When that wedding invitation arrives, the excitement sets in—until you reach the dress code and start wondering, “What do I wear to a wedding”?! What does “semi-formal” actually mean? Can I wear a short dress to a black-tie wedding? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!

Dressing appropriately for a wedding is not just about looking stylish (although, of course, that’s a plus!). It’s about respecting the couple’s special day, feeling confident in what you wear, and making sure you’re comfortable enough to enjoy the celebration.

Let’s break down the most common wedding dress codes, what they really mean, and how to choose the perfect outfit for every kind of wedding!

What The Dress Codes Really Mean

Before we dive into what each dress code means and examples of what you should wear for each, let’s break down the types of dress codes. There’s Black-Tie, Black-Tie Optional, Formal and Cocktail Attire, Semi-Formal and Garden Formal, Casual and Beach Weddings, then there’s Cultural Traditional and Themed.

What To Wear To A Black-Tie and Black-Tie Optional Wedding

• Women, wear full-length evening gowns, elegant cocktail dresses, or a formal jumpsuit.
• Men, wear a tuxedo (for black-tie) or a dark suit with a tie (for black-tie optional).

Style Tip: Stick to rich fabrics like satin or velvet and opt for classic colors like navy, black, or jewel tones for an elegant look. Check out my Pinterest board for Black-Tie inspiration here.

What To Wear To A Formal or Cocktail Attire Wedding

• Women, wear you can wear long, midi, or knee length dresses, a dressy jumpsuit, or chic separates.
• Men, wear a suit with a tie, but no tux required.

Style Tip: This dress code allows for a bit more personality—bold colors, floral prints, and playful accessories are all great options! Check out the formal and cocktail attire inspiration here.

What To Wear To A Semi-Formal or Garden Wedding

• Women, think flowy dresses, pastels, and/or floral.
• Men, a dress shirt, dress pants, and an optional blazer is perfect.

Style Tip: Lighter fabrics like chiffon or linen work well, especially for outdoor weddings! This Pinterest board has inspiration for semi-formal and garden wedding attire.

What To Wear To A Casual or Beach Wedding

• Women, a more dressy sundress, maxi dress, or a breezy jumpsuit.
• Men, wear linen pants or a suit.

Style Tip: Keep it polished—even for a beach wedding, flip-flops and denim are a no-go! For beach weddings, check out this Pinterest board!

What To Wear To A Cultural Or Themed Wedding

If the couple’s wedding includes cultural traditions (like an Indian, Chinese, or Middle Eastern ceremony), research appropriate attire. Traditional garments are often encouraged and appreciated!

Wedding Guest Attire by Season

Remember to keep season in mind, and also whether or not the wedding is in doors or out!

Spring & Summer Weddings – Lighter fabrics, pastel or floral prints, breathable styles.

Fall & Winter Weddings – Richer fabrics (velvet, wool blends), darker tones, elegant layers like shawls or wraps.

Cold-Weather Weddings – Opt for long sleeves, closed-toe shoes, and chic outerwear.

What to Wear to a Wedding: Do’s and Don’ts

Figuring out what to wear to a wedding can feel overwhelming, stick to these do’s and don’t and you’ll be good to go!

Do

• Follow the dress code (if in doubt, go slightly dressier). Also, don’t hesitate to ask the couple if you need clarification!
  
• Wear shoes that you can last all day in—especially if there’s dancing or outdoor terrain.
  
• Consider the venue (elegant heels work for a ballroom, but block heels or flats are better for a garden setting).

Don’t

• Wear white (unless the invite specifically says so)!
  
• Show up underdressed (jeans, sneakers, and athleisure are never wedding-appropriate).
  
• Overdo it—avoid anything that could outshine the couple (don’t go ultra-glam, floor-length ball gown for a casual wedding).

Wedding Guest Outfit Inspiration

Looking for outfit ideas? Here are some shoppable looks based on dress code!

Black-Tie: Check out these picks!
Cocktail: These cocktail dresses would be perfect for a wedding!
Casual Chic: The perfect outfits here!

If you found this information helpful, then follow along here for more wedding tips and inspiration!