Explaining Every Wedding Guest Dress Code

The peak wedding season in the Philippines is in January, February, June, and December. These are the months when most couples get married. With June being won and done and December coming up, I’m sure you’ll know friends that are about to get married. Although formal attire remains the most common wedding guest dress code, there are plenty of others that may appear on an invitation. So, to help you prepare your outfit for their upcoming nuptials…

Let me explain every wedding guest dress code out there:

White Tie

The most formal wedding attire possible, it almost feels like you’re about to attend some fancy event for royalty. Women should wear a formal floor-length evening gown, no exceptions. Pair your dress with jewelry, heels, and an elegant clutch. Meanwhile, men are to wear a tuxedo with tails, a formal white shirt, white vest, bow tie, white or gray gloves, and formal footwear like derby shoes or oxfords.

Black Tie

Men should wear a tuxedo with, of course, a black tie. They can also wear a black vest or cummerbund. Women, on the other hand, should choose a formal floor-length gown. However, any color except white is fine. You may not want to overshadow the bride on her own wedding.

Formal or Black Tie Optional

This goes one step down from black tie. This dress code indicates men should opt for a tuxedo or dark suit. However, this prefers going with a white button-down shirt underneath. Nicer dress shoes are also appropriate for the weddingTropical or beach casual usually means a destination wedding. Men should wear short-sleeved and button-down shirt. You can have a coat for a chillier weddings. Women, on the other hand, can wear cotton sundresses with nice sandals or wedges. If the weather is blazing, top it off with a sunhat. . Women, on the other hand, should wear a floor-length evening gown, a formal pantsuit, or a formal (longer hemmed) cocktail dress. Aside from that, women should also go for heels.

Semi-Formal or Dressy Casual or Cocktail

These three terms are interchangeable. It essentially means the same thing. Ties are optional. However, men should wear a suit or sport a coat. Leather dress shoes or dressy loafers are fine. For women, formal pantsuits or cocktail dresses are great. But, keep in mind that the dress lengths should remain above the knee or longer. Darker fabrics for evening weddings and lighter ones for daytime events.

Festive

This dress code is relatively new. Basically, guests have the go signal to have fun and play witht heir look. Opt for a coctail party attire featuring bolder colors and playful accessories. Men should sport a suit, jazzed up with a bright tie or a creative pocket square. Women can wear cocktail or party dresses in a fun color paired with playful accessories and heels.

Casual

Casual dress code usually means that the wedding will be held outdoors or on the beach. This also means that the event will be much more laid-back, especially when it comes to attire. However, jeans, shorts, and tank tops are not approrpriate unless specifically noted as acceptable. Men can wear slacks, khakis, and button-downs or polo shirt. Women, on the other hand, can wear sundresses, jumpsuits, or casual maxi dresses.

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Tropical

Tropical or beach casual usually means a destination wedding. Men should wear short-sleeved and button-down shirt. You can have a coat for a chillier weddings. Women, on the other hand, can wear cotton sundresses with nice sandals or wedges. If the weather is blazing, top it off with a sunhat.

Extras:

Concept Style or Themed

Some couples host concept or themed weddings. They request guests follow the theme with their attire. Wedding guests can look for inspiration from films or celebrities, depending on the theme. For example, a couple wants to their guests to wear pink attire. Then, guests will have to follow them to do so.

Come As You Are

Some couples ask their guests not to fuss about their attire. They would ask wedding guests to show up how they see fit and in what they feel comfortable with. Take into account what the couple normally wears, the location of their wedding, and the time of day.