So you’ve been invited to a wedding and you’re not quite sure what to wear. It really depends on the individual wedding, refer to the dress code on your invitation or plump for a safe, smart outfit.

Dress Codes
It is not always obvious how to interpret the dress code of a wedding. Most of the time you will find the dress code on the wedding invitation. The following explanations shall help you to understand what is meant if the following is stated:

• When it says Formal it normally means Black Tie and Evening Gowns in the evening.
• There are weddings, for example Royal Weddings, that have the dess code White Tie or also called Full Forma. An event like this would require White Tie attire for the evening. But such occasions are very rare and should be indicated on the invitation.
• A Semi-Formal dress code normally idicates dark suits and Cocktail Dress in the evening. Semi-Formal (as opposed to Full-Formal) is also traditionally used to request Black Tie and Evening Gowns so this might be worth clarrifying with the bride and groom in advance.
• An Informal dress code is just that - informal and normally implies dark suits and Cocktail Dress in the evening.

You will also find dress codes such as Barefoot and Black Tie. This is a popular dresscode for beach weddings. For a late afternoon wedding with this dress code women can opt for a cocktail dress with no shoes, and men could wear for example an open neck relaxed shirt and beige linen pants.

Keep it Subtle
One golden rule for women when choosing what to wear for a wedding irrespective of the dresscode is not to upstage the bride. It is always useful to remain modest and not to wear anything that could draw attention to you for the wrong reasons or worse, ruin the wedding photos. It is also respectful to keep your shoulders and arms covered throughout the service, so it is best for women to take a shawl and men to wear a jacket whilst you are in the church.

If ever in doubt, contact the Best Man or the Maid of Honour for advice on any dresscodes you may be having trouble deciphering.