What to Wear to a Wedding:
Decoding Dress Codes

I know, I know… When you get invited to a wedding, one of the first things you think is: “What should I wear?” I completely understand. You want to make sure you’re dressed appropriately, not just to honor the couple but also to fully enjoy the event. The worst feeling is showing up to the wedding and thinking, “Oh no, I wore the wrong outfit!”

To help with that decision, at LiliWeds, we always make sure to include the dress code in the invitation. But I know you’re probably not an expert in dress codes, and you might have questions like: What’s the difference between Formal and Black Tie? Or, what does Tropical Formal mean? That’s why I wrote this blog for you.

Formal attire might be the most common dress code, but there are many others that could appear on a wedding invitation. Today, I’ll walk you through the different types of wedding dress codes and what they mean, from the most casual to the most formal.

Casual

This usually means the wedding will be outdoors and the event will have a more relaxed vibe—especially when it comes to attire. For women, a summer dress is appropriate. Elegant sandals are the perfect footwear.

For men, you can wear dress pants or khakis with a collared shirt. Avoid T-shirts, sneakers, casual sandals, jeans, or shorts.

Semi-Formal or Dressy Casual

When choosing your outfit for a semi-formal wedding, keep in mind the time of day. Opt for darker, more formal colors for an evening wedding and lighter fabrics for a daytime event.

Women should wear a below-the-knee dress or an elegant skirt and top. A chic pant suit is also appropriate, but floor-length gowns would be too much. Pair it with cute heels or formal flats. If the ceremony is outdoors, avoid traditional heels as they might sink into the grass (you don’t want to lose your ‘chaché’—haha).

For men, a dress shirt and pants are a must, with a tie and jacket. A full suit is optional, but avoid black.

Tropical Formal or Bohemian Formal

This is a newer dress code that’s becoming popular for weddings at haciendas, gardens, or the beach. Tropical weddings are often outdoors, but being outdoors doesn’t mean you can’t be formal.

Women should go for long, flowy dresses, possibly with prints and sleeveless styles. If you’re unsure if your outfit is formal enough, it probably isn’t—add accessories to elevate your look. If the wedding is early in the afternoon, a sun hat can complete the look.

For men, guayabera shirts are almost always a perfect choice. For those unfamiliar, guayaberas are button-down shirts with decorative square pockets, often embroidered. They come in a variety of colors, but white is the most traditional. If you’d rather not wear a guayabera, refer to the semi-formal dress code for men.

Formal / Black Tie Optional

While a tuxedo isn’t required, the event is formal enough to warrant one. Women can choose between a floor-length gown, an elegant cocktail dress, or a chic pant suit—but skip excessive glitter or sequins.

Men can wear a tuxedo or a formal dark suit with a white shirt and conservative tie.

Black Tie

If the couple selects this dress code, it usually means the wedding is an evening event. Women should wear a formal floor-length gown that doesn’t reveal the ankles. Elegant pant suits are also acceptable.

Men should wear a tuxedo, with optional cummerbund and patent leather shoes. For summer weddings, a white tuxedo jacket with black tuxedo pants is also acceptable.

White Tie

This is the most formal dress code possible (think state dinners at the White House). It’s your chance to go all out! Women should wear a full-length evening gown with no exceptions. Pair it with jewelry, heels, and an elegant clutch.

Men should wear a tailcoat tuxedo, formal white shirt, white vest and bowtie, white or gray gloves, and formal footwear like oxfords or derby shoes.

If you enjoyed this guide, leave your comment below ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️ and let me know what other topics you’d like to see here on the Lili Blog: Learn with Lili.

XOXO, Lili