Wedding dress codes explained

Updated September 30, 2026

Quick answer

Wedding dress codes range from most to least formal: black tie (tuxedo and floor-length gown), formal (dark suit and long or elegant cocktail dress), cocktail (suit and short or midi dress), dressy casual (no tie required) and beach or garden (light fabrics). Put it on the invitation with one clear word and, ideally, one line explaining it.

Black tie

  • Men: black tuxedo, white shirt, black bow tie, polished shoes.
  • Women: floor-length gown in fabrics with drape.

Formal

  • Men: dark suit and tie.
  • Women: long dress or a very elegant cocktail dress.

Cocktail

  • Men: suit, tie optional.
  • Women: knee-length or midi dress, or an elegant jumpsuit.

Dressy casual, beach and garden

  • Dressy casual: trousers and a shirt or blazer; no jeans unless stated.
  • Beach and garden: linen and light fabrics, shoes that work on sand or grass.

Rules for every dress code

  • Do not wear white, ivory or pale beige: it is the bride’s color.
  • For a church ceremony, cover your shoulders during the service.
  • If the invitation asks for a color, follow it.

Frequently asked questions

Can you wear black to a wedding?

Yes. Black is common at evening weddings. White is the color to avoid.

What if the invitation has no dress code?

Read the time and venue: an evening ballroom wedding is formal; a daytime garden wedding is cocktail or dressy casual.