit that ties in with the overall look – flowing skirts, peasant tops, natural hair and make-up etc. What’s important when it comes to festive attire is to be enthusiastic, and of course, appropriate.