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A common question we receive from brides is: What dress code should I put on our wedding invitation? There are a number of things that will help in this decision, including the following:
- The couple themselves;
- Venue where the celebration will be held;
- The style of your event: formal, elegant, chic, simple, relaxed, festive;
- The timing of your event: daytime or evening.
Please use the definitions below to help you decide. |
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White Tie
A White Tie dress code is for an ultra formal event. It is a fabulous chance for girls to go completely over the top. This might include a ball-gown – ballerina or full length, made of luxurious fabric, elegantly and glamorously trimmed; formal heels; jewellery (no watches); gloves (opera length); stole; a clutch or evening bag and fabulous hair and make-up. The men are to wear an evening tail coat, white shirt, white waistcoat and white bow-tie… think Fred Astaire.
Black Tie
A black tie dress code represents a formal event, where men wear a tuxedo and women wear a cocktail style dress or evening gown, the style of which would be determined by the current fashion trends, event and time of the event.
Semi-Formal
A semi-formal event is where the male would wear a dark suit, and ladies would wear a cocktail dress (tuxedos and long dresses are not necessary). This dress code can be a little ambiguous when on an invitation, and can be interpreted widely.
Lounge Suit
The lounge suit dress code says that the event is a stylish and classy affair, but not as formal as some of the other dress codes. For men this would mean a dark coloured business suit, with a more stylish shirt and tie than he would wear to the office. Cocktail style dresses or a tailored suit for the women.
Cocktail Attire
Traditionally the male would wear a dark suit and the female an elegant dress with some bling. The length of the cocktail dress will vary depending on the current fashion trends.
Smart Casual
This dress code does not mean jeans. For the women, smart casual calls for a pretty dress (cocktail or other), tailored pants or a skirt with a stylish top. For the men a suit and shirt, this can be dark or light. A tie is optional at this style of wedding.
Casual
This dress code really says that anything goes. You will find a real mix of high fashion to comfortable clothing. If it is a wedding, jeans are however still not appropriate. Please note that when choosing this dress code, due to the variation in dress styles, this will also show up in photos.
Additional dress tips for guests attending a wedding:
- Garden Weddings or Beach Weddings:
Avoid stilettos or fabric covered shoes. Heels sinking into the ground is not comfortable and can also ruin a good pair of shoes!
- Colour:
If the Wedding Invitation features a lot of a specific colour, try not to wear that colour to the wedding, as you may look like one of the bridesmaids.
- How well do you know the Bride and Groom?
If you do not know the bride and groom very well, dress more conservatively than you would at a close friends wedding. Weddings are a time for the bride, groom and the people that are closest to them to shine.
- No White
White is a colour reserved for the bride.
- Mobile phones
Unless you are on call for something very important – switch it off.
Other articles which may interest you include:
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