What to Wear to a Wedding: The Dress Code, Decoded

Whether you’re walking down the aisle or walking into the reception, wedding day fashion can feel like a bit of a puzzle. “What exactly is cocktail attire?” “Do I need to wear a floor-length gown?” “Can I get away with a linen suit?” If you’ve ever stared into your closet the week of a wedding and muttered I have nothing to wear, this one’s for you.

We’re breaking down the most common wedding dress codes—from black tie to beach casual—so you’ll feel confident, polished, and appropriately dressed for every aisle moment.

And if you’re a couple getting married, this guide is a perfect link to send in your wedding website FAQs or welcome emails to help your guests show up in style—without a thousand DMs asking, “Can I wear jeans?”

BLACK TIE

Think: Red carpet-ready.
He/Him: A tuxedo is the standard. Black bow tie, patent shoes, maybe even a cummerbund if you're feeling classic. (What is the difference between a tuxedo and a suit? A satin lapel and the accessories are often the biggest differentiators between a tux vs suit)

Jeans Verdict: Hard pass. This is your red carpet moment. Jeans of any kind don’t fit the bill—even in your finest boots. A tux, formal gown, or equivalent attire is expected.
She/Her: A full-length gown is a safe bet, but a chic midi in an elevated fabric (like satin or velvet) can also work. Think elegant, not clubwear.
They/Them: Sharp suits, formal jumpsuits, or dresses—all fair game, as long as they bring the glam.

FORMAL OR BLACK TIE OPTIONAL

Think: Just under black tie, but not casual.
He/Him: If you opt to wear a suit, stick to a dark suit and a tie for the perfect menswear. A tux is welcome, but not required.

Jeans Verdict: Nope. Even in Texas. We love a good pair of boots, but this dress code calls for more polished choices. Dark jeans—even with a sport coat—don’t meet the bar here. Opt for a full suit or tux to match the tone.
She/Her: Not much changes for the ladies between Black Tie and Formal - Floor-length or midi dresses in luxe fabrics work well. Statement accessories can elevate a simpler silhouette.
They/Them: A formal look that shows personality—tailored separates, a structured jumpsuit, or a sleek gown.

COCKTAIL ATTIRE

Think: Party-ready polish.
He/Him: Suit and tie—this isn’t the boardroom, so feel free to mix in texture or subtle patterns.

Jeans Verdict: Usually no, unless the couple says otherwise. Pressed dark denim and boots can work at some Texas weddings, but only if the couple has made that clear on the invite or wedding website. Otherwise, stick with slacks or a suit to play it safe.
She/Her: Midi or knee-length dresses, tailored sets, or a jumpsuit with some flair. Skip the clubwear, but don’t shy away from making a statement.
They/Them: A refined, personality-forward look. Structured silhouettes and coordinated pieces go a long way.

A note on color: Cocktail attire is the perfect place to play. Many couples now share fashion guides or even Pinterest boards to help guests reflect the vibe of the day. It’s a great excuse to break free from the traditional blacks, blues, and jewel tones of generations past and bring the season—or the couple’s aesthetic—to life.

SEMI-FORMAL OR DRESSY CASUAL

Think: Somewhere between business casual and cocktail.
He/Him: Dress pants and a button-up; tie optional. A sport coat adds polish.

Jeans Verdict: Sometimes yes, with the right polish. In Texas, a well-fitted pair of dark denim with dress boots and a blazer may be acceptable—especially at outdoor or rustic venues. If you're unsure, check the couple’s website or err on the side of slacks.
She/Her: A flowy midi, polished separates, or a refined maxi in a fun print or color.
They/Them: Anything that looks intentional and put-together—no sneakers, no denim.

BEACH WEDDING

Think: Breezy but elegant.
He/Him: Lightweight suits or linen pants with a crisp shirt. Loafers or nice sandals (and let’s face it, if guests are entering sandy spaces, having a place for guests to place nice shoes before entering the sand is a thoughtful touch)
She/Her: A maxi dress or lightweight cocktail dress. Go for natural fabrics and flowy silhouettes.
They/Them: Summer suiting, elevated resort wear—think Amalfi Coast energy, not pool party.

CASUAL

Think: Still dressed up, just more relaxed.
He/Him: Dress pants or chinos with a collared shirt.
She/Her: Sundress, midi dress, or elevated separates.
They/Them: Polished casual—just say no to graphic tees or athletic wear.

Festive or Themed

When the dress code says festive or themed, it’s your golden ticket to unleash a little (or a lot) of creative flair. Unlike traditional formalwear, these celebrations invite guests to step into a story—whether that’s the glitz of Studio 54, the eclectic cool of David Bowie, or any other vibe that fuels the couple’s imagination.

So what exactly does “festive” or “themed” attire mean?

At its core, it’s a way to celebrate personal style and shared nostalgia while honoring the hosts’ vision. It’s not about costumes (unless you want it to be), but about embracing a mood, an era, or an icon in a way that feels fun and authentic.

Tips for Guests

• Embrace the Theme: Even a small nod—a funky clutch, platform shoes, or bold earrings—makes the experience feel more immersive.

• Don’t Overthink It: The couple chose this theme to celebrate joy. Wear something that feels festive and true to you.

• Ask If You’re Unsure: Couples or planners are often happy to guide you if you need inspiration or examples.

Can I Wear Jeans to the Wedding?

Short answer? Sometimes. But let’s break it down:

We get it—this is Texas. And around here, a pair of pressed dark jeans, polished boots, and a sport coat can absolutely be someone's version of dressing up. That said, denim doesn’t fly at every wedding, so here’s a quick cheat sheet:

• Yes to Jeans:
  Ranch Casual, Festival Formal, or if the couple specifically says so. In these cases, dark, well-fitted denim with a crisp shirt and boots is perfectly on brand.

• Maybe (Ask First, If You Checked The Website & Invite):
  Semi-Formal or Cocktail Attire. If you’re considering jeans, they need to be sharp—no rips, fading, or casual washes—and paired with something elevated (like a blazer or tailored jacket). When in doubt, check the couple’s wedding website or style guide.

• Nope, Not Here:
  Formal, Black Tie Optional, or Black Tie. Jeans (even your “fancy” ones) just aren’t appropriate for these dress codes. When the invite leans formal, it’s time to suit up.

Still unsure? Err on the side of dressing up. No one’s ever regretted looking a little too polished—especially when there’s a professional photographer around. It is better to be overdressed than underdressed.

A NOTE TO GUESTS

If you’ve checked the wedding website and there’s no dress code listed on the invitation, don’t hesitate to reach out. Most couples would rather you ask than guess. That said, try to ask well ahead of the wedding—last-minute wardrobe questions during the week-of chaos (think: final walkthroughs, vendor logistics, and guests arriving from out of town) aren’t ideal. A little advance effort goes a long way in making sure you show up feeling confident and respectful of the couple’s time.

A NOTE TO COUPLES

Setting a clear dress code on your website (and even including outfit inspiration!) saves you from the deluge of pre-wedding wardrobe questions. Be as specific as you like—feel free to say things like “Think garden party chic” or “No heels needed—we’ll be in the sand.” Your guests want to honor your vision, and clarity gives them confidence.

Need help wording your dress code? We’ve helped dozens of couples craft playful, stylish, and crystal-clear guidance for their guests. Reach out—we’ve got you.

Photo by Heidi Elyse Photography

Photo by The Brothers Martens