Dress code standards on wedding invitations can be somewhat confusing. What does “beach casual” mean? Does anyone throw a “white tie” wedding anymore? Fortunately, you needn’t worry about deciphering what type of attire you’re expected to don for the happy event. Following some general guidelines can help you decide on what to wear at the wedding.

Taking Gender Out of the Equation

While most event dress codes break down what to wear by gender, these recommendations aren’t always useful for LGBTQ individuals or others who don’t dress according to the typical gender binary. An April 2018 Catalyst article shows a few examples of wedding wear that doesn’t conform to traditional gender norms. With these realities in mind, this guide does not use gendered language when discussing dress codes.

Dress Code Basics at a Glance 

Some couples adopt simple language to steer their guests in how to dress for their big day. However, you may not be familiar with what “black tie” means or what casual dress is appropriate. Thankfully, The Knot provides a “cheat sheet” to help decipher these common terms:

• “Black tie” usually means tuxedos with cummerbunds and bow ties, upscale cocktail dresses, or long evening gowns.
• “Formal” or “black tie optional” dress translates to dark suits or tuxedos, longer evening dresses, or cocktail-length frocks.
• For “semiformal” affairs, you can rock season-appropriate suits and ties, cocktail frocks, or dressy skirts and tops.
• “Casual dress” typically means business-casual ensembles. Think office-appropriate frocks, or button-down shirts or blouses paired with skirts or dress trousers.

White Tie and Daytime Formal Events

Since “white tie” is the most formal type of dress, you probably won’t see it on many invitations. However, Martha Stewart Weddings editor Emily Platt clarifies that if you normally wear suits, this code calls for tuxedos with black tailcoats and white formal shirts, vests, bow ties, and gloves. Frock wearers should opt for ballgowns or long formal dresses.

On the other hand, a traditional morning suit may be appropriate for daytime formal events. Brides contributor Jaimie Mackey describes this ensemble as “a vest and a cutaway coat (with longer tails that almost reach the knees) and dark pin-striped pants,” paired with a formal dress shirt and, in some cases, a top hat. For formal weddings before 5 p.m., dress wearers can opt for tea-length frocks or even colorful suits with trousers or skirts.

Beach Formal, Cocktail Attire, and Other Variants

What do you do when the invitation reads “beach formal,” “cocktail attire,” “dressy casual,” or other terms you don’t recognize? The Knot explains that “beach formal” calls for dresses with tea-length or knee-length hems or summer suits without a tie. “Cocktail attire” means you can don a suit and tie, a cocktail dress, a dressy suit, or a jumpsuit. Meanwhile, “dressy casual” is usually the same thing as “semiformal.” Nevertheless, don’t hesitate to ask the couple if you’re uncertain what they mean by the invitation’s dress code.

More Smart Tips for Your Attire

When choosing your threads, you’ll need to keep a few additional pointers in mind to avoid an accidental breach of etiquette. First, you should avoid donning the same colors as the wedding party. Also, steer clear of all-white, off-white, or cream-hued ensembles if one half of the couple is wearing a white wedding gown.

While information about wedding-day dress codes may not solve any indecision about what you’ll wear, they’re handy guides to help you choose from the right clothing categories. Remember that you can pick or modify your apparel to fit within your comfort zone, so go for whatever styles feel right for you and follow the formality level of the event. These tips should help you look sharp and feel great when you witness your friends or family tie the knot.