Wedding Dress Codes DeCoded

Items the couple should do:
1. Please indicate on your invitations what level of dress you'd like your guests to come wearing.
2. Please still explain in greater detail what you mean on your wedding website, for real, set those expectations - DO NOT THINK people will just 'know'.

White Tie

This is the swankiest of swanky! This is truly like a diplomat dinner at the white house. It’s quite unlikely you’ll ever be in this attire for a wedding, but just incase!

Suit wearers are required to wear a tux with tails, white tie, and white shirt.
Dress wearers are in floor-length gowns with appropriate accessories.

Black Tie

This is probably the fanciest most weddings you attend will be. Rent the Runway is perfect for having multiple gowns on hand, but I suggest having a tux in your closet if this is a go-to for your circles.

Suit wearers must wear a tuxedo, black bowtie. In summer a white jacket suffices. There’s no restriction on vest vs. cummerbund, but I’m just saying - cummerbund is the most James Bond-like.
Dress wearers will have a floor-length gown or v fancy pantsuit. Don't show your knees!

Formal/Black Tie Optional

This is where website explanations are helpful because people have different ideas. Some folks won’t say Black Tie optional because they don’t want black ties, but still want dress wearers to wear gowns. For formal, always best to dress up instead of down.

Suit wearers, if you don't own a tux, you are not required to rent/wear one. You still need to wear a darker suit.
Dress wearers can show a bit more ankle/leg - a v fancy cocktail dress is allowed, definitely more fancy than a standard cocktail dress.

Cocktail/Semi-Formal:

Most weddings will fall under this category. The couple will want everyone to dress up and look nice, but this isn’t an event that will make the local magazines and such. Classy, Polished, a fancy work event. You'll stand out wearing a Gown and Tux.

Suit wearers, wear a nice suit and tie.
Dress wearers can show a bit more leg here but likely not above knee.

Casual

Think country club attire, aka it's not a dark suit or heavy dress, but you're definitely not wearing jeans.

Khaki and a sport coat, sundresses, and wedges.

Rule of thumb: Check the website, see if they've indicated anything more specific. You know the standard wedding attire, stick with that unless otherwise indicated. Dark Suit, nice dress.