Wedding Dress Codes: Decoded

With the return of wedding season, our diaries and inboxes are filling up with ‘save the date’ and RSVP invitations, each with their own unique celebration style, special requests from the bride and groom and of course, specific dress code. From semi formal to white tie and everything in between, deciphering a wedding dress code and finding the right outfit can be a challenge. You need to look at the couple, mary it with the awesome venue they’ve chosen and calculate the outfit response accordingly!

To save you from hours of searching the internet and flicking through fashion magazines, we’ve put together an overview of the most popular dress codes to give you some much needed clarity and help find the perfect outfit to celebrate in style.

White Tie

A step above the classic ‘black tie’ attire, white tie is the most formal of all dress codes and the epitome of luxury and opulence. Choose a floor length ball gown with an elegant train or voluminous princess skirt in rich, gemstone inspired tones such as emerald, ruby and sapphire. Pair your look with a small clutch and simple, yet classic jewellery such as sparkling diamonds or glamorous pearls.

A sweeping floor length gown is a must for a white tie dress code. Deeper tones add a sense of luxury and opulence to any look. Pictured is the Leonie Dress.

Black Tie

Black tie is one of the most popular dress codes for evening wedding celebrations. Take the opportunity to lean into glamour and opt for a floor length gown – it’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed! For spring or summer nuptials, choose a lighter colour palette of golds, nudes and soft blues and pinks and explore deep shades of purple and red in the cooler months. Complete your outfit with a pair of statement earrings and a clutch or dainty cross body bag.

A form fitting silhouette and all-over sequinned finish is a stunning pick for an evening affair. Pair with simple accessories and glamorous waves or a classic updo. Pictured is the Arielle Dress.

Cocktail

A cocktail dress code is again usually reserved specifically for an evening affair, giving you free rein to go all out and get glammed up. Unlike the ever formal white and black tie, experiment with midi or modest mini silhouettes and explore fabrics such as chiffon and tulle in bold colours or prints. For an on-trend look, try a coordinating two piece set and pair with gold earrings, simple heels and a gorgeous updo hairstyle or keep it simple in a classic Little Black Dress.

Silky, satin fabrics, midi lengths and brighter colours tick all the boxes of a cocktail dress code. Pictured is the Naila Midi Dress from Alamour the Label.

Smart Casual

A smart casual dress code usually indicates a daytime ceremony, often held on the beach or at a beautiful outdoor venue surrounded by shady trees. A flowing summer inspired dress, two piece set or elegant wide leg pants and crop combination fit this dress code to a T. When it comes to choosing your colour palette, look for brighter hues of yellow, pink and blue and pair with silver or gold accessories and a coordinating clutch. Depending on the venue, complete your look with formal sandals for a magical seaside ceremony or wedges for a garden celebration.

Take the opportunity to indulge in contemporary styles such as a statement two piece set with a smart casual dress code. Pair the Tia Set with simple wrap sandals and a neutral clutch bag.

Although wedding guest dress codes can feel confusing and overwhelming at times, they don’t have to be! When in doubt, don’t be afraid to overdress and choose an outfit that makes you feel stunning and comfortable so you can have fun and dance the night away in style.