How to decode the wedding dress code

Find the ideal dress code for your wedding or If your guests are a little confused by what to wear, share this guide to clarify their outfit options

Did you receive a wedding invitation with a dress code you don’t understand? Not to worry, the expert wedding team from London online jeweller, TheDiamondStore.co.uk, is here to decode it for you – and make sure you don’t stand out for the wrong reasons in the wedding photographs.

“White Tie”

...means extremely formal. Think royal weddings and state dinners. Ladies in ball gowns and gloves, men in tails or full military uniform.

"Black Tie"

...is the second most formal dress code. Men in a tux and a bow tie, ladies in a long gown or a knee-length cocktail dress.

“Morning Suit”

...means a very traditional British wedding. Men in a black or grey morning coat, striped trousers, waistcoat and a top hat. Women in a knee-length cocktail dress with a jacket and a hat.

“Lounge Suit”

...for men means a black or grey suit with a tie. Ladies should wear a knee-length cocktail dress.

“Casual”

...doesn’t mean jeans! Men should still wear dress trousers and a button-down shirt. Ladies can wear a summer dress or a smart blouse and trousers.

"Beach Formal"

...means you should look elegant like you were going to a high end seaside restaurant, but wear shoes suited for sand.

“Festive Dress”

...could be a Christmas, New Year’s Eve or a themed wedding. Sparkly cocktail attire is perfect unless the couple gives you further instructions.

Finally, never wear white unless specifically stated, because that’s the bride’s colour. If there’s no dress code on the invite, always err on the formal side of caution. It’s much better to remove a hat or a tie, than feel embarrassed because you didn’t wear one.