What to Wear to a Wedding: Wedding Guest Dress Codes Explained

The invitation says “black tie” or “cocktail”, or nothing at all, and suddenly choosing a dress feels harder than it should. Here is what each wedding dress code really means in Australia, with designer wedding guest dresses for each, all below RRP and with free express shipping.

The one rule for every wedding

Don’t wear white, ivory, cream or anything that could look bridal in photos, unless the couple has asked for it. Pale blush, champagne and pearl can read as white in some light, so pick a clear colour if you are unsure.

Black tie

Black tie means a floor-length gown. Satin, beading, lace and rich colours all suit, and an evening wedding is the time for your most glamorous dress.

Rachel Gilbert Jade Gown: black embellished lace over champagne silk with a fishtail hem.
Camilla and Marc Antonelli Gown: navy satin with a halter collar and draped hip tie.
Madame X Gracie Dress: a black beaded column gown with a deep V back.
Lexi Candela Dress in Teal: a satin mermaid gown that comes with two sets of straps.

Formal

Formal gives you a little more room: a long gown is still ideal, but an elegant midi in a luxe fabric works too.

Lexi Alika Dress in Olive: a bias-cut satin slip with an adjustable split.
Lexi Jada Dress: shot green taffeta with one shoulder and a high split.
Nicholas Floral Lace Strapless Dress: ultramarine navy lace, partly lined so the pattern shows.

Cocktail

Cocktail means knee to midi length, dressy fabrics and heels. This is the most common dress code for evening receptions in the city.

Nicholas Colva Dress: black silk with a halter neck and detachable belt.
Lexi Sharika Dress: midnight shot chiffon with one shoulder and an angled hem.
Winona Miele Dress in Dusty Pink: a satin wrap midi with blouson sleeves.

Garden, beach or daytime weddings

For a daytime or outdoor ceremony, think florals, lighter fabrics and lengths that won’t drag on the grass. Block heels or wedges are kinder on lawns than stilettos.

Nicholas Arielle Floral Wrap Dress: pure silk georgette in a blue watercolour floral.
Winona Marina Maxi Dress: a blue and blush floral maxi with tiered frills.
Winona Harmony Tie Back Dress: peach and rust botanicals with long blouson sleeves.
Winona Cosmo Wrap Dress in Blue: a dusty blue wrap midi with a swingy hem.

What if the invitation doesn’t say?

Look at the venue and the time. An evening reception at a hotel or ballroom usually means formal. A late-afternoon ceremony at a winery or garden usually means cocktail. When in doubt, a midi in a dressy fabric works almost anywhere.

Browse all formal dresses, black tie gowns, cocktail dresses and day dresses. Every dress is new with tags or beautifully kept pre-loved, priced below RRP, with free express shipping Australia-wide.