What Are Wedding Dress Code Options?

Many invitations will include a dress code, but sometimes the terms can be unfamiliar or feel vague.

Here are a few of the most common:

Smart Casual: Sundresses, chic tops with skirts or trousers, and light fabrics work well. Think comfortable, but polished.
Cocktail Attire: Mid-length dresses (just above/below the knee) classy jumpsuits, or tailored suits (tie optional). It’s dressed up, but not overly formal.
Formal / Black Tie Optional: These are essentially the same.
However, Black Tie Optional extends the invitation for guests to “go all out” - as in, with a gown or tuxedo, while Formal suggests a more “reigned in” approach. For either, floor-length gowns, formal midis (below knee typically preferred), or darker colored suits. As a good rule for a male guest, a sharp suit and tie is always safe for these dress codes.
Black Tie: This is the perfect reason to “go all out”. Dramatic, long gowns, tuxedos, and elevated accessories. Think: glamour, sophistication, show-stopper. You may even want to bring your own extra accessories or props for photos (sunglasses, fans, boas, gloves).

How to Dress for a Wedding (By Theme)

Now, let’s consider how a wedding theme can add a bit more specificity to your wedding guest outfit choices. Unless clearly stated on the invitation, dressing for a wedding theme is not expected or required. That being said, it can be fun and helps narrow down options, and sometimes it can keep you feeling more comfortable.

If a theme is not explicitly stated on the invitation, one can be inferred by the chosen venue. For example, if the venue is a church or temple, understanding the specific requirements is very important when choosing what to wear. Or, another common example is if the venue is a ranch, you will want to dress accordingly for the type of terrain.

Here’s what to wear for some common wedding themes in Texas:

What to Wear to a Catholic Wedding

If you’re attending a Catholic ceremony, modesty is key. Shoulders and knees should be covered inside the church. A shawl, wrap, or jacket is an easy solution if you’re wearing a sleeveless dress; plus it gives you the option to take it off at the next location. Men should wear a suit and tie, with dress shoes. Here in Texas, I find that cowboy boots are typically acceptable with most dress codes, just be sure they are clean, and bonus points if they’re freshly polished. The goal is respectfulness, while still showing your personal style.

What to Wear to a Country Wedding

Country weddings often embrace a relaxed, rustic vibe. For women, flowing dresses in floral prints or earthy tones pair beautifully with wedges or block heels (avoid stilettos, you will sink into the grass and will have to balance on rocky pathways). Men can opt for a light colored suit or even dressy jeans with a button up and a sport coat / blazer if the couple or chosen venue notes a more casual approach

Garden Party Wedding Guest Dress

Garden weddings are all about romance and charm. Fabrics like chiffon, silk, or linen keep you cool and elegant. Bright colors, florals, or pastel tones are right at home against the greenery. A wide-brimmed hat or lace fan can be both stylish and functional in the sun. Male wedding guests can bring out a linen suit, or a nice pair of slacks and a button up paired with a vest. This is a really good opportunity to go for fun colors and patterns like plaids and seersucker.

Wedding Guest Dresses for Fall

Fall weddings call for richer tones and cozier fabrics. Think jewel shades like emerald, plum, or sapphire, and fabrics such as velvet or satin. Long-sleeve dresses or looks layered with outerwear balance warmth with elegance. Men can transition into darker suits, pairing them with ties in autumn hues. A sharp black suit is perfectly acceptable for a Fall wedding.

What to Wear to a Wedding as a Guest Male

The key for men is to build from the basics: a suit in navy, gray, or black covers almost every occasion. For more casual weddings, a button-down shirt and dress pants may be all you need. Accessories like ties, pocket squares, or polished shoes elevate the look and can subtly reflect the event’s theme or colors.

Brown Wedding Guest Dress

You may have noticed the color brown everywhere this year. That’s because a shade of brown was chosen as the color of the year for 2025. Whatever the year, neutral tones are timeless, and a brown dress can feel especially chic. For summer, lighter shades like taupe or mocha paired with gold accessories bring warmth. In fall or winter, deep chocolate hues with metallic or jewel-toned accents feel rich and seasonally appropriate. Brown can be surprisingly versatile, grounding yet sophisticated.

Final Thoughts

The heart of any wedding is celebrating the couple, but feeling confident in what you wear lets you focus on the joy instead of the stress. Whether you’re dressing for a rehearsal, a country ceremony, or a black tie ballroom, the best choice is one that balances respect for the couple’s wishes with your own authentic style. After all, weddings are about love, and your outfit should let you celebrate it beautifully.

What’s A Normal Dress Code For a Wedding?