Dress code – dressed appropriately

Dress code for the bride and groom & wedding guests. These days, dressing appropriately for a wedding is more about feeling comfortable than meeting the expectations of those around you. Naturally, as a guest, you should respect any dress code specified by the bride and groom on the invitation.

However, there are certain rules of etiquette that are worth knowing and following. Here we describe traditional wedding attire and offer advice on what might be appropriate to wear depending on what is stated on the invitation. There are two types of wedding: morning weddings and afternoon weddings.

Morning weddings take place before 3.00 pm.

At a morning wedding, the groom has two options for his attire: an elegant grey jacket, similar to a tailcoat, worn with grey-striped trousers and a grey waistcoat; or a dark suit, either dark blue or dark grey. For military officers, there is also the option of a dress uniform. Find outfits for the groom here.

The bride can choose a long or short elegant dress when the groom is wearing a jacket – if short, preferably with a hat. If the groom is wearing a dark suit, the bride should wear a short, beautiful dress or outfit. A hat is also appropriate here. Find outfits for the bride here.

For a morning wedding, female guests should wear a short dress or outfit, not low-cut. A hat is recommended. Male guests should wear a jacket (where required) or a dark suit.

Afternoon weddings – take place after 3.00 pm.

The bride wears a long white dress, preferably not strapless. Long white gloves are suitable for a short-sleeved dress. Short gloves are worn with a long-sleeved dress. If the groom wears traditional dress, the bride does too.

The groom wears formal attire, i.e. a tailcoat, a uniform or a festive version of traditional costume.

For an afternoon wedding, the female guests wear long, elegant evening gowns. The male guests wear formal attire.

Dress code on the invitation

Modern weddings are often not bound by traditional etiquette. Guests are not expected to wear traditional wedding attire, even if the bride and groom are in formal dress. Instead, the dress code specified on the invitation cards is as follows:

Tailcoat: The most formal attire. For men, this always means a tailcoat. It is important that the bow tie and waistcoat are white when wearing a tailcoat to a wedding. Women should wear a long, elegant evening gown; a low-cut neckline is perfectly acceptable here. Long gloves are recommended with a sleeveless gown. Festive, sparkly accessories are a must.

A festive version of traditional folk costume is suitable attire for all major celebrations and weddings where a tailcoat or formal attire is required. It is worn by both ladies and gentlemen.

A uniform may be worn with a tailcoat or formal attire.

Formal attire: Men wear a tailcoat, a uniform or a festive version of traditional folk costume. Women wear an elegant evening gown or a festive version of traditional folk costume.

‘No dress code specified’ (for afternoon weddings) actually implies a tailcoat, but as this tradition is not universally known today, it is wise to check with the hosts to find out what is expected.

Jacket: The least formal dress code. Traditionally, this means a dark suit for men, but the rules have become more relaxed. A light-coloured suit is appropriate during the lighter months of the year. Occasionally, a mismatched jacket and trousers are acceptable, provided the accessories are smart. Ladies wear a short dress, a suit, and occasionally a pair of elegant trousers is acceptable. An evening gown, even a long one, may be worn when you know that the male guests are expected to wear a dark suit (at an afternoon wedding).

A dark suit always means a dark blue, dark grey or black suit with a white shirt. Ladies wear a more elegant short or calf-length dress, or occasionally a long dress (for afternoon weddings).

Tuxedo: If the invitation specifies ‘tuxedo’, a tuxedo must be worn; otherwise, it is not required, as it does not replace a tailcoat or suit. Dark blue or black. In late summer, a white tuxedo with black trousers is acceptable. For women, the tuxedo attire is an evening gown, long or short, strapless or long-sleeved – but not as elegant as when men wear a tailcoat. Expert tip: If you’re unsure how a dark suit should fit or what the rules actually are for a tuxedo, check out Andreas Weinås’s top tips in our guide to wedding dress codes for men.

Things to bear in mind

It is customary for the bride and groom’s parents to dress in the same way as the guests. If the bride and groom are dressed formally, it is common for the bridal party to be as well, i.e. the bridesmaids, groomsmen and flower girls. However, proper etiquette dictates that the wedding party should dress in the same way as the guests – so there is plenty of freedom of choice here. Bridesmaids do not wear white – they must not outshine the bride. The flower girls (children) wear smart clothes.

A rule for female guests is not to wear white or black. There is a saying for ladies regarding ‘formal wear’, which means ‘a lot at the bottom and a little at the top’. If the bride is wearing gloves, the left ring finger of the glove should be slit open so that the ring can be slipped on. Buy your shoes a month before the wedding so you have time to ‘break them in’. Tip: Would you like to know more about exactly what to bear in mind when choosing colour and style? Read our complete guide to wedding guest dresses – everything about etiquette and style here.

It’s polite to dress as specified on the invitation; the wedding is the bride and groom’s most important day, so please respect their wishes. If you’re unsure what to wear, ring the hosts and ask what’s appropriate. If you want guests to wear a ‘dark suit’, it’s best to specify this on the invitation. Festive versions of traditional dress can be worn at any wedding or large celebration – by both the bride and groom and their guests – regardless of what’s written on the invitation.