Decode the Dress Code

Choosing a dress code for your event can be quite difficult. Before you tell your guests what to wear, be sure you understand each dress code. I have broken it down for you to keep the guessing game out of it. Your Welcome!

{White tie}

Male guests should wear a black tail coat, matching pants, white bow tie, white piqué shirt and white vest. Women wear floor-length or ball gowns.

{Black tie}

Men wear tuxedos; women don floor-length gowns or cocktail dresses that go beyond the little black dress( think ruffles, sequins or other embellishments).

{Black tie optional}

Tuxedos and suits are equally appropriate for male guests, while women can wear either a cocktail dress or straight floor-length gown (but not ball gown).

{Cocktail attire}

Men wear suits; women arrive in either knee-length dresses or dressy pants (such as tuxedo style) paired with a silk, chiffon or otherwise evening appropriate blouse.

{Festive attire}

Though it may seem very vague, this allows guests to have fun with their attire. The fashion-forward and daring types will take it as a license to wear whatever they please, and the others will probably stick to cocktail looks.

{No dress code}

Guests will take their cues from the time of day, season and location of the wedding or event.