What to Wear to Every Type of Wedding, From Black Tie to Garden Party

While it seems like having a dress code specified on a wedding invite should make choosing your outfit incredibly simple, that's really only true if you understand the styles, fabrics, and colors that fall into each type of dress code. Before you start stressing, rummaging through your closet, or committing to a shopping spree, read through this handy guide to understand common wedding dress codes, from black tie or white tie to garden or beach.

We asked experts to explain the differences in these types of dress codes, as well as give examples for guests. While these rules are a great starting point, the expected attire at every celebration varies based on certain circumstances, including but not limited to the season, time of day, and venue.

Tips to Keep In Mind

No matter the dress code listed on the wedding invitation, there are a few key universal tips you'll want to remember when deciding what to wear to a wedding.

First, take the location and venue into account. A black-tie wedding outdoors might require different footwear than a black-tie wedding indoors—stiletto heels and grass don't always allow for graceful walking! (Try a block or wedge heel instead.) Similarly, if the wedding you're going to will have a church ceremony first, you may want to consider making sure your shoulders are covered (or bringing a shawl) and hats are removed for that portion of the day.

Second, unless it's specified as a thematic element on the invitation, avoid wearing white or any color that can be construed as white so as not to compete with the bride (a big faux pas).

White Tie

White tie is as formal as it gets, and it isn't very common these days. But if you're invited to this type of event, dressing the part is imperative.

For menswear, the dress code is strict: a black tailcoat, a white vest, a formal white shirt, a white bowtie, "and white gloves if you're feeling fancy," says Alexis Corry, luxury knitwear designer and former boutique owner. For your feet, wear black pumps (also known as opera shoes).

For womenswear, it's safest to stick with a long, formal dress. Suzanne Pollak, an etiquette expert, suggests considering the size of your gown, though, because large, voluminous dresses can be hard to sit in. Heels are preferred, but make sure that you can walk in them—it's better to wear a shorter height than to stumble around all evening.

Black Tie

Evening wear is most appropriate here. For men, this typically means a dark tuxedo, a white dress shirt, a coordinating bow tie, a cummerbund, and suspenders (optional), says Corry. Dress shoes, like oxfords, are suitable.

Women can wear either a long gown or a dressy cocktail dress. Again, heels are preferable.

Black Tie Optional (Formal)

Sticking to black tie is the safest option at a black-tie optional event, but if you'd rather dress a bit more casually, you can. "I think the rules of formality have changed over the past generation, and now there's flexibility and room to play, even with the more formal dress codes," says Gabrielle Hurwitz, a bridal stylist. "Whereas before, black tie or white tie typically meant women wore gowns in more muted colors, now there's freedom to play with color and print. For black-tie and black-tie optional events, men can wear printed or colored dinner jackets and be a little more creative with their fashion, too."

At a black-tie optional event, men can wear a dark suit instead of a tuxedo and a conservative tie instead of a bow tie, while "a chic cocktail dress" or dressy separates are appropriate for women, says Corry.

Creative Black Tie

Both Corry and Pollak note that they rarely come across this dress code. "For a guy, it means have fun," Pollak says. This might entail wearing personality-infused accessories (think unique ties, cufflinks, or even socks) or menswear (like a jacket in a unique material or color).

It's the same idea for women. "Take yourself less seriously and have fun with your outfit," Corry says. Statement jewelry, shoes, handbags, and more are all game (though Pollak emphasizes keeping comfort in mind).

Semiformal (Cocktail)

According to Corry, the name says it all. "On the spectrum of wedding attire, semiformal falls somewhere between formal and casual," she says. In her opinion, men's suits can be worn with or without ties, while Hurwitz recommends a tie with a suit in a darker color, like blue, gray, or green.

"Women tend to have a little bit more flexibility and can get away with wearing a knee-length or tea-length dress," says Hurwitz. Try a maxi dress, jumpsuit, or separates in a dressy fabric, like silk-blend or chiffon, she says.

Dressy Casual

A dressy casual dress code is slightly less formal than cocktail, explains Hurwitz. "I think this is where linens and cottons are an appropriate choice in a dressier silhouette (think a dress, skirt, or trousers)," she says. "A fully sequined or beaded dress would be overkill at a dressy casual event. A sports coat and trousers is a great choice here for men, with a neck-tie being optional."

Casual

Casual attire really varies, and can depend on things like location and time of day. At its most formal, it entails a sport coat. Button-downs, sweaters, and relaxed pants (chinos, khakis, etc.) are usually fine. At its least formal, men can get away with polos and shorts. In all cases, footwear is less restricted (boat shoes may be worn, for example).

Women can wear a "less-dressy dress," like a sundress, says Pollak. More casual shoes, like sandals or flats, are appropriate here.

Traditional

In some cases, you may be asked to wear attire that aligns with a culture's customs. For example, a couple having a traditional Indian wedding might ask women to don saris. In these instances, do your research, ask for help when needed, and always dress respectfully.

Custom or Themed

When assigned an imaginative dress code—a theme, a specific color, an inspirational Pinterest board—"embrace the theme to the best of your ability," says Hurwitz. "If you don’t want to invest in an entirely new look, consider looking for accessories that will fit the bill."

The wedding's location may also spur a specific dress code. "Our wedding dress code was upscale-casual, and we asked our guests to be inspired by the Tuscan landscape for their attire," says Corry, who's pictured above at her wedding in Italy. Most of her celebrants showed up in neutral hues like these.

Garden

Florals are an obvious choice to satisfy a garden dress code, but the attire can be less formal than black tie. "A garden party dress code suggests some level of formality without needing to break out a tux or gown," says Hurwitz. "I'd suggest a knee-length or midi dress, a jumpsuit, or a suit. Think cheerful when it comes to color, and don't be afraid to incorporate some florals into your look, like a printed dress or patterned tie or pocket square."

This type of dress code should also determine your footwear. "Garden party implies you'll be walking on grass," says Hurwitz. "A block heel or wedge of some sort will keep you from sinking into the ground."

Beach

The specific destination helps inform the details of a beach-inspired dress code, says Hurwitz: "A beach wedding in Hawaii is vastly different than a beach wedding in Martha's Vineyard."

But some consistent rules apply. Choose a knee-length or midi dress or a maxi dress with flat sandals. "For masculine dressing, a linen-blend suit or a sports coat and trousers is always a safe choice," says Hurwitz. "But generally speaking, I'd opt for lightweight fabrics that will prevent you from overheating. Think about footwear, especially if the ceremony will be in the sand."