If you're not part of the wedding party, you'll most likely be scratching your head trying to figure out the dress code printed on the invitation. So to save you the trouble of navigating the confusing guest attire dilemma, we've created a guide for you. Below, we attempt to give a more descriptive explanation of the most common wedding dress codes.
1. White Tie
This is the most formal of all the dress codes so guests are expected to wear a floor-length gown in a neutral color.
IMAGE Moda Operandi, Zara, Charles & Keith
Marchesa Lace peplum gown, P199,680, Moda Operandi; Zara Golden strappy high heel sandals, P2595, Greenbelt 5; Charles & Keith Evening Wristlet, P1799, SM Megamall
2. Black Tie
Similar to white tie, black tie means a proper gown is meant to be worn at the evening affair. Guests can also opt to wear dressy cocktail attire. When unsure, just think what the host might wear and try to match that. You can also ask the bridesmaids for direction.
IMAGE Miz and Moxie, Rustans Department Store, Zara
Rosenthal Tee Roisine Sequined peach maxi dress, P4675, Miz and Moxie; Christian Louboutin Bikee Bike light gold heels, P49,500, Rustan's Department Store; Zara Frilled clutch, P2595, Greenbelt 5
3. Formal or Black Tie Optional
This simply means that guests don't have to adhere to the restrictions of a black tie attire but are still expected to dress formally, something that is suited to make a fashion statement at an evening affair.
IMAGE Mango, Topshop, Zara, Pull & Bear
Mango Satin feather top, P2995, UP Town Center; Topshop Lame asymmetric skirt by Boutique, P6135, Topshop.com; Zara High heel leather sandals with feathers, P5595, SM Aura; Pull & Bear Detailed crossbody bag, P895, SM Megamall
4. Creative Black Tie
Here's where you can be more a little more creative, but still should maintain the formality a blact tie event entails. Girls can skip the gowns and go for a dressy suit.
IMAGE Zara, Topshop, Stradivarius, Miz and Moxie, Rustans Department Store
Zara High-waisted straight cut trousers, P2295, Glorietta 3, Topshop Metallic suit jacket, P4460, Topshop.com; Stradivarius Lace bralette, P895, Glorietta 2; M&M By Ken Samudio Cecile clutch, P3200, Miz and Moxie; Christian Louboutin Coralta Mia glitter heels, P39,500, Rustan's Department Store
5. Cocktail
Stick to short or knee-length dresses if you're instructed to come in cocktail attire. Dressier rompers and jumpsuits fall into this category as well.
IMAGE Bershka, Miss Selfridge, Miz and Moxie
Bershka Frilled velvet jumpsuit, P1595, SM Aura; Miss Selfridge Cecilia feather sandals, P3165, Missselfridge.com; Rated Paola Germar Clear soda clutch, P3500, Miz and Moxie
6. Semi-formal or Dressy Casual
Think of it as an amped up version of how you dress up everyday, minus the jeans, yoga pants, and tees.
IMAGE H&M, Rustans Department Store, Bershka
H&M Lyocell-blend Dress, P2990, SM Makati; Christian Louboutin Explotek patent lavender court shoe, P64,500, Rustan's Department Store; Bershka Bag with chain, P995, SM Megamall
7. Festive
Bring out the shine and metallics if the invitation calls for festive attire!
IMAGE Mango, Bershka, Pull & Bear
Mango Bow metallic dress, P2995, Metallic pleated skirt, P1995, Greenbelt 5; Bershka Vamp sandals with ankle strap and glitter mid heels, P1990, SM Megamall; Pull & Bear Pink metallic wallet, P895, SM Aura
8. Garden
Florals would be the expected attire when attending a garden wedding. Don't be limited to the print, but make sure to adhere to the color scheme, which usually asks for pastels.
IMAGE Topshop, H&M, Pull & Bear
Topshop Garden floral wrap maxi dress, P3810, Topshop.com; H&M Metallic mules, P1490, SM Megamall; Pull & Bear White chain crossbody bag, P895, SM Aura
9. Smart Casual
Think business attire but a bit relaxed.
IMAGE Mango, Parfois, Freestate.ph
Mango Bow linen jumpsuit, P2995, Greenbelt 5; Parfois,Party strappy sandals, P1990, SM North EDSA; Aldo Inloving, P2695, Freestate.ph
10. Beach Formal
No, simple Sunday dresses won't cut it for a beach formal. Elevate breathable fabrics like chiffon, cotton or linen by keeping the hem longer than knee-length. Slip on a pair of espadrilles or flats for easy movement walking in the sand.
IMAGE Bershka, Stradivarius, Freestate.ph
Bershka Ruffled crossover plumetis dress, P2295, SM Megamall; Stradivarius Leather ruffle flat sandals, P1490, Glorietta 2; Aldo Aloewen, P 2695, Freestate.ph
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