A wedding invitation is usually received with joy, opened with excitement and then swiftly cast aside to begin the all-important process of deciding what to wear. Most guests will welcome the excuse to rush out and buy a new frock or give their suit its once-a-year airing, but dress codes can be fraught with confusion. Is 'Formal' too formal for your beach celebration? Will 'Smart Casual' encourage the nasty surprise of singlets and thongs in your wedding album? And what exactly constitutes 'Lounge'?
Use this glossary to help put your guests at ease and ensure a stylish celebration.
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White Tie or Ultra Formal
This is great chance for girls to go completely over the top with ballgowns, highly coiffured hair, sky-high heels and lots of sparkle. Men wear a long black tailcoat with white tie, white wing collar dress shirt and vest. Usually suited to celebrations after 6pm.
INSPIRATION: Vintage ball or royal wedding
Black Tie
A Black Tie invitation calls for formal attire. Women can wear cocktail style dresses (but nothing too flashy or revealing), long evening gowns or glamorous evening separates. Men wear tuxedos complete with cufflinks, black socks and shoes but may splash out with a colourful waistcoat or bow tie.
INSPIRATION: Old Hollywood
Black Tie Optional
A Black Tie Optional or Black Tie Invited gives him the option of wearing a tuxedo but it should provide clues as to the formality of the event, meaning a dark suit and tie would be your other option. She wears a cocktail style or long dress, or evening separates.
Creative Black Tie
Creative Black Tie leaves room for contemporary interpretations of formal wear. She wears a cocktail style or long dress, evening separates or a tailored suit. He can go more modern with a tux and maybe a black shirt, no tie.
INSPIRATION: A charity gala
Daytime/Evening Formal
Similar to Black Tie, but a little more relaxed. During the day, tuxedos are not necessary, unless specified. She might wear a cocktail dress, smart skirt suit, dressy separates or a tailored suit. For evening formal, she may want to go for a longer dress and an elegant evening bag, while he can get away with coloured shirts under suits or a tux with no tie.
INSPIRATION: A night at the theatre
Semi-Formal
Semi-Formal or After Five means that tuxes are not required, nor are long dresses. An evening wedding (after 6pm) would still dictate dark suits for him, and a cocktail dress for her. Daytime semi-formal events mean a suit for him and an appropriate short dress or tailored suit for her. Save the sequins and satin for an evening Cocktail or Formal event.
INSPIRATION: Art gallery opening
Cocktail Attire
Usually for weddings held after 5pm. Cocktail Attire means a shorter, elegant dress for her, usually with a bit of bling, and dark suits for him.
INSPIRATION: Sex and the City
Lounge
A popular choice for slightly less formal weddings, Lounge sits somewhere between Smart Casual and Formal. Shorter cocktail-style dresses or a tailored suit are acceptable for her. A dark coloured business suit is appropriate for him, but he could consider a dressier or more interesting shirt and tie than he might wear to work. Quality knitwear in place of the shirt is acceptable.
INSPIRATION: Race Day
Dressy Casual
Dressy Casual calls for dressed-up versions of casual looks. Tailored pants or dressy separates for her and trousers and a sports coat, for him. Don't be fooled by the word 'Casual' here. Jeans, shorts, T-shirts and other traditionally casual looks are not appropriate.
INSPIRATION: Birthday dinner with the in-laws
Smart Casual
This code shouldn't see everyone regressing to jeans and tees. Women wear dressy separates such as tailored pants or a skirt with a pretty blouse or frocks in natural fabrics - but leave the ballgown at home. Jackets are still are a good idea for him, but perhaps he could try a linen suit, or a sports coat. Popular for more relaxed daytime weddings.
INSPIRATION: Dinner at an upscale restaurant
Resort Casual
For her, think breezy skirts, big hats and nautical themes. For him, consider linen suits or navy jackets and light trousers.
INSPIRATION: An exclusive party on a yacht
Urban Chic
Sophisticated designer wear that you might wear to an upmarket club, bar or restaurant. Ties are not necessary.
INSPIRATION: The opening of a cool new nightclub
Garden Garb
Floral, feminine sundresses and big hats are perfect for this code. Polo shirts and dressy trousers or a lightweight suit for him.
INSPIRATION: Invitation to a Hamptons estate
Beach Chic/Barefoot Beach
Sun dresses and soft, flowing skirts are lovely for a beach wedding. A wrap or cute cardigan is a must in case it's chilly by the water and consider pretty flats or strappy sandals which are easy to take off. For him, jackets and ties are not necessary but a smart-looking shirt and a pair of lightweight trousers are good choices. Brides, if you don't want the boys baring their knees in shorts, consider writing Beach Formal.
INSPIRATION: A celebrity wedding in the Bahamas
Festive Attire
Festive Attire is usually seen during the holidays, with the mood of the party being Informal or Semi-Formal. For her, it means to choose looks with a bit of sparkle.
INSPIRATION: Work Christmas party
Themes
Themed weddings call for dress codes like Vintage Glamour and Black and White, or something specific to the couple's interests such as Medieval. This can be fun for guests, especially like-minded friends who enjoy playing dress-ups. As a courtesy, guests should make an effort to dress smartly and fit with the theme, or speak to the couple about an alternative. Sometimes a trip to the Costume Hire Shop is necessary here.
INSPIRATION: Roaring Twenties/Great Gatsby
Informal
Informal is often interpreted as the same as Casual but it actually a lot more formal than that. Dressy separates for her or Pretty Frocks and blazers or sports jackets are acceptable for him. No jeans.
INSPIRATION: Sunday High Tea
Casual
Generally means "anything goes". Although it allows people to "be themselves" it will mean a real mix of high fashion and comfortable denim on the day - and in the photos.
No Dress Code
In the absence of a specified dress code many guests will contact the best man or maid of honour for advice. Specify something that suits your celebration and save your guests hours of mental anguish deciding what is and isn't appropriate
