There’s an endless variety of dress codes, ranging from an elegant “black tie” for a sophisticated celebration to a relaxed “boho chic” for an outdoor wedding. In this article, we’ll explore how to choose the perfect wedding dress code based on your wedding theme and how this decision can significantly enhance your guests' experience.Consulting with a wedding planner can help you streamline these choices.
Types of perfect wedding dress codes
1. Beach Wedding: Beach Vibes / Beach Elegance
A beach wedding is synonymous with relaxation and elegance in a natural setting. While the atmosphere is more laid-back, it's still important to maintain a level of sophistication, something that a wedding planner can help you achieve.
Dress Code: Resort Chic is ideal for beach weddings. Men can wear linen suits or smart shirts with light-colored trousers. Women can opt for long or midi dresses made of light fabrics like silk or cotton. Pastel colors, whites, and neutral tones like beige or sky blue perfectly match the beach surroundings.
Footwear: Suggest elegant sandals or comfortable shoes suitable for the sand. Heels aren’t ideal here, but wedges or platform sandals can work well. Your wedding planner can also guide you on footwear choices that work well on sandy beaches.
Accessories: Wide-brimmed hats, stylish sunglasses, and minimalist jewelry can complete the look, ensuring your guests feel fresh and glamorous at the same time.
2. Black and White
The Black and White dress code defines elegance and simplicity. It’s not only classic and timeless but also creates a visually striking impact in photos and during the ceremony. Your wedding planner can help enforce this look for a seamless experience.
Dress Code: As the name suggests, guests should dress exclusively in black or white. Women can choose long, sophisticated dresses in either color, while men can go for a black tuxedo or an impeccable white suit. The combination of black and white adds contrast and style to each guest’s look.
Style Suggestion: To maintain cohesion, you can request that accessories also follow the same color palette, with metallic gold or silver details to add luxury without breaking the harmony.
Extra: This dress code is perfect for nighttime weddings in elegant venues like mansions or ballrooms, where the contrast of colors will stand out even more.
3. Dolce Vita
Inspired by the Italian lifestyle of the 1950s and 60s, the Dolce Vita dress code is full of glamour, joy, and a touch of carefree charm. Think of the vibrant streets of Rome or the Italian Riviera, where style is synonymous with relaxed luxury.
Dress Code: Guests can choose elegant dresses with feminine touches with help from a wedding planner who ensures the right vibe is achieved: midi skirts or empire-waist dresses with floral prints, stripes, or vibrant colors like red, blue, and yellow. Men can wear linen or cotton suits in light tones such as cream, beige, or navy, paired with a pocket square or hat for an Italian flair.
Accessories: Wide-brimmed hats, Audrey Hepburn-style sunglasses, and gold or colorful gemstone jewelry complement this look perfectly.
Footwear: Low-heeled sandals or soft leather shoes are ideal for moving comfortably without losing elegance.
This dress code will transport you to a wedding that exudes the glamour and romance of Italian style.
4. Boho Chic
The Boho Chic style is perfect for couples seeking a relaxed wedding connected with nature. This dress code is characterized by its free-spirited, romantic, and ethereal vibe, where guests can feel comfortable yet elegant.
Dress Code: Women can opt for flowy dresses in neutral or pastel tones with lace, embroidery, or sheer details. Floral crowns, loose or braided hair, and natural accessories like stone necklaces or leather bracelets are perfect. Men can wear linen shirts, light suits, or even vests with earth-toned or beige trousers.
Footwear: Flat sandals or leather booties for women work well, while men can go for loafers or rustic boots, as a wedding planner might suggest.
Style Suggestion: Encourage guests to play with floral or geometric prints, but always keep a relaxed and natural air.
This dress code is ideal for outdoor weddings, whether in the countryside, a garden, or even a more bohemian beach.
5. Elegant
For couples seeking a classic and timeless wedding, the Elegant or Black Tie dress code is always a safe bet. This type of wedding is perfect for luxurious and formal settings, such as ballrooms or castles.
Dress Code: Female guests should wear long or cocktail dresses in dark or metallic colors like black, navy blue, ruby red, or gold. Fabrics like satin, silk, or velvet are perfect for this type of wedding. Men, of course, should wear tuxedos or dark suits with a tie or bow tie.
Accessories: For women, high-end jewelry like pearls or diamonds complement the look, while men can wear cufflinks or classic watches.
Footwear: High heels for women and formal leather shoes for men are a must, as a wedding planner might suggest.
A wedding with this dress code guarantees an atmosphere of sophistication and glamour, perfect for an evening event.
6. Cowboy Chic
For couples who love the rustic style, the Cowboy Chic dress code is a fun and original option. It combines the rustic charm of the countryside with a touch of elegance and fashion. A wedding planner will help incorporate these elements flawlessly.
Dress Code: Women can wear long or midi dresses made from soft fabrics like cotton or linen and pair them with leather boots or booties. Men can wear plaid or denim shirts with leather or denim jackets, paired with cowboy boots. For a more elegant touch, men can also wear tweed vests.
Accessories: Cowboy hats, large belt buckles, and nature-inspired or leather-detailed jewelry are ideal.
Extra: If your wedding is outdoors, on a ranch or farm, this dress code will blend perfectly with the setting.
7. Disco (ABBA 70s Style)
If you’re looking for a wedding full of energy and fun, the Disco dress code inspired by the 70s is the perfect option. This theme combines glamour with a retro touch and will make your wedding an unforgettable party, something your wedding planner will ensure runs smoothly.
Dress Code: Think sequins, flared pants, metallic dresses, and vibrant colors. Female guests can wear fitted sequin dresses or jumpsuits with wide sleeves. Men can opt for wide-collared shirts, flared pants, and suits in bold colors like purple or emerald green.
Accessories: Platform shoes, oversized sunglasses, and flashy jewelry complete the look. Big, voluminous hairstyles or curls styled after the era are a must.
Footwear: Shiny shoes with wide heels or high platforms will give that perfect disco touch.
This dress code will make the dance floor the center of attention, with all the guests looking like they just stepped out of a Studio 54 party.
No matter which theme you choose, a wedding planner will be instrumental in helping you coordinate the dress code, ensuring that it aligns with the ambiance you envision for your special day.
How to Choose the Dress Code Based on Your Wedding Theme:
Beach Wedding:
Attributes: Relaxed, Fresh, Natural.
How to Choose the Dress Code: For a beach wedding, it's important to consider comfort and harmony with the surroundings. Choose a dress code that allows guests to move freely and reflects the tranquil, sunny atmosphere of the ocean. Opt for informal yet elegant styles with soft colors and lightweight fabrics that flow with the sea breeze.
Black and White:
Attributes: Sophisticated, Classic, Timeless.
How to Choose the Dress Code: This type of wedding is built on simplicity and timeless elegance. When selecting the dress code, embrace the black-and-white duality to create a cohesive and refined atmosphere. This style is ideal if you're aiming for a formal yet modern wedding, where color contrasts add a touch of sophistication.
Dolce Vita:
Attributes: Glamour, Romance, Italian Style.
How to Choose the Dress Code: Inspired by the richness and passion of Italian life, this dress code should convey a sense of luxury and romance. Think vibrant colors, high-quality fabrics, and details that evoke la dolce vita. This style is perfect for a wedding that celebrates the beauty and joy of life, with an elegant and festive ambiance.
Boho Chic:
Attributes: Laid-back, Artistic, Free-spirited.
How to Choose the Dress Code: If you're looking for a wedding with a bohemian, creative vibe, select a dress code that reflects that freedom of expression. Guests should feel comfortable embracing a relaxed and natural style, with a mix of textures, patterns, and accessories that exude authenticity and an artistic flair.
Elegant:
Attributes: Refined, Subtle, Majestic.
How to Choose the Dress Code: For a wedding that breathes classic elegance, the dress code should be equally sophisticated. Opt for formal styles and deep colors that reflect the event's solemnity. This approach is ideal if you want a celebration where every detail, from attire to decor, exudes grandeur and distinction.
Cowboy Chic:
Attributes: Rustic, Charming, Authentic.
How to Choose the Dress Code: This theme is perfect for a wedding in a rural or rustic setting. Choose a dress code that blends traditional with modern touches, allowing guests to express their personal style within a charming yet informal framework. Cowboy chic is ideal if you want a wedding that feels genuine, with a hint of authentic country life.
Disco (ABBA 70s Style):
Attributes: Fun, Retro, Energetic.
How to Choose the Dress Code: If you dream of a wedding filled with energy and nostalgia, inspired by the disco era, your dress code should be bold and sparkling. Think '70s fashion, with touches of glamour and plenty of fun. This style is ideal for a wedding where the dance floor is the heart of the celebration, and guests can let loose and enjoy to the fullest.
Where to Find These Dress Code Styles Online or In Stores:
Often, we find inspiration for outfits or looks online or on social media that we love but then struggle to find them in actual stores. To make sure your dress code ideas come to life, here are some online and physical stores where you can find clothing that matches the style of these dress codes.
Beach wedding | |
Black & white | |
Dolce vita | |
Boho Chic | |
Elegant | |
Cowboy Chic | |
Disco |
The dress code you choose for your wedding plays a crucial role in defining the atmosphere and style of the event. From the relaxed freshness of a beach wedding to the vibrant glamour of a Disco-themed ABBA celebration, each option gives your wedding a unique touch. Whether you opt for Boho Chic, Dolce Vita, or Cowboy Chic, these styles invite creativity and personal expression, while more formal options like Black and White or Elegant ensure a sophisticated atmosphere. Whatever style you choose, make sure it reflects your personality and creates an unforgettable experience for you and your guests.
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