CHECK
LISTDRESS
CODES
DECODED
my checklist
WHAT
ABOUT WHEN THE
INVITATION SAYS
BLACK TIE OPTIONAL?
‘My mother always
told me it’s better to
be overdressed than
underdressed, so to
be safe, always take
the more formal
route’WHITE TIE The most formal dress code, it’s usually reserved for weddings
after 6pm. Men are required to wear a black tailcoat, while women typically
wear a floor-length ball gown.
BLACK TIE/FORMAL This code is generally for evening weddings,
but slightly less formal than a white-tie function. A black tuxedo and bow tie
is a must for men. Women traditionally wear a floor-length ball gown, but
it’s also acceptable to wear a dressy cocktail (knee-length) style.
MORNING DRESS More common in Europe, this is for formal daytime
weddings. Men are required to wear a black or charcoal grey morning coat,
light grey or pale-coloured vest and black-striped charcoal pants. Women can
go less formal with a cocktail-length dress.
LOUNGE SUIT/SEMI-FORMAL Appropriate for both daytime and
evening weddings, this means a suit and tie for men (dark or light, depending
on the season and time of day) and a cocktail-length dress for women.
COCKTAIL Used for late afternoon or evening weddings. Men are required
to wear a dark suit, although they may sometimes get away with ditching the
jacket or not wearing a tie (but never both). Women have more flexibility on
their dress style and length.
BEACH FORMAL Men can wear lighter-coloured summer-weight suits, with
ties being optional. For women, consider wearing a below-the-knee sundress,
maxi dress or designer kaftan.
CASUAL Although a suit and tie aren’t
required, a man should wear dress pants
and a button-down shirt or polo. No
jeans or T-shirts – unless expressly
specified on the invitation! Women
could opt for a dressy skirt or pants
with a nice blouse, or a pretty sundress.
Nikki Hunt, founder and wedding
planner at Think PR and Events,
(thinkprandevents.com.au), guides
you through the fashion minefieldN
py