Navigating the wedding dress code can often be a tricky affair. Deciding between white tie, black tie, or cocktail attire for your invitation can be confusing. Let's clarify the dress code to ensure your celebration is just as you envision it.
White Tie Wedding
Typically, the term 'formal' brings to mind a black tie event. However, a white tie gathering is actually the epitome of formality. Picture a scene straight out of a Cinderella story, where men don tailcoats, white shirts, white vests, bow ties, black formal shoes, and white gloves, while women grace the event in floor-length ball gowns.
Black Tie Wedding Attire
Black tie is a commonly chosen dress code for formal events, typically indicating an evening wedding. For this setting, men are expected to don a tuxedo complemented by a cummerbund, black tie or bow tie, and patent leather shoes. Women are traditionally dressed in floor-length evening gowns. To ensure clarity for your guests, it's helpful to explicitly state the dress code if you're opting for a black or white tie wedding.
Semi-Formal Wedding Attire
Semi-formal weddings are a notch less formal than black tie events. You might specify 'black tie optional' on your invitations. While a tuxedo isn't mandatory for men, it's still perfectly acceptable. Men typically wear a dark suit paired with a white shirt. Women should opt for floor-length evening gowns, maintaining the elegance of the occasion.
Semi-Formal or Cocktail Attire
If the dress code isn't specified on the invitation, guests typically assume a semi-formal or cocktail attire. This style bridges the gap between formal and casual. For such occasions, men are expected to wear a dark suit and tie, while women should opt for a cocktail dress of an appropriate length.
Casual Wedding Attire
Casual attire for a wedding doesn't equate to jeans and t-shirts. If a casual dress code is your preference, it's wise to clarify this in the invitation. For men, this could mean dress trousers paired with a button-down shirt, while women might choose a sundress, trousers, or a skirt with an elegant blouse.
Outfitting Your Wedding Party
The attire of your wedding party should be a step above that of your guests. Consider your chosen dress code when planning their outfits. For instance, if you're leaning towards a white tie or black tie event, bridesmaids should be in formal gowns, and groomsmen in tuxedos with suspenders. Conversely, if your wedding is a casual daytime event in a garden setting, dressing your wedding party in semi-formal or cocktail attire would be more fitting.
Crystal Ballroom on the Lake
Crystal Ballroom on the Lake offers a comprehensive wedding package, complete with expert wedding designers and planners dedicated to bringing your dream wedding to life. This all-inclusive venue not only provides a stunning setting and sophisticated designs at an affordable price but also extends day-of-event coordination services to ensure each wedding is a memorable, joyous occasion. Every package encompasses all necessary elements - from furnishings and décor to bartender services, banquet staff, and an in-house design team responsible for adorning both the ceremony and reception areas. Start your fairy tale journey by getting in touch with Crystal Ballroom on the Lake.
