Have you ever received a wedding invitation that left you completely dumbfounded about the wedding guest dress code that is printed on the invite? Anything other than black tie and semi-formal can be tricky to decipher. Formal, semi-formal, and casual are a bit more vague than black-tie and it can be rather difficult for guests to choose the right level of formality they want to go for. Let's take a look at the different wedding dress codes below.

Casual Wear

Casual wedding can be the same as a fancy brunch or a dinner date and you should still approach it with grace.  Of course you have to avoid wearing shorts and flip flops to a wedding. Casual dress code indicates that the wedding will likely be held outdoors or by the beach. This means that the event will be much more laid-back when it comes to attire. Having said that, denim, shorts and tank tops are not appropriate unless specifically noted as acceptable by the wedding couple. You can opt for a summer sundress and pair with wedges or dressy sandals. For daytime casual wedding, you can opt for an airy short or midi dress. For nighttime casual wedding, a longer dress is more appropriate. Image - Gold Wedding Guest Dress Shoes

Formal Wear

The most common wedding dress code is formal attire and it is generally less strict compared to black tie affairs. The downside is that there is not much guidance on what to wear other apart from avoiding anything casual because it is a formal affair. Long dresses made of silk or crepe in deep colors like mauve, emerald, or navy are most often associated with formal weddings. Go for fabrics like silk or crepe which is great. Image - Baby Blue Long Wedding Guest Dress

Cocktail Attire

Cocktail attire can be a tad tricky to navigate. This dress code falls somewhere between semi-formal and fully formal. It is a bit above semi-formal but not as formal as black tire. Cocktail attire is a popular dress code choice. It is a balance between elegant and comfortable and usually more formal than a day wedding but more casual than a night celebration. Instead of a floor-length dress, tea-length, knee-length, or midi dress are more suitable. Remember to look classy and polished, but you do not need to wear something overly embellished or fancy that may take the attention away from the newlyweds.Image - Royal Blue Satin wedding guest Dresses 

Semi Formal

Semi formal dress code is just a notch below cocktail. You would want to dress up like you are going to a fancier restaurant for dinner. Opt for darker, more formal colors for a wedding in the evening and light colors and fabric for day time wedding. As for the hemline, below-the-knee dresses are appropriate for semi-formal weddings.Image - Short wedding guest Dresses Black

Black Tie

Black tie means fancy and if your invitation calls for this dress code, you would want to pull out all the stops for this one. You need the heels and gowns for a black tie wedding. This is dress code is usually meant for a wedding that is held in the evening. Women should wear a formal floor-length gown that does not reveal the ankles at the hem of the dress. If the wedding seems less formal, a sophisticated cocktail dress is acceptable. 

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