Friends, we discuss the clothes of the bride and groom a lot here. But what about wedding guests?
“What’s there to discuss, they’ll dress as they want,” an inexperienced reader will say)) However, the problem is that “as they want” is an infinitely broad concept and does not always coincide with your idea of clothing appropriate for a wedding.
For example, some gentlemen think it's completely normal to wear shorts and flip-flops to a summer wedding. It's hot! And for winter - in jeans and a sweater. (“What? I always go to weddings like this.”)
Ladies are a separate sad story. Ultramini, extra-decolletage, white dress - your guests can wear all this.
A dress code for guests at a wedding is necessary in order, first of all, to maintain the atmosphere of celebration, and secondly, so that comrades in shabby/provocative clothes do not spoil your mood and photos as a keepsake. The dress code regulates all details of the toilet: style, length, accessories, even color.
Are you no longer questioning the need for a wedding dress code?))) Then let’s get acquainted with its most common options (in descending order of severity):
creative black tie
It involves creating a more fashionable and creative image than a strict classic one. It is appropriate if you want to maintain the maximum solemnity of the event, but at the same time give guests more freedom in choosing a toilet. Ladies: evening or cocktail dress, a trouser suit is also acceptable (evening, not office). Gentlemen: a tuxedo in an unusual color, a classic tuxedo with a bright vest, or an informal tuxedo with a dark shirt without a tie. The color of the bow tie or tie can be any color.
Wedding dress code: everything according to the rules
White Tie
The most formal version of the dress code, which is ideal for a magnificent celebration in a luxurious banquet hall.
Imagine walking the red carpet at the Oscars or being invited to the Venice Ball - and dress accordingly! For women, this is a luxurious floor-length dress, gloves, a fur cape or bolero, a high hairstyle, heels and jewelry. For men, it is a must-have black tailcoat with a white bow tie.
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Author of the photo: Andrey Ovcharenko | Wedding of Yulia and Denis
Black Tie
This is the most popular option for a large celebration. Still formal, it is less formal and formal than white tie. The images should look very noble and elegant, so men are recommended to wear a classic tuxedo with a black bow tie and shoes, and women can wear the same floor-length dresses (ankle length is acceptable), and jewelry can be replaced with expensive jewelry.
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Author of the photo: Nastya Vesna | Wedding of Ruslan and Anastasia
Black Tie Optional
A less formal version of Black Tie, allowing for greater variety in the choice of outfits. For example, instead of a tuxedo, men can wear a dark classic suit, and instead of a bow tie, a tie. Women can go for bolder lengths (with the dress staying no higher than the knee), but heels are still a must.
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Photo by: Nadya Koldaeva | Wedding of Andrey and Alena
Cocktail
One of the most popular dress codes for a small wedding at a restaurant or country club. It involves a slightly glamorous and very smart look: a dark suit (jacket is still required) and tie for men and a cocktail dress and stilettos for women.
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Photo by: Max Koliberdin | Wedding of Vadim and Olya
Festive Attire
This dress code involves formal, festive attire. There are few differences from Cocktail, but this option is suitable for a more informal event in a cafe or outdoor area.
If the wedding starts in the afternoon, women can wear a top and skirt, but if the ceremony is planned for the evening, it is better to give preference to a cocktail dress. For men, you can choose less formal suits in gray or dark blue shades, and you can completely abandon the tie.
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Photo by: Anastasia Belik | Wedding of Ruslan and Elena
Casual
This dress code is chosen for cozy celebrations with family and friends, but this does not mean that you can come to the celebration in jeans and a T-shirt (unless this was specifically agreed upon by the newlyweds). Casual opens up a huge scope for imagination, so it is better to check with the bride in advance where the celebration will take place and which color palette will be most suitable.
Women can come to the holiday in dresses of any length or in a stylish trouser suit, and you can refuse heels. Men can finally ditch the jacket and tie and wear lighter colored trousers with a plain shirt.
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Photo by: Andrey Kharchenko | Wedding of Olya and Yarik
Farm Chic
Dress code for a relaxed, atmospheric farm or country wedding in a rustic or boho chic style. For women, this option involves a summer sundress or dress with a floral print, combined with sandals, sneakers or even cowboy boots.
Men can wear a short-sleeved shirt, light-colored chinos and cheerful colored bow ties. The color palette of the outfits is usually light, in beige, sand and dusty pink tones.
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Author of the photo: Andrey Sukhinin | Wedding of Daniel and Victoria
How to explain the dress code to guests? Read our article!
Semi-formal
Requires clothing that strictly corresponds to the style of the event. Perfect for themed, stylized weddings or celebrations that follow a certain color scheme (if you don’t want your guests to disturb it). Ladies: the choice of look and accessories is limited solely by the theme or color of the event. Cavaliers: suit. It is possible to wear a jumper under a jacket instead of a shirt. A tie is optional, a scarf is acceptable.
You can add your own restrictions to any of the standard dress codes. For example, ban minis, sports shoes (yes, many consider a suit with sneakers to be a good combination), clothes of certain colors (for example, leopard print). However, I advise you not to be too picky and strict with your guests. Otherwise, many may lose the desire to go to your wedding altogether - after all, our guests are not yet accustomed to increased demands.
Be honest
If the dress code is very important to you and plays a huge role in the concept of the wedding, tell your guests about it. A few sincere words can be written in the invitation or explained in person. And keep in mind that despite all your efforts, some of the guests may still come dressed completely outside the dress code - this is normal, and you should be prepared for this.
@megankellyweddings
Even more useful information about preparing for a wedding and wedding trends can be found in our guides.
How to declare a wedding dress code?
The easiest way to do this is in invitations. Moreover, it is better not only to indicate the required dress code, but also to decipher what kind of clothing is meant (as was done above), because Not everyone is familiar with standard notation. The transcript, of course, should not be given in the invitation itself, but attached separately.
If you have doubts about some guests (for example, the older generation) that they will not understand the meaning of the dress code or will not pay attention to it at all, talk to them separately. Explain what the dress code is, why it is necessary, and how to comply. Then you can be almost sure that all guests will dress according to the level of your celebration.
Have a beautiful wedding and - for sure! - beautiful guests. 
Give guests time to prepare
One of the main problems that guests most often have when preparing their outfit for a wedding is not enough time. They simply do not have time to find the required color, style, size and decide on accessories. Therefore, once you have determined the wedding concept and dress code, we advise you not to hesitate and send out invitations to guests indicating the desired style as early as possible.
@ladichosa
General rules for selecting men's attire
There are some rules of etiquette in choosing an outfit in the world. Such important points must always be observed.
For the groom
The guy must look good throughout the wedding, from beginning to end, and also be an example for all those present:
- If the groom decides to come in a suit, then he must carefully select accessories to go with it. Don't forget about the boutonniere.
- A solid suit in dark gray or navy blue works well.
- If the groom likes to save money, then you can rent a suit. Also a good option.
- It is better not to use bright and saturated colors in your outfit. This image will be very rich and colorful for the groom.
How to choose a suit and accessories for a wedding is described in the video:
For guests
The most important thing is not to correspond to the image of the main hero of the occasion. You can't look like the groom. If a man is a friend, then his outfit should not be similar to the groom's outfit.
Rules for choosing an outfit:
- It is not advisable to come to a wedding in vulgar and extravagant clothes. The guest always shows respect for the newlyweds by his presence;
- If a man is going to come to a celebration with a girl, then their outfits should be in the same color scheme;
- You cannot wear beach or sportswear for such a celebration;
- It is not necessary to come to a wedding in a formal suit. Colored items are also an excellent option, but it is imperative that they suit their owner;
- A gray suit is not as strict as blue, so it is perfect for guests.
