Wedding season is near! Save the dates are likely to be flooding your mailboxes and invitations will soon follow. Wedding invitations can often leave some feeling clueless when it comes to figuring out what it is that you should wear. Sometimes the dress codes on the invitation can actually feel like you’re decoding a treasure map! There are some tips and tricks that I have that can help you decipher these invitations.
One trick I’ve found helpful is to look at the color theme on the invitation to know what colors to avoid and which color will go well for photos.
If the invitation is cream with green lettering and blue floral decor, the bride’s colors will most likely be cream, green, and blue. Therefore, I would not recommend wearing those colors because the bridesmaids will most likely be in those colors.
Think instead what color coordinates best with green and blue. For instance, orange would be abrasive with blue and green theme and appears as if you’re trying too hard to stand out, but orange would be great for a summer wedding where the theme consists of yellows, greens, floral tones. So for green and blue themed weddings, I would recommend an eggplant or lilac tone dress.
Another trick would be the time of day and the location. Anything after 4 pm, if it’s not listed casual or formal, immediately assume it’s cocktail. Anything 11 am-3pm, I assume it’s casual unless otherwise noted.
For the blog this week, I decided to create a cheat sheet to help you decipher those wedding invitations and to allow you to show up to the wedding feeling cool, comfortable, and confident in what you’re wearing. As the saying goes,
“It’s better to be overdressed than underdressed”
And the most important rule: Don’t wear white!
BLACK TIE
This is one of the most formal wear of the wedding dress codes. This wedding code means it’s an evening affair. Men wear tuxedos and women wear floor length evening gowns, dress to the nines.
Accessories
This is the time where you can break out your matching jewelry set, chandelier pieces, or big diamonds.
Outfit
Full-length gown with details—embroidery, slits, open back, interesting necklines, tie straps, velvet, silk, fitted silhouette, options are endless!
Shoes
Elegant Heels
Hair
Great time to get a professional blow out and an updo (especially if you have a killer, dramatic neckline) — Treat yourself!
black tie optional/Formal
This one can be a bit more fuzzy to figure out. If it says “Black Tie Optional,” I recommend sticking to Formal wear. Only go “Black Tie” if you feel confident!
Accessories
You can also use your statement earrings here! Big diamond danglies, interesting chandelier pieces.
Outfit
If you want something unique, go for a jumpsuit. Or try an evening gown in an elegant print.
Shoes
Elegant heels are key here!
cocktail attire
Cocktail is my favorite type of dress code! This is where you can let your personality shine through with print, pattern, and an understated elegance. If it doesn’t say cocktail on the invitation, you can decipher by time of day (usually late afternoon into evening) and also where the reception and ceremony takes place.
Accessories
Try a red lip as your main accessory with simple jewelry
Outfit
Shorter dresses work great, interesting textures and prints, and play with the silhouette!
Shoes
Any heels will do, I personally love the black heel with the ribbon detail in the middle photo!
beach destination wedding
Sunset weddings, afternoon weddings, any time of day, who doesn’t love a wedding on a beach! A nice breezy, hot, sunny day.
Accessories
Picture the setting and what will go with the location, natural stones, crystals, and sunscreen & sunglasses are a must!
Outfit
There might be wind so avoid anything shorter than knee length and mind the slit! Midi and Tea-length are ideal.
Shoes
Espadrilles, wedges, or embellished flats are ideal.
Hair
Loose, natural hair is best <3
casual/daytime
A casual wedding could take place in someone’s decorated backyard or an upscale barn. Casual, chic, and the right amount of styling is key to look fab at this wedding.
Accessories
Have fun with colorful, fashion-forward designs, like a scattering of jeweled hairpins
Outfit
A light and airy dress plays well with patterns and embellishments
Shoes
Classic heels or embellished/creative flats in a neutral tone. If you go for a metallic shoe, it can elevate it to a more
