dress codes for your wedding

for the bride

daytime formal: A formal event in the late morning or early afternoon is always less formal than the same caliber event held in the evening, but still considered FORMAL. The bride should consider a floor-length gown with a cathedral or chapel train in white or ivory. A long veil is also an essential accessory though a train remains optional should she choose a long gown featuring a full skirt. Gloves are mandatory for both sleeveless and short-sleeved gowns and shoes are required to match the dress. The bride should carry a bouquet.

evening formal: Anything after 6 pm (including the start time of the ceremony, reception, or both) is considered FORMAL. While the attire for the bride remains the same
(as daytime formal, see above), the bride should consider perhaps a more embellished gown and/or more ornate accessories.

daytime semi-formal: Sometimes considered “casual “ warrants a more relaxed style, even for the bride. Options include a white, ivory, or pastel colored floor-length dress (but not necessarily a gown) with an elbow-length veil. (she can omit the veil all together if casual is more her style). A hat or flowers in the hair are also an acceptable option.

evening semi-formal: Again, gown choice is similar as the one for the daytime (semi-formal) event, but the gown and accessories (and maybe the veil) should be a bit more luxurious.

for the groom

daytime formal: Guys have several acceptable options including a cutaway coat in grey or black with striped pants, a grey waistcoat, wing-collared white shirt and matching ascot. The second option is a shorter jacket with striped pants, and wing-collared shirt...or the traditional tux.

evening formal: Calls for a more traditional and classic look such as a basic black tux or dinner jacket, black striped pants, coordinating vest or cummerbund and bow tie. For a very formal affair consider black tie and tails.

daytime semi-formal: Opt for a grey or black jacket with striped pants, vest, white shirt, and a grey and white striped tie.

evening semi-formal: Dark dinner jackets in the winter and lighter color and fabric dinner jacket and sport coats in the warmer months with matching or complimentary contrasting trousers, an attention getting tie, and even a vest, are all excellent options.

attendants and wedding party members

daytime formal: Exemplify elegance with a floor-length, ballerina or tea-length gown. Consider wearing flowers in the hair. Make sure shoes match the gown, and that handbags match the shoes.

evening formal: Long or ballerina length gowns ONLY. Shoes should again match dress and handbags should compliment shoes. Hair should feature a hat or flowers.

daytime semi-formal: Attire is similar to that of a formal daytime affair. Choose a floor length, ballerina, or tea-length dress and for more a “casual” outdoor event, it’s appropriate for attendants to wear slighter shorter dresses and gowns.

evening semi-formal: Understated opulence should be the theme. Consider a long, ballerina or tea-length gown. A more “casual” event may also call for slighter shorter styles.

for the moms

daytime formal: Your most elegant option is a street length or up to the knee dress or morning suit with hat and gloves.

evening formal: Adorn yourself in floor length gown, head covering and opulent jewelry.

daytime semi-formal: Select a street-length dress and a hat or some type of headdress.

evening semi-formal: Consider a long dress as the preferred preference. However shorter dresses are also an option. For an informal wedding opt for a street-length dress or suit.

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