A Guide to Guest Attire for 9 Different Wedding Occasions

Attending a wedding is a very important social event, and dressing appropriately not only shows off your taste, but also honors the couple's heartfelt arrangements. However, different types of weddings have different dress codes, from formal tuxedos to relaxed beachwear, each occasion has its own unique etiquette and style. In this guide, BRIDALVENUS detail nine different types of wedding dress code suggestions to help you look presentable and appropriate for every wedding occasion.

Whether you're attending a black tie wedding, a semi-formal wedding, a casual wedding, a beach wedding, a country wedding, a garden wedding, a themed wedding, a destination wedding, or a city wedding, we've got a dress code for you. Below you will find detailed dress code guidelines for each type of wedding you will read about:

1. Formal Wedding

Formal weddings, also known as "black tie weddings", are usually held in the evening at a luxury hotel, ballroom or private club. These weddings are characterized by etiquette and tradition, and the atmosphere is dignified and elegant. Guests are required to follow a strict dress code to match the formality of the occasion.

Dress Code Suggestions

For men

• Tuxedo: A top quality black or dark colored tuxedo is preferred. Navy blue is great too, but you can't go wrong with black. Paired with a black bow tie and waistcoat or vest, this will make you look the part.

• Shirt: a white dress shirt with a wing collar or lapel is best.

• Bowtie: Black bowtie is a must, and it is best to choose one made of silk or satin to look more textured.

• Shoes: Black patent leather shoes are an excellent choice, glossy black leather shoes are also good.

• Accessories: cufflinks, lapel pins and other small accessories can add a sense of detail, but remember not to be too exaggerated, simple and generous is good.

Ladies

• Long Gowns: Either wear that beautiful floor length gown or don't go. Classic black, navy blue and deep red are all good choices.

• Shoes: High heels, in a color that matches the gown, are recommended for a classic style.

• Accessories: jewelry can be embellished, but it should be consistent with the style of the dress and not too shiny.

• Hair: Elegant coiffure or curls are good, the key is to be delicate.

Lesson Learned

Simply put, the dress code for a formal wedding is to be modest and generous, not too exaggerated but must look classy. Men wear good tuxedos, women wear elegant long gowns, and keep the details neat and harmonious, and you will be able to shine on your wedding day.

2. Semi-Formal Wedding 

Semi-Formal Weddings have a slightly more relaxed atmosphere than Black Tie Weddings, and are usually held in the evening or nighttime, at venues that may be banquet halls, clubs, or fine restaurants. These weddings still require guests to dress appropriately, but are less strict than formal weddings and are more flexible and modern.

Dress Code Suggestions

For men

• Suit: Choose a dark colored suit such as black, dark gray or navy. Pair it with a smart tie or bow tie.

• Shirt: A classic white shirt is a safe choice, light colored shirts can also be tried.

• Shoes: black or dark brown leather shoes, don't go for too casual a style.

• Accessories: You can choose delicate cufflinks to enhance the overall taste.

Ladies

• Dress: Cocktail dresses or formal dresses, the length can be up to the knee or calf, it doesn't have to be too long.

• Shoes: High heels are a good choice, the color can be matched according to the dress, classic style is best.

• Accessories: the right amount of jewelry can add a sense of elegance, choose accessories that coordinate with the dress.

• Hairstyle: Natural and elegant hairstyles, such as soft curls or simple coiffure, go well with dresses for this type of occasion.

Lesson Learned.

The dress code for a semi-formal wedding should find a balance between formal and casual. With a classic suit for men and an elegant cocktail dress or dress for women, the right amount of accessories and a sophisticated hairstyle, you can easily handle the occasion without compromising on etiquette and personal style.

3. Casual Wedding

Casual weddings have a relaxed and casual atmosphere and are usually held during the day at a venue that may be outdoors, in a park, or in a family's backyard. This type of wedding focuses on comfort and nature, and guests can dress more casually, but still need to maintain a certain level of decency and neatness.

Dress Code Suggestions

Men

• Attire: men can wear lightweight slacks and a nice shirt, and a blazer is also optional. You can go without a tie or even a jacket, as long as you are dressed appropriately and cleanly.

• Shoes: Clean casual leather shoes or boat shoes are good choices, avoid shorts and flip-flops.

• Accessories: a simple belt and watch are enough to keep the whole thing simple and elegant.

Ladies

• Dress: A lightweight dress or summer dress is perfect. You can choose a strapless or sleeveless dress in linen, chiffon or lace for comfort and style.

• Shoes: Sandals, flats or low heels are fine, choose the right style according to the venue.

• Accessories: Some lightweight jewelry, such as bracelets and necklaces, can add a bit of flair without being over-the-top.

• Hairstyle: Natural hairstyles, such as loose or simple braids, keep it relaxed.

Lesson Learned.

Casual weddings are about finding a balance of comfort and decency. Men wear slacks and nice shirts that don't have to be too formal, but avoid being too casual. Women can opt for a lightweight dress with comfortable sandals. Remember, even though this is a casual wedding, it's still a celebration, so don't be too casual and keep it somewhat ceremonial so you can enjoy the whole thing with both ease and grace.

4. Beach Wedding

Beach weddings are usually held on sunny seashores with a relaxed and romantic atmosphere. This wedding dress code is relatively casual, but still need to maintain a certain sense of formality. The focus of a beach wedding is on comfort and adaptation to the environment, such as lightweight, breathable clothing and shoes suitable for the sand.

Dress Code Suggestions

Men's

• Attire: Men can choose lightweight linen or khaki pants with a short-sleeved button-down shirt. If the weather is particularly hot, shorts are not out of the question, but keep them clean and tidy.

• Shoes: Boat shoes, sandals or flip-flops are all acceptable, and remember to pick something sandy. There are also options for more formal ones, such as sailboat shoes.

• Accessories: a simple watch and sunglasses are enough to keep it casual.

Ladies

• Dresses: Light and airy dresses or maxi dresses are best, linen, cotton or chiffon are all good. Avoid skirts that are too short in case the sea breeze makes a mess.

• Shoes: Flat sandals, beach shoes or wedges are good choices, and high heels should be avoided unless they are chunky.

• Accessories: You can choose bright colors and lively accessories, such as some bright bracelets or necklaces, to add a little beach style.

• Hairstyles: Natural hairstyles are best, simple ponytails, braided hair or casual curls will fit in perfectly with the beach atmosphere.

Lesson Learned.

The key to a beach wedding is ease and comfort. Men can opt for lightweight linen pants or shorts with a short-sleeved shirt, while women choose a flowy dress or maxi skirt with sand-appropriate shoes. Remember, this is a special celebration, so don't be too casual, but you don't need to be overly formal either. Keep it natural and comfortable and enjoy this romantic seaside wedding!

5. Rustic Wedding

Rustic weddings are usually held in farms, barns or country huts and other locations, the atmosphere is natural and rustic, with a strong rustic flavor. This type of wedding dress code is relatively casual, but still to maintain a certain sense of fashion, suitable for outdoor and natural environment.

Dress Code Suggestions

Men's

• Attire: Considering the atmosphere of a countryside wedding, men can choose khaki pants or similar casual pants with a button-down shirt or a nice polo shirt. If the weather is cool, a light sweater or jacket can be worn.

• Shoes: Leather shoes or clean loafers are a good choice, try to avoid shoes that are too formal.

• Accessories: a simple watch and belt will do, keeping the overall look simple and elegant.

Ladies

• Dress: A lightweight floral dress or a sundress for the outdoors is perfect. You can also opt for an elegant jumpsuit in a fabric that can be cotton or linen for a rustic, natural look.

• Shoes: flats, boots or wedges are great for comfort and fit the atmosphere of a country wedding.

• Accessories: You can choose some natural style accessories, such as wooden bracelets or floral hair accessories, to add a little rustic style.

• Hairstyles: Natural hairstyles are best, such as loose braids or natural curls, simple and elegant.

Lesson Learned.

The key to a rustic wedding is comfort and naturalness. Choose khaki pants and button-down shirts for men and lightweight floral skirts or jumpsuits for women. Remember to bring shoes that are appropriate for the outdoors, keep your hair natural and keep your accessories simple. While you don't need to dress too formally, don't be too casual either; keep a casual but classy style so you can look both relaxed and presentable for your country wedding.

6. Garden Wedding

Garden weddings are usually held in parks, private back gardens or outdoor lawns, with an atmosphere full of family romance and nature. The dress code for a wedding like a garden wedding is semi-formal because it is in a natural setting and the green of the grass allows for more colors and patterns.

Dress Code Suggestions

For Men

• Attire: Men can opt for a lightweight suit or linen pants paired with a nice shirt. Polo shirts are also a good choice if you want to be more casual. You can add a light jacket or blazer with a brightly colored pocket scarf or tie.

• Shoes: clean casual leather or sailboat shoes are fine, remember to avoid overly formal shoes.

• Accessories: a simple watch and belt with a pair of sunglasses will complete the look.

Ladies

• Dress: Choose a light and airy dress in a floral pattern or light colors. maxi dresses, tea-length dresses or summer dresses are great for this occasion.

• Shoes: Flat sandals, straw sandals or comfortable wedges work well, avoid high heels as walking on the lawn may not be as easy.

• Accessories: You can choose some simple jewelry, such as tiny earrings or bracelets, to add a little flair but not over the top.

• Hairstyles: Natural hairstyles are best, such as loose curls or simple braids, which are both elegant and suitable for outdoor environments.

Lesson Learned.

The key to a garden wedding is finding the balance between semi-formal and comfortable. Men can opt for lightweight suits or linen pants, while women choose flowing dresses with lawn-appropriate shoes and minimalist accessories. Keep your hair natural and enjoy this romantic outdoor wedding!

7. Themed Wedding

Themed weddings are a creative and fun form of wedding, usually setting a specific theme based on the couple's interests or a special story. Whether it's vintage, gothic or otherwise unique, the atmosphere of a themed wedding is always unique and memorable. This type of wedding can be held in a variety of settings, both indoors and outdoors, and the timing can be flexible depending on the theme.

Dress Code Suggestions

For men

• Clothing: Choose clothing according to the theme of the wedding. If it's a vintage theme, wear a classic three-piece suit with a pocket watch and vintage tie. If it is a gothic theme, dark colored clothing and some leather elements are good choices.

• Shoes: Choose the right shoes according to the theme, such as classic oxfords for a vintage wedding and black leather boots for a gothic wedding.

• Accessories: Themed weddings allow for more creative play and can be accessorized with accessories that match the theme, such as vintage hats, leather gloves or unique bow ties.

Ladies

• Dress: Ladies can choose a dress according to the theme. For a vintage theme, choose a classic dress or a long dress with lace, while for a gothic theme, choose a long dark-colored dress or a dress with a unique design.

• Shoes: Choose the right shoes according to the theme, such as elegant high heels for a vintage wedding and uniquely designed boots or low heels for a gothic wedding.

• Accessories: You can choose some accessories that match the theme, such as vintage jewelry, gothic style necklaces or bracelets, to increase the uniqueness of the overall look.

• Hairstyle: Adjust your hairstyle according to the theme, for example, you can choose elegant coiffure or curly hair for vintage wedding, and some more avant-garde hairstyle for gothic wedding.

Lesson Learned.

The key to a themed wedding is to fully commit to the theme. Whether it's vintage, gothic or any other style, try to follow the dress code of the theme and show off a distinctive look. Men can choose clothing and accessories that match the theme, while women can show off the theme with unique dresses and hairstyles. Remember, themed weddings are the perfect opportunity to showcase creativity and individuality, so be bold and show off your style!

8. Destination Wedding

Destination weddings are usually held in picturesque and exotic locations such as beaches, tropical jungles or historic cities. The uniqueness of this type of wedding is that it is not only a wedding celebration, but also a traveling experience. The dress code depends on the specific location and climate of the wedding, but overall it will be more casual and comfortable than a traditional wedding.

Suggested Dress Code

Men's

• Clothing: Choose clothing appropriate to the location of the wedding. For a tropical wedding, choose a lightweight linen suit or slacks with a short-sleeved shirt. If the weather is particularly hot, shorts are acceptable, but remember to keep it neat.

• Shoes: Boat shoes, sandals or clean loafers are good choices, avoid overly formal leather shoes.

• Accessories: You can choose a lightweight straw hat and a pair of sunglasses, which are not only stylish but also protect you from the sun.

Ladies

• Dress: For women, choose a light and airy dress or two-piece suit in a tropical material such as cotton, chiffon or linen. If the wedding is on the beach, a brightly colored dress will look more appropriate for the occasion.

• Shoes: Flat sandals, straw sandals or wedges are great for comfort and can easily handle sandy or uneven surfaces.

• Accessories: Choose some lightweight jewelry, such as bright bracelets or earrings, to add a bit of tropical flair, but don't go overboard.

• Hairstyles: Natural hairstyles are best, such as loose curls or simple braids, which are both elegant and suitable for tropical environments.

Lesson Learned.

The key to a destination wedding is to adapt to the local climate and flavor. For men, go for a lightweight linen suit or slacks, and for women, choose a flowy dress or two-piece suit with outdoor-appropriate shoes and minimalist accessories. Remember, it's not just a wedding, it's an unforgettable travel experience, so dress comfortably yet stylishly and enjoy this unique celebration!

9. City Wedding

City weddings are usually held at city halls, courthouses, or trendy urban venues with a modern and stylish atmosphere. The dress code for this type of wedding is somewhere between formal and casual, with a focus on clean, smooth lines and elegance.

Dress Code Suggestions

Men

• Attire: Men can opt for clean-cut attire such as a casual suit or stylish khaki pants with an open-necked shirt. For a more formal look, add a blazer.

• Shoes: Boat shoes, clean casual leather shoes or stylish sneakers are fine, avoid overly formal leather shoes.

• Accessories: A pair of stylish sunglasses and a simple watch will add color to the overall look.

Ladies

• Dresses: Women can choose elegant dresses that are either above the knee or calf length and made of flowing chiffon or soft silk. Vintage-style silhouettes, such as column gowns with thin straps, work well to elongate the figure and emphasize the shoulders and collarbone.

• Shoes: Sandals or low heels work well, choose the right style according to the overall look.

• Accessories: Choose some simple but tasteful accessories, such as tiny earrings or a delicate necklace, to add elegance to the overall look.

• Hairstyle: Natural and elegant hairstyles, such as soft straight hair or elegant coiffure, go well with dresses for these occasions.

Lesson Learned.

The key to a city wedding is simplicity and style. Men can opt for a clean, casual suit or khaki pants, while women go for an elegant dress with minimalist accessories and a natural hairstyle. Remember, it's better to dress slightly formal than overly casual so you can look both stylish and presentable for a modern city wedding.

 

And finally in a long-winded way~

Well, guys, no matter what type of wedding you're attending, from a formal black-tie wedding to a relaxed beach wedding, we've got the most detailed outfit guide for you. Remember, the star of the wedding is always the bride, and no matter how sophisticated your outfit is, don't wear something so eye-catching that it steals all the attention away from you.

The key is to find the right balance when you're preparing to attend these different types of weddings. Men, pick a decent suit and keep it simple. Ladies, choose a beautiful dress with just the right amount of accessories and a natural hairstyle so you can show off your style without being disrespectful at your wedding.

Whether you're attending a lavish formal wedding or a relaxed beach party, wear the right dress and you'll be able to enjoy this wonderful time of celebration. Remember these tips and don't forget to smile and be polite, that's what counts!

Let's all toast to the happiness of the couple!