Wedding Attire Etiquette for Brides and Grooms

Formal Wedding Attire for Brides

Most wedding dresses could correctly be called formal, but ball gowns paired with cathedral-length veils are generally considered the fanciest. Silk, satin, tulle, or lace are all acceptable fabric options. The distinction between day and evening attire is usually subtle and subjective: Jeweled accents, for example, often lend an evening feel, but just a sprinkling of sparkle may be fine for daytime. Strapless necklines are typically considered best for evening, rather than daytime, events.

Formal Wedding Attire for Grooms

At a formal evening wedding, white tie was once the only proper choice; this dashing ensemble, which includes a black tailcoat and trousers worn with a white shirt, waistcoat, and bow tie, is still wonderfully elegant. Later on, gentlemen embraced a more casual alternative: the tuxedo, with its black dinner jacket, trousers, bow tie, and white shirt. Technically referred to as semiformal, the tuxedo, also known as "black tie," has come to be known as the appropriate choice for formal evening weddings. A white dinner jacket can be worn in place of a black one for a wedding in the summer or in a hot climate.

In the daytime, the most formal wedding calls for a morning suit, which includes a gray or black cutaway jacket, gray waistcoat, white shirt, gray-and-black striped trousers, and a striped four-in-hand tie or ascot. Nowadays, though, tuxedos are most common.

Semiformal Wedding Attire for Brides

A ball gown with a chapel or sweep train and complementary veil is also appropriate for a somewhat less formal event, as are other silhouettes, such as the A-line, empire, and sheath. Elaborate detailing such as beadwork or embroidery can make any gown more (or less) formal, though.

For semiformal to informal events, simply styled dresses in traditional silhouettes worn with short veils or none at all are appropriate. Modern designs, such as halter and slip dresses, and dresses in colors that are far from white usually fall into the same category (though they're occasionally more formal). In the daytime, you can even get away with a shorter dress, depending on its style.

Semiformal Wedding Attire for Grooms

A tuxedo is appropriate for all but the most informal of affairs. That being said, a suit will do, especially for a daytime event.

Casual Wedding Attire for Brides

Whether your informal wedding takes place in the daytime or evening, your outfit is entirely up to you. You might choose a long dress in a fabric such as cotton (we like piqué or Swiss dot) or jersey, or you may wear a chic suit or short dress. Whatever you decide, just make sure that the dress matches the style of the event. You don't want to be overdressed at your own party.

Casual Wedding Attire for Grooms

For an informal wedding, the groom may wear a suit; black and dark colors are more appropriate for evening (and winter) events. Classic ensembles such as a navy blazer and gray flannel or white linen trousers are also popular and stylish. Don't be afraid of fun accessorizes, either. A floral tie, worn with a tan cotton-rayon suit, is a cheerful accent for an outdoor wedding.