Figuring out what to wear for a wedding can be daunting. Not only do you have to find something you look and feel great in but you also have to figure out what things like “semi-fancy-cocktail with a beach-y twist” and “homegrown black tie, think NYC meets DIY” mean. These are our top tips and tricks for navigating what to wear and a few budget-friendly suggestions from our favorite sites.

Tips:

1. Be prepared for the weather, bring a wrap or jacket if it might get cool and wear light breathable fabric if it is going to be hot out.
2. Think about the venue, if you are going to be outside either don’t wear heels or invest in some of these.
3. Be comfortable, it’s going to be a long night.

General Rules:

1. Don’t wear white. It’s the bride’s color, she’s the only one that should be wearing it.
2. Also try to avoid things similar to white (very light pink, white patterned, etc.) and any super loud colors (bright red, neons, etc.) that might call attention in photos.
3. If you know the bridesmaid’s dress color, try to avoid that specific shade as well.
4. Read what the invitation or website says about attire and try to decipher what it means (more on that below).

White Tie

Men: This one has lots of rules for men — a tailcoat and patent shoes are required as well as, as the name infers, a white tie and white vest. Also not optional? Gloves.

Women: A formal, floor-length evening gown in an appropriate fabric (skip the polyester or rayon for this one). Ladies, you luck out here, long gloves are encouraged but optional.

      

Formal Black Tie

Men: Technically “Black Tie” means tux. So rent, borrow, or buy, but show up with all the accoutrement like shirt studs and cuff links.

Women: Similar to white tie, a formal, floor-length evening gown is expected here. However, you can also get away with a dressy cocktail dress, especially in summer months.

      

Creative Black Tie / Black Tie Optional

Men: This is where you can ditch the tux and opt for a dark suit instead. Tie and dress shoes still required. “Creative” generally still means a tux but paired with a non-white shirt or additional “trendy” items like a patterned tie or bow tie.

Women: Pretty much the same as “Formal,” but here’s where you can start to get away with separates or a little black dress.

     

Cocktail Attire

Men: We’re still going to recommend a suit on this one, but you can opt for slacks and your best sport jacket, instead. Stilllllll put on the tie (though, you might be able to loosen or remove it before the night is up!).

Women: Short dresses are a-ok here, or more casual maxi dresses. We’re super into the floral trend as of late!

     

Casual Attire

Men: Ta da! You finally don’t have to wear a tie to this one… but, if you still want to, go for it! Casual infers khakis, a button up (short sleeves are usually ok, but ask your host to be sure), and nice shoes, so still leave the denim and sneakers packed away.

Women: Sundresses, cotton, and rayon abound, here! Pretty much any dress can fit the bill here, as well as separates. But, just like the guys, opt for nicer accessories to show respect for the event.

Have you ever been super confused by a wedding invite’s attire description? What is your go-to wedding guest outfit?? Let us know in the comments!