Once you've got your dresses and suits picked out, you then get to look at veils, shoes, jewellery, ties, hairpieces, cufflinks, and even socks, underwear and pocket squares. You might even need to think about adding jackets, or handbags, or even something as fun as sunglasses, to your wedding day attire, depending on the setting.
Whether you're opting for understated minimalism or extravagant maximalism, nothing elevates an outfit quite like the right accessories.
what is a wedding dress code?
A wedding dress code is more than just a suggestion of what you'd ideally like your guests to wear: It's a guide that you set to communicate the tone and formality of your event. While it's not common in Australia, and can be seen as extremely rude, to request that guests wear specific pieces and colours, a dress code is a vital inclusion on any wedding invitation. If you don't include one, you risk being bombarded with calls and messages asking you what it is, or guests showing up in outfits that range across a spectrum of formality. At best, this is going to make group photos look slightly odd due to how mismatched everyone is. At worst, it's going to actively detract from the aesthetic that you've designed for the day and is going to make your guests feel awkwardly out of place. Dress codes help guests understand what’s appropriate, avoid the embarrassment of over or underdressing, and align with the overall ambiance that you're aiming for.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common wedding dress codes, from the most formal to the most relaxed:
full evening dress
White tie dress code is extremely rare. It's the highest possible level of formality and is typically reserved for the most elite members of high society, such as royalty. It's unlikely that anyone who would ever get invited to, let alone host, a white tie event, wouldn't already be aware of the dress code regulations, but just in case:
- Full length/floor length evening gown in a solid colour, elegant jewellery, classic heels and a small, clutch bag. Evening/opera gloves are optional accessories, as is a tiara.
- Black tailcoat, white waistcoat, white dress shirt with single cuffs fastened by cuff links and the eponymous white bow tie worn around a standing wing collar. High waisted or mid waisted black trousers with galon, and black patent leather court shoes. White gloves, top hat, opera cloak and cane are traditional accessories for white tie but are rarely worn to modern events.
- For cold weather weddings, a pashmina or wrap can be worn over dresses, while an evening overcoat and white scarf are commonly worn over tailcoats.
dinner wear
Black tie dress code is an elegant and timeless option for evening weddings with plated, sit down dinner service. Unlike the extremely strict regulations for white tie, there is slightly more variation when it comes to black tie, with different levels of formality possible across the black tie attire.
- Full length/floor length evening gown in a solid colour, understated jewellery, classic heels and a small, clutch bag. A floor length, well-tailored pant suit in a suitably formal fabric, such as organza or silk, may also be worn.
- Black, blue or white tuxedo/dinner suit, with silk jacket lapels and a single matching braid along the outseam of the trousers, white dress shirt with French cuffs fastened by cuff links and the eponymous black, silk bow tie worn around a turndown collar, and black patent leather dress shoes. A black, low cut waistcoat or cumberbund is a more formal addition, while a peaked lapel is the most formal option for the tuxedo jacket. A homburg, bowler or boater hat is an optional accessory.
- For cold weather weddings, a pashmina or wrap can be worn over dresses or jumpsuits, while an evening overcoat and black scarf are commonly worn over tuxedos.
black tie optional
Formal / black tie optional dress code is perfect for when you want your evening wedding with a plated, sit down dinner service to feel elegant and timeless, but don't want to force your guests to go out and get a tuxedo. It's very clearly still polished, but has more flexibility than traditional black tie.
- Full length/floor length evening gown in a solid colour, understated jewellery, classic heels and a small, clutch bag. A floor length, well-tailored pant suit in a suitably formal fabric, such as organza or silk, may also be worn.
- A tuxedo, as per the black tie dress code, is welcome: Black, blue or white tuxedo/dinner suit, with silk jacket lapels and a single matching braid along the outseam of the trousers, white dress shirt with French cuffs fastened by cuff links and the eponymous black, silk bow tie worn around a turndown collar, and black patent leather dress shoes. Otherwise, a formal suit in a dark colour, white dress shirt with cufflinks, and a tie or bowtie can be worn.
- For cold weather weddings, a pashmina or wrap, a cape, or princess or wrap coat or can be worn over dresses or jumpsuits, while an evening overcoat and black scarf are commonly worn over tuxedos and also work over suits.
flexible but formal
Cocktail dress code is an extremely popular middle ground, and is the most common dress code for modern Australian weddings. It's still dressy and polished but isn't over the top, and invites guests to wear more colourful and versatile ensembles. This flexibility makes it perfect for day time or evening weddings across a range of venues, with either cocktail style catering or a sit down dinner service.
- A cocktail dress is a knee length, tea length or midi dress in a more formal fabric, such as organza or silk. For modern weddings, a maxi dress can also be worn, but it should be in a more casual fabric, like linen or cotton. A tailored jumpsuit or pant suit can also be worn. For all options, brighter colours and patterns are encouraged for day time weddings, while darker colours are still the norm for evening weddings. Accessories include understated jewellery, classic heels or formal flats and a small, clutch bag.
- Formal suit, white dress shirt with or without cufflinks, and a tie or bowtie can be worn. For this dress code, a jacket and tie or bow-tie must be worn. In Australia, linen suits are commonly worn at cocktail weddings, especially over summer. Lighter suit colours such as beige, light blue, sage and light grey are popular for daytime and warm weather weddings, while darker shades such as navy and black are common for evening and colder weather weddings. Dress shoes in a matching colour are required.
- For cold weather weddings, a pashmina or wrap, a cape, or princess or wrap coat or can be worn over dresses or jumpsuits, while an overcoat and scarf can be worn over over suits.
flexible & fun
Semi formal dress code is another extremely popular middle ground option, and is also very common at Australian weddings; in fact, it's often listed alongside cocktail, as if they're interchangeable, but there are some differences between them. Semi formal has more range than cocktail, so while it's still dressy and can be polished, it can also be a lot more relaxed than all of the previous dress codes. It invites guests to wear more colourful and versatile ensembles in a range of fabrics, and this flexibility makes it perfect for day time or evening weddings across a range of venues, with either cocktail style catering or a sit down dinner service.
- Knee length, tea length or midi dress in any fabric, or a maxi dress in a more casual fabric, like linen or cotton. A jumpsuit, a dressy skirt and top, or a pantsuit can also be worn. For all options, brighter colours and patterns are encouraged for day time weddings, while darker colours are still the norm for evening weddings. Accessories include bold jewellery, heels, dressy wedges, or formal flats and a small, clutch bag.
- A suit and button-down shirt, or a blazer or sports coat and button-down shirt with dress pants, slacks or chinos. For this dress code, cufflinks, jacket, and tie or bow-tie are all optional. In Australia, linen suits are commonly worn at semi formal weddings, especially over summer. Lighter suit colours such as beige, light blue, sage and light grey are popular for daytime and warm weather weddings, while darker shades such as navy and black are common for evening and colder weather weddings. Dress shoes or loafers in a matching colour are required for shoes.
- For cold weather weddings, a wrap, A-line, pea, double-breasted or wrap coat can be worn over dresses or jumpsuits, while an overcoat and scarf can be worn over over suits or blazers.
suitably stylish
Smart casual dress code is still a step above everyday wear, but is more relaxed than semi-formal - think business casual, but with more fun accessories and brighter patterns and colours than the typical office wear. Guests still have to avoid jeans and t-shirts, mini-dresses, and sneakers, but the more laid-back nature of a smart casual dress code makes it perfect for outdoor weddings with brunch receptions or cocktail style catering.
- Knee length, tea length or midi dress in any fabric, or a sundress or maxi dress in a more casual fabric, like linen or cotton. A jumpsuit or a dressy skirt and top can also be worn. For all options, brighter colours and patterns are encouraged. Accessories include bold jewellery, block heels, wedges, sandals or flats and a small, clutch bag.
- Blazer or sports coat and button-down shirt with slacks, chinos or linen trousers. For this dress code, jacket and tie or bow-tie are optional. A whole range of colours and patterns are acceptable. Dress shoes or loafers can be worn, but boat shoes are also welcome.
- For cold weather weddings, a pea, double-breasted or wrap coat can be worn over dresses or jumpsuits, while an overcoat and scarf can be worn over over blazers or sports coats.
cool & comfortable
Casual dress code is the most relaxed dress code for weddings, but it's not free reign to wear literally anything you want. Casual in terms of weddings is still different to everyday casual wear, so guests should still avoid jeans and t-shirts, mini-dresses, and sneakers. The very laid-back nature of a casual dress code still makes different levels of formality possible, so it's a good option for backyard weddings, small and simple outdoor weddings, or elopements, if explicitly requested by the couple.
- Midi dress, sundress or maxi dress, all in a more casual fabric, like linen or cotton. A relaxed jumpsuit can also be worn. For all options, simple designs are encouraged. Accessories can be kept minimal, while wedges, sandals or flats are appropriate shoes.
- Button down shirt or polo shirt with chinos or khakis. For this dress code, a blazer or sports coat is optional, while a tie or bow-tie should be avoided. The most formal outfit for a casual dress code would be a button down shirt with chinos and a sports coat. The most casual outfit for this dress code would be a polo and dress shorts, but this is only acceptable on the absolute hottest of wedding days, or for the most chill of beach weddings. Loafers or boat shoes are acceptable.
- For cold weather weddings, a pea or wrap coat can be worn over dresses or jumpsuits, while an overcoat can be worn over over blazers or sports coats.
aesthetics
As we spoke about in the article about choosing a wedding aesthetic, certain venues tend to have particular aesthetics and levels of formality that are associated with them. For example, weddings held in historic ballrooms lean towards the classic elegance and vintage feel of black tie and formal wear, with heavier fabrics and moodier colours common. Meanwhile, beach weddings usually have a more relaxed vibe and call for the light, airy fabrics of a casual or smart casual dress code. A wedding in a rustic, wooden barn could suit any dress code from casual up to cocktail, but guests wearing black tie attire there would probably look quite out of place. Similarly, a wedding held in a botanic garden or greenhouse venue could work with a dress code from black tie down to smart casual, but guests in casual wear would look like general visitors there for a day trip more than guests attending a beautiful wedding.
colours & cultural norms
In general, white dresses or fully white suits are not appropriate to wear as a guest to any wedding in Australia, no matter what the dress code is. This extends to similar shades, such as ivory and cream. Hopefully all of your guests are aware of this, but you may find yourself being sent links to patterned dresses that guests are considering because they're unsure if they incorporate too much white. If they're wondering if it's got too much white on it, the answer is almost definitely yes, and it's just not worth the hassle and potential awkwardness, so it's best to advise them to choose something else.
Similarly, wearing red as a guest isn't appropriate for Chinese or Indian weddings, as red is often worn by the bride in these cultures. That may not be the case, especially if the couple are having multiple ceremonies that incorporate different cultures, but it's better to be safe and wear another colour.
If you're hosting a wedding that incorporates cultural or religious traditions and would like to invite your guests to incorporate those styles into their outfits, you can let them know that's welcome and provide some information and guidance on your invitations alongside the dress code.
practicalities
It's also important to make your guests aware of any environmental factors at your venue - if the paths are all uneven cobblestone, or if the ceremony is taking place on a grassy lawn or sandy beach, letting your guests know that and telling them explicitly that heels aren't required, no matter the rest of the dress code, is a good idea. Similarly, asking guests to wear white tie or black tie full suits to a wedding in the middle of summer isn't a considerate choice, and is just asking for them to get heatstroke.
Some of these dress codes are more accessible than others. While most people do have at least one nice suit and cocktail dress available, it's exceedingly rare for most Australians to have a black tailcoat in their cupboard, so if you do request black tie you can expect some people to either have to buy a whole nice outfit, or to show up in formal instead.
There's also a fair bit of confusion amongst the general public about what these dress codes can mean, and unfortunately it's rare for every single guest to perfectly nail the requirements of any dress code. You can get ahead of this by providing specific examples of attire on your invitation or wedding website alongside the dress code name - or you can direct your guests to this page. If you have a good understanding of what you're asking your guests to wear, however, odds are that no one will show up looking drastically out of place to the point that they stand out in the photos.
Your dress code communicates the tone and formality of your event to your guests, helping them understand what’s appropriate so they can avoid the embarrassment of being either overdressed or underdressed, and ensures that their outfits align with the overall ambiance and aesthetic that you're aiming for. For cohesive group photos and the comfort of everyone, including a dress code on your invitations that suits your venue and formality is an absolutely vital part of wedding planning.
