Casual Wedding Dresses (2024)

FAQs

How do you describe a casual wedding dress code? ›

Casual. While casual dress code weddings allow you to wear a more relaxed outfit, remember that this is still a celebration, so shorts and flip-flops aren't advisable. Sundresses paired with sandals are the perfect attire for women who want to feel dressed up but still comfortable.

Casual attire will typically indicate that the wedding is being held outdoors or on the beach, meaning the event will be much more laid-back. With that said, jeans, shorts, tank tops, t-shirts, flip-flops, and sneakers are absolutely not appropriate unless specified by the couple.

"When it says casual, men could show up in pants and a blazer with no tie—or maybe not a jacket at all—but just a nice shirt and a pair of slacks. Women can wear a nice sundress or dress, a jumpsuit or even a two-piece set," says Julie Sabatino, bridal stylist and founder of The Stylish Bride.

Put It on the Invitation

The simplest way to tell your guests what they're expected to wear is to put a dress code in the invitation. There is a time-honored glossary of dress-code wording short enough to include on invitations, or on a card inserted with the invitation.

A casual dress code means that employees are permitted to dress in comfortable, informal clothing. Although the employees' comfort is a priority, certain standards are required—clothing must be appropriate and still professional.

Casual dress code refers to clothing that is informal and comfortable, yet clean and professional.

The use of “casual” can give you the mistaken idea that you'll be fine turning up to the event in clothes that you might wear when you're lounging around the home. That isn't the case. Dressy casual still has a level of formality attached to it, so sneakers, jeans, and t-shirts are off the table.

Meanwhile, casual weddings may not expect guests to wear ties - and some couples may not even expect traditionally formal outfits. Rather, they may go with a Disney or a Star Wars-themed wedding. In this case, you might want to find a costume or at least wear something related to these fandoms.

Factors to Consider When Wearing a Short Dress to a Wedding

For daytime or casual weddings, a dress hitting 1-2 inches above the knee is usually appropriate. For more formal affairs, opt for a midi length grazing the knee. Pay attention to fabrics too – lightweight chiffons and lace tend to look more dressed up.

Pants are totally acceptable. Here are some ways to wear pants to a wedding with confidence.

Is it OK to wear jeans to a casual wedding? ›

It doesn't matter if the dress code requests "casual" attire, jeans, T-shirts, shorts, flip-flops, and sneakers are never appropriate to wear as a wedding guest. Show respect for the bride and groom by dressing formally.

Smart casual: For the ladies, a summery midi/maxi dress or top and skirt combo are appropriate for a smart casual affair, with a more relaxed shoe style like wedges or even dressy flats. For the guys, a suit is definitely not required.

For men, that means you don a suit and a collared shirt but no tie (which immediately states “casual”) and opt for a good classic loafer. For women, a spiffy sweater over a tailored skirt (knee-length or longer) or slacks with a low heel pump or a dressy flat, all topped with an elegant silk scarf.

If you're going to use a non-traditional dress code, make sure it's clear, like “casual picnic attire”, and add a line that guests will thank you for: “The service will be held on grass. Please wear appropriate shoes.”

Smart casual is professional but a little relaxed - a polished take on more casual pieces of clothing as well as casual or fun items paired back with smarter pieces. Items are typically less structured and the formality downgraded from traditional corporate wear.

Say it in a traditional style or a fun and more casual style to complete your unique wedding invitation wording. Traditional wedding attire wording: Black tie (tuxedos and formal gowns) Formal, black tie optional (suit and tie and dresses)