Be The Best Dressed Guest: Effortlessly Cracking The Wedding Dress Code

Dress codes are cause for conversation no matter the event, but weddings place an extra amount of pressure on getting it right. And how can you be the best-dressed guest if you haven’t ‘fit the brief’?

Of course, you don’t want to upstage the bride or groom, but you also definitely don’t want to be the only person not in a suit, or the only person in a short dress sticking out in photos for all the wrong reasons.

In this blog, we’re taking you through wedding dress codes, and how to ace them. We’ll share the popular choices for Australian weddings, and tips on how you can effortlessly crack them.

We’ll cover these wedding dress codes:

• • Cocktail
  • Formal / Black Tie Optional
  • Black Tie
  • Dressy Casual / Beach Formal
  • White Tie / Full Dress

And the essential do’s and don’ts for standard wedding dress codes:

• • Do: Err on the side of caution
  • Don’t: Forget about the shoes
  • Do: Bring appropriate accessories
  • Don’t: Upstage the couple

A Brief Summary Of Popular Wedding Dress Codes

Take another look at your wedding invitation. What dress code is indicated, and what on earth does it mean? Below, we’ll cover an introduction to each of the most popular wedding dress codes in Australia. 

Cocktail Dress Code

Born from cocktail party celebrations, cocktail wedding dress codes are among the most popular and commonly chosen, because they strike a balance between formality and flair. Men can wear a matching suit, with a tie or pocket scarf in a complimentary colour. Women can choose a midi or ankle-length option, allowing for playful design or colour, or a jumpsuit or suit accessorised with appropriate jewellery. If there is no dress code specified on your invitation, err on the conservative side of these cocktail dress guidelines.

Formal (Black-Tie Optional) Dress Code

Formal or black-tie optional dress codes are a step-up and require a little more consideration. Tuxedos are optional, though most men will opt for a conservative suit in dark colours, with a matching tie and crisp white shirt. For women, strike a balance between the elegance of a cocktail dress, and the formality of a black-tie ballgown. A well-tailored jumpsuit, statement jewellery piece, or classy up-do is a great way to achieve this look without feeling creatively restricted.

Black Tie Dress Code

Black tie dress codes are another popular choice for weddings, though they indicate a marked step-up in formality, with less room for interpretation. Women will be expected to wear a floor length dress (not showing the ankle), likely in a relatively simple design and made from quality fabric. Men are required to wear tuxedos with black bow ties and patent leather shoes, as well as cufflinks. Matching suit pieces are a must. The focus here should be on minimal luxury, meaning – don’t look to the Met Gala for inspiration.

Dressy Casual (Beach Formal) Dress Code

We’re a casual nation at heart, and more couples are leaning towards relaxed approaches to their wedding. Dressy casual or beach formal dress codes indicate a modern take on formality. For example, a woman could wear a patterned dress just above or below the knee, with a greater focus on brighter colours and less structured fabrics. A man could wear a collared shirt paired with smart trousers (rather than suit pants), and a blazer. Don’t be mistaken though – bermuda shirts, shorts, or anything for a casual day at the beach is not appropriate, unless specifically mentioned on the invitation. 

White Tie (Full Dress) Dress Code

The most formal of them all, a white dress code is quite rare to see on an Australian wedding invitation, but it’s an important (and difficult) one to get right. Often reserved for military, royal or similar high-status weddings and events, this traditionally aristocratic dress code requires utmost formality. Men must wear tuxedos with a formal white shirt and bow tie as well as a hat or gloves, and formal footwear. Women are expected to wear an elegant full-length evening gown, accessorised with jewellery, heels, and a small purse or clutch bag.

Do’s & Don’ts Of A Wedding Dress Code

So, we’ve explored the requirements for each specific dress code – but what about the general tips on preparing an outfit for a wedding? These do’s and don’ts apply for every wedding, no matter the style or genre.

Do: Err On The Side Of Caution

It’s better to be overdressed than underdressed. There – we said it. So if you have two dresses you can’t decide on in terms of how well they match the dress code, choose the longer option. If you have two suits in your wardrobe and you’re not sure which is most appropriate, wear the darker one. The couple who’ve invited you to their wedding will be much more grateful if you’ve put in a little more effort than was expected than a little less.

Don’t: Forget About The Shoes

Your shoes are still part of your outfit, and therefore must still meet dress code expectations. While the more formal end of the spectrum will require specific footwear, you shouldn’t neglect your footwear either way. Aside from making a quality suit look sloppy or an elegant dress look unpolished, you’ll be sending the signal that you haven’t fully committed to showing up for the couple on an important occasion. Unless explicitly stated – no flip-flops!

Do: Bring Appropriate Accessories

The specifics will depend on the location, season and time that the wedding takes place, but think about what else you might need apart from the main garments. Make sure these accessories are wedding–appropriate. For example, if you’re taking an umbrella, choose one in a simple, muted design. If you’re likely to need a warmer jacket or coat, don’t wear a casual puffer or hoodie. Whilst smart shoes are important, bring comfortable flats too if you need to get from A to B or walk over uneven terrain, such as if the wedding reception venue is hosted in a forest or vineyard setting.

Don’t: Upstage The Couple

As much as you want to be the best dressed guest – there are two people you shouldn’t be trying to outdo. If you’re wondering whether your planned outfit is at risk of overdoing it, just send a photo to a few friends before you end up creating an awkward situation. This follows the general rule of avoiding wearing white or cream to a traditional Australian wedding – typically a bride will wear a white dress. Generally, it’s best to avoid all-black looks as well. 

Some dress codes may specify all-black, or black and white, but assume these colours are written off unless otherwise stated. If you’re attending a wedding in a foreign country or that’s following different traditions, check the customs and culture to make sure you don’t accidentally cause offence – as some colours are considered unsuitable or unlucky to wear at a wedding.

Cracked It: The Wedding Dress Code

We’ve told you how you can be the best dressed guest by following whichever wedding dress code you’re presented with to a ‘T’. With this manual, you’ll ace every wedding you attend, no matter if you’re in coattails or smart casual.

But what if you’re learning about wedding dress codes to choose one for your own Big Day, and you need somewhere to host it? Look no further than Canvas House, our stunning Melbourne venue for hire. 

Combining visually arresting vaulted-ceiling architecture with state-of-the-art amenities, you’ll get the best of modern luxury alongside timeless elegance. Located just outside the CBD, we’re a flexible venue who will run with any dress code from black tie to Black Sabbath.

Contact the team today with your enquiry. Whether you’re planning your own wedding or helping a loved one out, we’re happy to lend more of our event expertise so you can pull off the occasion of the decade.