For most people, wedding planning involves perfecting every last detail, including, of course, setting a dress code. These days, wedding dress codes are just as big a part of the event as the venue, and some couples even use them to create a unique vibe for their big day.
Traditionally, wedding dress codes take one of three classic forms: casual, co*cktail attire, and black tie. However, as the traditional rules of what a wedding should look like continue to be evolve, people are saying goodbye to the stiff structure of the past and embracing dress codes that feel special to them–making the attire part of the occasion fun for guests, and even better for the photo album.
Ahead, four brides tell Vogue about their wedding dress codes, why they chose them, and whether or not it was worth it.
Dress Code: Monochromatic
“We thought long and hard about the exact colors [lavender for women and beige for men]. Ultimately, because we were getting married in the forest, we wanted soft colors against the lush greens. Not to mention, we got married in the middle of July, so we wanted to ensure the colors would keep our guests cool for hours of celebration. [Our guests] really showed up and showed out! Women went as far as having bedazzled shoes, fans, and lavender handbags. All the men were crisp in their beige looks. The images were stunning. I would absolutely do it again. Because we got married during one of the peaks of COVID-19, there was a mix of anxiety and excitement for many people deciding to attend. The dress code helped add levity and fun that so many of us needed at the time. It also made the guests feel more involved in our big day. I highly recommend it!” - Cliché Wynter-Mayo
Dress Code: Dressed-up meets dressed-down
“We wanted everyone to lean into the fall atmosphere because we married on a farm in upstate New York. We wanted people to be dressed-up in their looks but dressed-down in their footwear. Throw on your cowboy boots and a cool dress. No heels. So, there were people who were wearing fun platforms with suits and other things like that. I think most people are going to wear dress shoes to a wedding and heels, but because nobody is in heels, people danced the entire reception. It was great. People went crazy on the dance floor. Our DJ said, ‘I’ve never seen this many people dance at a wedding.’ I think it was because everyone’s feet didn't hurt.” - Kelsey Randall
Dress Code: Disco formal
“My fiancé Ben and I are getting married on June 28, and I’m telling our friends and family to come in what I’m calling ‘disco formal.’ We decided pretty early on that we were going for a kind of elegant disco vibe for our wedding, which was almost fully inspired by that famous picture of Bianca Jagger riding a white horse through Studio 54. My parents are such huge fans of disco that it was constantly in my ear growing up. (My father was part of a local DJ crew called ‘Super Disco,’ which he went by ‘Disco Del.’ That's a true story.) Ben and I just loved the idea of throwing a disco instead of a wedding, but since my parents are traditionalists and didn’t want anyone showing up looking like it was Saturday Night Fever night at the Metrograph, we needed a little formality. Hence, ‘disco formal.’ - Maria Del Russo
I keep telling everyone to show up in their ‘where the hell would I ever wear that?’ look—you know, the dress or suit or sparkling jumpsuit they could never justify buying for lack of occasion. I want people to swing for the fences with details, like sequins, feathers, or some incredible Terry De Havilland platforms. I love how androgynous so many Studio 54 attendees were—if a woman showed up in a slick version of a YSL Le Smoking jacket with nothing under it, I would probably die. And a rainbow of colors. We're keeping our wedding colors very minimal—black, white, and silver—so the looks can really be the center of attention. My cousin sent me a screenshot of a strapless, sequined rainbow gown, and I just said, ‘Yes! Add a ruffled bolero, and you will be my favorite family member.’”
Dress Code: Hot chic
“The vibe was literally ‘be hot.’ Sometimes dress codes can be weird and complicated in a way that doesn’t make people feel comfortable, so instead of putting a firm dress code down for folks we just told our guests to wear whatever made them feel their most sexy. And it was great! This meant backless jumpsuits and slip dresses for some and leather jackets on the dance floor for others. It made for a really fun atmosphere and let people feel their best.” - Caitlin Rooney
