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The Wedding Dress Code


Wedding Dress Code

The wedding dress code can be a little complicated. Knowing whether to write white tie, black tie or cocktail on the invitation is not always clear. Let’s define the wedding dress code for your perfect celebration.


White Tie Wedding


When we think formal, we usually imagine a black tie affair; however, a white tie event is the most formal dress code. Imagine a Cinderella fairy tale where men wear a tailcoat, white shirt, white vest, bow tie, black formal shoes and white gloves, and women wear a ball gown to the floor.

Wedding Dress Code

Black Tie Wedding Dress Code


The black tie is the most common dress code for a formal event. This simply indicates an evening wedding. Men wear a tuxedo with a cummerbund, black tie, bow tie, and patent leather shoes. Women wear a floor-length evening gown. If you desire a white or black tie wedding, you should define the terms to avoid confusion.


Formal Wedding Dress Code


A formal wedding is slightly less formal than black tie. Sometimes you can state that a black tie is optional on the invitation. A tuxedo is not required, but could also be appropriate. Men should wear a dark suit with a white shirt. Women should wear a floor-length evening gown.

Wedding Dress Code

Semi-Formal or Cocktail


If you do not include the dress code in the invitation, a semi-formal or cocktail dress code is implied. Somewhere between formal and casual, men wear a dark suit and tie, while women wear a cocktail-length dress.


Casual Wedding Dress Code


Casual does not mean jeans and a half-shirt. If you intend on having a casual affair, you might need to define the term in print. Men could wear dress pants and a button-down shirt. Women could wear a sundress, pants or skirt and a dressy blouse.


Dressing Your Wedding Party


Your wedding party should always be dressed better than the guests. Keep your dress code requests in mind, and plan to dress your wedding party accordingly. If you are considering a white tie or black, your bridesmaids should wear formal gowns, and your groomsmen should wear a tux and suspenders. In contrast, if you are planning a casual afternoon wedding in a garden, it would be appropriate to dress your wedding party in semi-formal or cocktail attire.

Crystal Ballroom on the Lake

Crystal Ballroom on the Lake


Crystal Ballroom on the Lake is an all-inclusive wedding venue with professional wedding designers and planners to create your dream wedding. Beyond making the picturesque venue and elegant designs affordable, Crystal Ballroom offers additional day of event coordinator services to make every wedding a happily ever after memory. Every wedding package includes all of the furnishings, décor, bartender services, banquet staff and an in-house design team to decorate the entire ceremony space and reception ballroom. Contact Crystal Ballroom on the Lake to begin planning your fairy tale.

We invite you to discover the
Crystal Ballroom difference found in the unparalleled elegance and uniqueness written into the design of each of our venues. The themes are as limitless as your imagination.

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