Here Come’s the Bride…But What Are You Wearing When She Walks Down the Aisle?

 Summertime has officially begun, which means it’s time for long weekends and time spent enjoying the sunshine. It’s no surprise that due to the abundance of beautiful weather during this short time of year, people most often choose to get married between July through October. Wedding season can be daunting for guests with a limited understanding of how to navigate the various forms of attire. From cocktail to formal, it can be difficult to understand exactly what the bride and groom are expecting of their guests. Luckily for you, Joy & Style is here to be your guide for wedding guest attire.

Black-Tie

A Black-Tie wedding is the most formal type of wedding you can attend and commonly takes place in the evening. Ladies should expect to wear floor-length gowns with modest coverage. The silhouette of the gown can be a form-fitting satin sheath or a billowy ball gown style. Pair this attire with pearl or diamond jewelry and style your hair in a neat updo. For gentlemen, dress in a tuxedo or formal suit with a tie or bowtie. Shoes should be patent leather and hair should also be styled back and maintained. You can never go wrong with a Black Tux!

Formal

A Formal wedding is the most common type of wedding and has a similar dress code to a Black-Tie wedding but with a bit more flexibility. Ladies can wear a tea-length dress that is more formal than a cocktail dress but less formal than a ball gown. Jewelry should still be elegant, and heels should still be worn. Men do not need to wear a tuxedo to a Formal wedding but should still wear a form-fitting suit and tie. Black dress shoes are also encouraged.

Cocktail 

Cocktail weddings encourage a bit more fun and creativity than a formal or black-tie wedding. Floor-length dresses are not required, and you can even opt- for an elegant long skirt. Ladies are encouraged to embellish with expressive jewelry and shoes and can opt to wear their hair down in a more casual but groomed style.  For a cocktail wedding, men can wear a dress shirt and tie and opt-in to not wear the formal suit coat. Dress pants are still a must and patent leather shoes should still be worn.

Beach Formal

A Beach wedding in its name is less formal than most other weddings. Since you’re expected to walk on the sand and be outdoors, it’s important to dress for the elements. Ladies can wear long sundresses and even bring a straw hat for protection from the sun. To avoid any spills, wear wedges or block heels vs. stilettos and embrace beachy waves. Men can wear linen or cotton dress shirts and slacks and there is no need for a tie or suit jacket.

Daytime or Casual

Casual or Daytime weddings are common in a backyard or more down-to-earth wedding venues. While they may be the most casual, guests should still dress more elegantly than they do during their day-to-day lives. The best way to compare casual wedding attire is to business casual office attire. Ladies should wear sundresses or long skirts with an elegant blouse. A jumpsuit with wedges is also another great idea with simple accessories. Men can wear khakis and a button-down with a blazer or even a polo with dress pants as well. Men should wear more formal shoes than sneakers, but leather dress shoes are not necessary.