Virtual showroom
Book an appointment
Stores
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids | Jon Cain
As a wedding guest, it’s important to dress in a way that brings the couple’s wedding day vision to life. And the way to do that is to follow the dress code on the invitation.
Semi-formal is one of the most common dress codes for weddings, and many of you know exactly what to wear to meet that code. But if the dress code is formal, you’ll need to step it up!
The more formal the event, the more important it is to follow the fashion rules.
We’re about to break down exactly what formal wedding attire is. You’ll also learn how it differs from the semi-formal dress code, how to choose an outfit based on season and venue, and see examples of what to wear to a formal wedding.
What Is Formal Wedding Attire?
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Greenville | Simon and Faith Loftus
Formal wedding attire is also known as black-tie optional. It’s appropriate for guys to wear either a tuxedo or a dark suit. Female guests should wear a full-length gown, a chic midi dress, or a tea-length dress.
But it’s not just about dress length. It’s also about the fabric, the silhouette, and the level of sophistication of your overall look.
Formal attire means dressing up. The trick to nailing the dress code is finding the perfect balance among the right fabric, color, and silhouette.
Formal Wedding Attire vs. Semi-Formal Wedding Attire
Formal and semi-formal are two very different wedding dress codes.
In fact, semi-formal wedding attire isn’t that formal at all. It’s only slightly more formal than “dressy casual attire.”
Semi-formal means that the couple wants you to look nice. For guys, that could mean a button-down shirt, dress pants, and a blazer. There’s no need for a suit or even a tie.
For female guests, shorter dresses and knee-length cocktail dresses are best for an evening wedding. For the daytime, you can get away with a dressy skirt and top.
Semi-formal is a level above dressy casual. Formal takes it one step further.
What Should You Wear to a Formal Wedding as a Guest?
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Birmingham | Jana Musselwhite
Floor-length gowns or elegant midi dresses are your best choices for a formal event. But well-tailored pantsuits and jumpsuits made of quality fabric can also work.
When choosing a formal wedding look, aim for a balance of silhouettes, colors, and fabrics appropriate for the season, venue, and time of day.
For example, a full-length black silk gown in an A-line silhouette is a perfect choice for nearly any formal evening wedding in an upscale venue. But in that same silhouette made from stretchy cotton jersey, you’ll look more appropriate for a day at the beach.
Accessories matter too.
Dressy shoes, shimmering jewelry, and a chic handbag, like a beaded clutch or a structured minaudiere, are a must. Leave the casual footwear, the oversized handbag you carry to work, and your casual watch at home.
A formal wedding is an occasion to show off your best pieces!
At a formal wedding, your look should be polished, elegant, and sophisticated. It’s always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed.
If you’re attending with a partner or a plus-one, think about their outfit as well. If your other half plans to wear a tuxedo, match that level of formality by wearing a floor-length dress rather than a midi dress.
Related: What to Wear to a Wedding as a Guest: Dos and Don'ts
Formal Wedding Attire for Women by Season
Always dress for the season, especially if you’re heading to an outdoor wedding where the weather might be a factor.
For a formal winter wedding, a long-sleeve velvet gown can be the right choice. Meanwhile, a lightweight chiffon or satin dress will be better for a spring or summer wedding.
What to Wear to a Formal Spring Wedding
Heading to a formal spring wedding? Stick to light fabrics like chiffon, crepe, georgette, or satin charmeuse. Consider classic neutrals like sage or light grey, or opt for pretty pastels like sky blue and lavender.
Elliatt Coralie Maxi Gown
The Elliatt Coralie Maxi Gown is a gorgeous example of how to look poised and polished in pastels for a springtime wedding.
What to Wear to a Formal Summer Wedding
In summer heat, we recommend lightweight, airy chiffon dresses. In pale colors, pretty prints, or soft neutrals, chiffon dresses in spaghetti-strap, sleeveless, or strapless silhouettes are ideal for summer wedding guest dresses.
Jenny Yoo Cynthia Dress
The Jenny Yoo Cynthia Dress comes in more than a dozen colorful hues, perfect for a formal summer celebration.
What to Wear to a Formal Fall Wedding
Fall weather can be quite warm in some climates. However, fall weddings are the perfect time to lean into heavier fabrics like brocade, velvet, and faille. Neutrals, rich jewel tones, and autumnal shades are ideal for this time of year.
Kay Unger Dorrit Tea Length Dress
The Kay Unger Dorrit Tea Length Dress is a stunning example of how to pull off a shorter hemline while still looking appropriate for a formal wedding.
What to Wear to a Formal Winter Wedding
Embrace heavier fabrics like faille, velvet, brocade, and heavy satins for formal winter weddings. Higher necklines and long sleeves also make sense for this time of year, as do neutral colors and bold jewel tones.
Jenny Yoo Brielle Dress
The Jenny Yoo Brielle Dress is winter-wedding-perfection. If it’s extra chilly outside, it looks just as amazing layered with a faux-fur wrap.
Still shopping for the right look? View all of our wedding guest dresses!
Formal Wedding Attire by Venue
The more upscale the venue, the more elegant and sophisticated your look should be. Before shopping for a formal wedding guest dress, research the venue to assess just how fancy it is.
Again, it’s about finding the balance that makes the most sense for the venue, the time of day, and the season.
What to Wear to a Formal Outdoor Wedding
The first rule of dressing for a formal outdoor wedding is to choose a silhouette, fabric, and color that’s seasonally appropriate.
But if you want to be the best-dressed guest, there’s a way to step it up even more:
Choosing a color or print that complements the natural landscape.
For a rustic wedding in the woods, consider wearing a sage green or chocolate brown dress. For a vineyard wedding, consider burgundy. For a waterfront wedding, opt for shades of blue.
Mac Duggal 68947 Dress
Heading to an outdoor wedding at a hillside resort with a mountain backdrop? Choose a gorgeous floral print, like the Mac Duggal 68947 Dress in multicolored organza with ruffle trim.
What to Wear to a Beach Formal Wedding
Whether the venue is indoors or outdoors, embrace the colors of the surf, sun, and sand with shades of blue, green, taupe, coral, or peach dresses.
Dark neutrals like black and navy are the most formal choices, but they can seem a bit wintry for a beach wedding. If you prefer to wear a neutral color, consider going a bit lighter with shades of sage, latte, light grey, or mid-grey.
Elliatt Isadora One Shoulder Gown in Pale Blue
Crafted in soft crepe, the Elliatt Isadora One Shoulder Gown in Pale Blue is a perfect example of what formal beach wedding attire should be.
What to Wear to a Formal Hotel or Estate Wedding
If you’ve been invited to a wedding at a historic estate, a posh country club, or a grand ballroom at a five-star hotel, you’ll want to step up your outfit even more. Your look should be as luxe as your surroundings!
For a formal wedding at an upscale venue, keep it classic with a floor-length gown in a luxe fabric and elegant silhouette.
Kay Unger Luciana Gown
In midnight Mikado with a bold floral accent, the Kay Unger Luciana Gown is a stunning choice for a formal wedding in the most formal setting.
What Should Men Wear to a Formal Wedding as a Guest?
Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Chicago | Hailey Lauren
The formal/black-tie optional dress code for guys is very straightforward. You can wear a tuxedo or a dinner jacket if you prefer, but it’s not required.
No matter the season or time of day, you’ll be dressed appropriately in a dark gray, navy, or black suit with a tie, dress shoes, and a perfectly pressed dress shirt. For an evening event at an ultra-upscale venue, add a vest, a pocket square, and cufflinks to elevate your look even more.
A suit and tie are the minimum requirements for a formal look. Dress pants and a blazer work for semi-formal attire, but formal attire requires a full suit.
There are many formal outfit options to choose from, but there’s no need to overthink it.
Remember this:
It’s better to be overdressed than underdressed. It’s best to choose a silhouette, fabric, and color that make sense for the season. It’s important to match the venue's level of formality.
Keep these tips and tricks in mind when you’re dress shopping, and it’ll be easy to find a look that makes the newlyweds say, “Thank you. You got the memo.”
Follow us on social media for even more wedding content!
