What to wear to an autumn wedding is one question every would-be guest is thinking right about now. As well as using the latest fashion trends to dictate your wedding guest style, taking a hint from the dress code is important.
Whilst you don’t have to look the same as your fellow guests, you do have to respect the wishes of the bride and groom you’re celebrating. So, what does the dress code detailed on your wedding invitation actually mean?
Here we take a closer look at the most common wedding dress codes so you can find an outfit that suits the occasion and complements your personal style.
White tie
If your recently received wedding invite defines ‘white tie’ as the dress code, you can expect a very traditional affair.
White tie is the most formal dress code you can have for a wedding or any other event. But a word to the wise, it shouldn’t be confused with black tie. FashionBeans details the difference between these two formal dress codes:
“The most obvious difference is the colour of the tie (or rather, the bow tie), but you probably worked that out for yourself. Beyond that, black tie is a tad more casual and allows for greater wriggle room and opportunity for personalisation… With white tie being reserved for ultra-formal occasions and having a list of regulations so long… there’s very little you can do to ‘make it your own’.”
When choosing a suit, you should don a white waistcoat and white bow tie with a single-breasted black tailcoat. Guests wearing dresses should wear a full-length dress whether attending just for the reception or for the entire day.
Black tie
A black tie dress code doesn’t necessarily mean wearing black. A dark-coloured suit – either a black design or an ever-popular midnight blue number – is recommended for black tie weddings. A smart shirt and bow tie should be worn underneath to complete this formal look.
You can also be a little more creative with your choice of dress length. Maxi or full-length designs, however, are generally the go-to for black-tie weddings.
Smart casual
A smart casual dress code offers a casual twist on the more formal black tie. You can wear a suit and tie of your choice as long as it looks smart. While dresses are permitted, guests can also mix things up too, with a trouser suit, smart skirt, and top, or jumpsuit, great choices if a cocktail dress isn’t their thing.
Comfort and style are top priorities here so be creative with your choice whilst respecting general wedding outfit etiquette. The lounge suit dress code has similar rules to smart casual, with long evening dresses or overly formal suits and bow ties best avoided.
Casual
Summer may be over but autumn and winter weddings are no strangers to the ‘garden party’ dress code, which is often described as simply ‘casual’.
When styling for this particular dress code, think chic and relaxed. Suits can be worn without ties and day dresses are acceptable. The casual dress code is a popular option for festival weddings and big days with more laid-back themes.
