A wedding invitation can leave you confused about what to wear for the event. Do you go with the black-tie option or show up all casual? The ideal for the majority of couples is formal and semi-formal attire. But the wedding invitation can still mention other dress codes such as casual or festive, the newest trend. But how do you determine what to wear for your best friend’s wedding? Do you put on your favorite special occasion dresses and be the center of attention?
Use the Location
One of the fastest ways to figure out the dress code is through the location. Do a quick internet search of the wedding venue and get a feel of the style. If anything, check photos of previous weddings at the venue for inspiration.
The most formal wedding attire you will come across is the white-tie. All women show up in evening gowns paired with an elegant clutch, heels, and jewelry. The gown is floor-length. Men wear a tuxedo, a formal white shirt, formal footwear, and bowtie. For a black-tie wedding, women should wear a floor-length gown. But there’s a bit of freedom if the event is less casual. A white dinner jacket is acceptable for men.
Communicate
Sometimes, the venue may fail to give clues, or the variety of the dress codes in their photos may be too much. So what do you do? Classically, asking for clarification may feel a bit awkward, but it helps. Contact the wedding planner for the occasion and ask what they mean by semi-formal or other ambiguous dress code mentioned.
Some of the newest dress codes include festive. With this style, guests have the liberty to choose what feels elegant. A cocktail of bolder colors and styles is becoming a popular trend. Paying attention to what you wear to a wedding is important to avoid looking out of place. Clarify in good time any dress code mentioned and avoid the last-minute rush.