Wedding Attire
We are beyond excited to celebrate with you, and cant wait for you to join us for an elegant evening.
We wanted to lend some direction for wedding attire requirements. We humbly request our guest dress in cocktail attire for our wedding ceremony.
Please see below for examples and details.
Cocktail Attire
Cocktail Attire is a polished dress code that balances formal and casual, featuring tailored suits or blazers for men and elegant dresses or jumpsuits for women—perfect for weddings, parties, and upscale events at some of the most stunning wedding venue locations. Cocktail attire is more formal than semi-formal, but a step below black tie.
Men's Cocktail Attire
✓ Dark Suit
✓ Dress Shirt
✓ Neckwear (necktie or bow tie)
✓ Dress Shoes (lace-up or loafer)
For men, cocktail attire generally means a suit and tie, but with a bit more flexibility than formal wear. A well-tailored suit in navy, charcoal, or dark gray is a safe and stylish choice. You can opt for a tie or not. A dress shirt in a crisp white or light color complements the suit well.
Men- What not to wear
What is Not Considered Cocktail Attire for Men?
Casual Wear
Jeans: Even designer jeans are too casual.
T-shirts: Avoid them, even under a blazer.
Shorts: No matter how fancy, shorts are a no-go.
Sneakers: Save them for casual outings.
Flip-flops or sandals: Toes should not be on display.
Sportswear and Casual Accessories
Sportswear: Avoid polo shirts, sweatshirts, or items with large logos.
Wrinkled or poorly maintained clothing: Ensure your outfit is in good condition.
Khakis are generally too casual for cocktail attire. Stick with suit pants or dress slacks.
Women's Cocktail Attire
A knee-length or midi cocktail dress is a timeless and reliable choice. Fabrics like silk, chiffon, or velvet are favored for their luxurious feel and refined appearance. These materials drape beautifully and create a polished look suitable for any formal or semi-formal gathering.
For a touch of personality, opt for dresses with subtle details such as lace accents, an asymmetrical hem, or elegant sleeves. Solid colors like black, navy, emerald green, or burgundy are classic options, but don’t shy away from tasteful floral patterns or metallic finishes for added flair.
For shoes, choose sensible heels or dressy flats. Flip-flops and sneakers are too casual for a cocktail dress code.
Women- What not to wear
Cocktail attire DON'T: Be too casual
The one thing all pros can agree on when it comes to cocktail attire is that it's not considered casual. "Don’t wear something you’d originally wear to the office to an occasion that calls for cocktail attire,"
Avoid denim, casual flats, tank tops, and maxi skirts or dresses.
Cocktail attire DON'T: Forget the details
Details are important with cocktail attire, and something as small as a beaded belt or a satin clutch can take your look to the next level. You can also choose a dress that has sequins or embellishments that act as the accessories themselves so there's no need for extra add-ons.
Cocktail attire DON'T: Wear cotton or linen
The type of fabric you choose can make all the difference when deciding if a dress is considered casual or formal. Brown says, "Skip fabrics like cotton and linen and opt for more luxurious fabrics like silk, satin, velvet or beading."