You open your mailbox and find a beautiful wedding invitation that someone close to you is finally getting married. A fancy font at the bottom of the invitation states “dress casual”. You immediately start thinking, “what is wedding casual and what is too formal?” We have all been in this situation before. But don’t worry, Andre’s Banquet and Catering is here to help you out. Whether you are a wedding guest, or the bride finalizing details for your own big day, we’ll guide you through the essential wedding attire guide for any style of celebration.
For guests wondering what to wear, the first part of this blog is for you! Brides, we will discuss how to choose which wedding attire you should choose for your guests whether casual vs formal wedding. {The dress code expert has now entered the chat}
Casual vs Formal Wedding
Let’s break down the different dress codes for weddings, from relaxed and comfortable to elegant and formal, so you’ll know exactly what to expect and what to wear.
Casual Wedding Guest Attire
Casual has become more popular over the years, as some brides and grooms want their guests to be very comfortable on their special day. While this does not mean wearing baggy sweatpants and a sweatshirt, it gives guests the option to avoid dressing too formally. Think of casual wedding attire as dressy casual, similar to what you might wear to work or a nice dinner.
Casual Wedding Attire for Men
Casual wedding attire for men means wearing a button-down shirt and khakis or dress pants. Although some weddings are casual enough to wear a nice pair of dark hole-free jeans, it is best to stick with the dress pants. Dress pants offer a more refined, polished look that ensures you’re dressed appropriately for any situation.
Casual Wedding Attire for Women
A casual dress or a skirt with flats is the way to go here! Think about what you would wear for a job interview and go with that. This puts you in a safe place, so you do not run into a situation where you feel underdressed. Add a few accessories to personalize your look and consider the setting of the event space you’ll be attending.
Semi-Formal / Cocktail Attire
Semi-formal is the most common type of dress code for weddings. This is the bride and groom giving you the nudge to look nice, while still being able to have fun and be comfortable showing off your best dance moves. Don’t worry, a semi-formal dress code still allows you to be able to get low on the dance floor. This attire works well in many elegant wedding venue settings around St. Louis, offering a nice middle ground between casual and formal.
Semi-Formal Wedding Attire for Men
A well-fitted suit and tie, paired with comfortable dress shoes and a hint of cologne, will do the trick. This look hits the right balance of sophistication and comfort—ideal for formal event attire without the need for a tux.
Semi-Formal Wedding Attire for Women
A cocktail dress or a formal blouse with a flowy skirt is perfect for semi-formal weddings. Opt for mid-length or short dresses, which strike the perfect balance between casual and formal. Accessories like statement earrings or a clutch can elevate your outfit Floor-length gowns are best saved for black tie dress code events unless otherwise noted. Hair and makeup can be as simple or glamorous as you like.
Formal & Black Tie Optional
A black-tie wedding is about the most elegant you can get regarding a wedding dress code. This dress code calls for you to dress to impress and might even mean going shopping for a new outfit you’ve been dreaming about. You will be feeling good and looking good when you are getting ready for this kind of wedding.
A formal wedding brings a high-end, unforgettable ambiance, especially when hosted at a luxurious wedding venue in St. Louis MO. When your guests arrive in evening gowns and tuxedos, it transforms the wedding into a high-end, unforgettable celebration.
Formal Wedding Attire for Men
A black or dark navy suit or tuxedo is best for a formal wedding. Add in a pair of polished dress shoes to match, and you are all set for the occasion! This classic combination ensures you’ll look sharp, sophisticated, and ready to celebrate in style.
Formal Wedding Attire for Women
A long dark-colored dress paired with a pair of heels or dressy flats is the best way to go in regards to formal wedding attire for women. This is the perfect time to play dress up and go out and buy yourself a new long-length dress and make a statement. A lot of women put their hair in updos and pair it with classy makeup for this sort of event. This combination ensures you’re dressed to impress while feeling your absolute best for such a high-end and memorable celebration.
Calling all Brides
Now that you know all of the different types of wedding dress codes, it can be complicated having to choose what your guests should be wearing. However, it might not actually be as complicated as one might think. The first and best way to figure out what to make your dress code should start with your choice of venue. You do not want your guests wearing suits and long dresses if you are getting married in one of those huge fabulous barns with huge open doors. If you are getting married in a fancy barn you would want your guests to either be casual or semi-formal.
If you are leaning toward having your wedding at the Ritz Carlton, I would start thinking about telling your guests to dress formal or even black-tie formal. One important tip for making things easier for your guests we suggest including the dress code in your invitation to leave out any questions the guests could potentially hound you with. This eliminates any confusion about what’s expected, so guests can plan accordingly and avoid any last-minute wardrobe questions that might cause unnecessary stress. This small detail can save you a lot of stress and make your big day even more seamless!
Let Andre’s Banquet & Catering Help
Planning a wedding involves many moving parts—but with Andre’s Banquet & Catering by your side, you don’t have to go it alone everything you need is in one place. As a trusted wedding venue in St. Louis MO, we offer full-service coordination to simplify your planning experience from start to finish.
We offer one-stop shopping services, meaning, you won’t have to juggle multiple vendors or worry about overlooked details. We provide everything from wedding invitations and tuxedo rentals to music and entertainment, professional makeup artists, and even licensed ministers to officiate your ceremony. Need stunning florals or a show-stopping arrival? Our network includes talented florists and luxury chauffeured transportation providers to complete the experience.
With Andre’s, you’re not just booking a venue—you’re getting access to a comprehensive team dedicated to making your event seamless, elegant, and unforgettable.
Additional Information: How to Decide on a Dress Code for Your Wedding
Andre’s Banquet & Catering | St. Louis, MO
Andre’s Banquet & Catering is more than just a venue—we’re your partner in planning a flawless celebration. Located in the heart of St. Louis, our wedding venues provide the perfect backdrop for events ranging from casual to formal. We provide the meal, 4-hour open bar, china dinnerware, linen tablecloths, chair covers, the personnel, as well as an onsite coordinator. We are a one-stop-shop facility that can offer guidance in planning and organizing your day. Andre’s Banquet & Catering coordinates with several different vendors to make your planning process painless! Andre’s Banquet & Catering we take the tangle out of tying the knot!!! Contact us today for any questions or reservations.