Something New Shop 13, 37 Dolphin Drive, Entrance on Fathom Turn Mandurah Ocean Marina, Mandurah W.A. 6210 phone: 08 9586 8696 email: [email protected] web: www.somethingnewinvitations.com.au
DRESS CODE MEANINGS IN SUMMARY
If you do not want your guests turning up to your event in jeans and sneakers it is wise to add a dress code to your invitations. When choosing a dress code, be warned that the code you choose can and will be interpreted in many forms. If you are concerned, do not be afraid to be more specific or mention your theme.
I.e.: Hawaiian beach attire, Garden party attire, Hollywood party attire, Barefoot-shirt and tie.
The following examples should convey to your guests the attire required for your event.
Dress code: Formal Dress code: Smart Casual Dress code: Hawaiian Garden Party “No jeans, surf or skate wear” “No jeans or thongs” “Bring a single flower of any kind with you”
White Tie Men wear a long black tailcoat and black trousers, white shirt collared dress shirt, white waistcoat and self-tied white bow tie (no clip on the ties). The women wear full length evening dresses or ball gowns. Worn after 6pm.
Black Tie Men wear a black dinner suit or tuxedo with white pleated front shirt, cufflinks and black socks and shoes. A black self-tied bow tie is more appropriate or a smart clip on one. A white tuxedo can be worn with black pants. Women wear formal dinner dresses long or short but not revealing. Worn after 4.30pm.
Black Tie Optional Men have the option of wearing a tuxedo or a dark suit and tie. Women wear a cocktail style or long evening dress again nothing revealing.
Creative Black Tie Men can wear a modern variant of the black tie dress code. A tuxedo and a black shirt with no tie. Women wear a cocktail or long dress, dressy separates or a tailored suit.
Morning Suit Black or grey tail coat with grey or black striped pants, white shirt, grey waistcoat and grey silk tie. Black socks and shoes. A grey top hat can be worn or carried. Very good for a formal wedding day. Worn before 4.30pm.
Lounge Suit Suitable for less formal weddings and can be considered an appropriate dress code any time day or night. Dark business suit, white shirt, cuff links and matching tie for the men, with black shoes and black socks. A more modern dress shirt in any colour would also be appropriate. Women wear a shorter style dress or smart suit or even a cocktail dress if the wedding is held in the afternoon or early evening.
Formal Daytime/Evening Similar to Black Tie but a more relaxed. During the day, tuxedos are not necessary, unless specified. Men can wear coloured shirts under suits or a tux with no tie. Women can wear a cocktail dress, smart skirt suit, dressy separates or a tailored suit. For evening formal woman can wear a longer dress with a clutch or evening bag.
Semi-Formal (After Five) Tuxedos are not required and neither are long dresses. An evening event after 6pm would indicate a dark suit for men and a cocktail dress for the women. Daytime semi- formal event would mean a suit for him and an appropriate short dress or tailored suit for her. Reserve the sequins and satin for an evening Cocktail or Formal event.
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DRESS CODE MEANINGS IN SUMMARY (Continued..)
Dressy Casual Dressy Casual calls for dressed-up versions of casual looks. Tailored pants or dressy separates for her and trousers and a sports coat, for him. Don't be fooled by the word 'Casual' here. Jeans, shorts, T-shirts and other traditionally casual looks are not appropriate.
Smart Casual Appropriate dress code for a wedding at any time if stated on the invitation. For the men a suit with a white or pastel coloured shirt. The tie is optional. A tailored jacket and tailored pants will pass, but not jeans! Women wear dresses or pants with or without glittering adornments depending on the time of day. This code shouldn't see everyone regressing to jeans and tees. Women wear dressy separates such as tailored pants or a skirt with a pretty blouse or frocks in natural fabrics - but leave the ballgown at home. Jackets are still are a good idea for him, but perhaps he could try a linen suit, or a sports coat. Popular for more relaxed daytime weddings.
Resort Casual For her, think breezy skirts, big hats and nautical themes. For him, consider linen suits or navy jackets and light trousers.
Casual Generally means anything goes. Although it allows people to be themselves it will mean a real mix of high fashion and comfortable denim on the day and in the photos.
Cocktail Worn after 5pm. Men are required to wear a suit (preferably dark) and tie. Women wear pretty dresses with all the glittering adornments they choose.
Informal Men wear blazers or tailored sports jackets with tailored trousers optional - never jeans. Women dress as if they were going out to a nice restaurant. Informal is often interpreted as the same as casual but it actually a lot more formal than that. Dressy separates for her and blazers or sports jackets are acceptable for him. No jeans.
Garden Party Floral, feminine sundresses and big hats are perfect for this code. Polo shirts and dressy trousers or a lightweight suit for him.
Beach Chic/Barefoot Beach Sun dresses and soft, flowing skirts are lovely for a beach wedding. Take a wrap or cardigan in case it is cold by the water and choose pretty flats or strappy sandals that are easy to take off. For men, jackets and ties are not necessary but a smart-looking shirt and a pair of lightweight trousers are good choices. Brides, if you don't want the boys baring their knees in shorts, consider writing Beach Formal.
Festive Attire Festive Attire is usually seen during the holidays, with the mood of the party being Informal or Semi-Formal. For her, it means to choose looks with a bit of sparkle.
Themes Themed weddings call for dress codes like Vintage Glamour and Black and White, or something specific to the couple's interests such as Medieval. This can be fun for guests, especially like-minded friends who enjoy playing dress-ups. As a courtesy, guests should make an effort to dress smartly and fit with the theme, or speak to the couple about an alternative. Sometimes a trip to the Costume Hire Shop is necessary here.
No Dress Code In the absence of a specified dress code many guests will contact the best man or maid of honour for advice. Specify something that suits your celebration and save your guests hours of mental anguish deciding what is and isn't appropriate.
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