If you’re planning a cocktail wedding, it can be easy to get overwhelmed by all the options. There’s no specific cocktail wedding dress code, but some guidelines remain. You want everyone to look good and comfortable, so don’t stress about which wedding cocktail attire suits your event. Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is a Cocktail Wedding?
A cocktail wedding is where the bride and groom are not dressed formally—the bride wears a cocktail dress or suit, while the groom may wear a tuxedo or simple trousers and a blazer. The guests are also expected to be dressed in cocktail attire, which means they should wear nice but not too formal clothing.
Cocktail Wedding Attire vs Formal Wedding Attire
Cocktail wedding attire is less formal than formal wedding attire. The cocktail wedding dress code is much more relaxed than the formal wedding attire, so you can wear something different and unique as opposed to a traditional gown or tuxedo.
Cocktail Wedding Dress Code for Women
The cocktail wedding dress code for women is as follows:
Lean towards bold colours, patterns and fabrics
Bold colours and patterns are a great way to stand out from the crowd. Choose a bold skirt or print if you have a short cocktail dress. Or buy a dress that suits your unique style and personality. A cocktail wedding is all about having fun and letting your hair down.
The colour and pattern of the fabric should be appropriate for the occasion. If possible, choose something which matches one of your bridesmaids’ dresses!
Find balance in a midi dress
Midi dresses are an excellent option for an elegant cocktail wedding party. They’re cute yet glamorous, allowing you to pair them up with high heels to elevate your look. Since they come in many shapes and styles, find one that suits your body type perfectly.
Be different with a pantsuit
The pantsuit is the way to go if you’re looking for a way to be different. Both men and women can wear it, so you’ll have no problem getting your groove on at the reception. The best part about this cocktail wedding dress code is you won’t have to worry about wearing one specific colour or pattern because this option allows for multiple colours and patterns.
Be daring with a crop top and a high-waisted skirt or trousers
If you’re looking to get a little daring with your wedding dress code, consider pairing a crop top with high-waisted trousers or a skirt. The combination of these two trends can be worn in various ways and will give you plenty of styling options when choosing your wedding dress.
Your shoe choice is important
Your shoe choice is also essential. Your shoes should be comfortable, stylish, and appropriate for the weather and venue. The key here is to ensure that your shoes don’t detract from your look—you want them to enhance it!
Always opt for a clutch
A clutch is similar to a handbag but differs in size and functionality: It’s smaller than a cross-body bag and has closure at the top rather than on the flap. While it doesn’t have as much room as other bags hanging from your shoulder or around your torso, it holds all your valuables without weighing down your wrist or causing discomfort throughout the evening.
Stand out with an accessory
You can stand out in a big way when it comes to accessories. A brightly coloured bag is a great way to add colour and personality to your look. You could also try wearing a statement necklace or even adding stylish earrings for more flair!
You can also consider wearing hats, as they’re an easy way to add some extra pizazz to your ensemble.
Cocktail Wedding Dress Code for Men
The following is the cocktail wedding dress code for men:
Impress with a tailored suit
An impeccable suit is a perfect way to show off your groom’s best features. A well-tailored, fitted suit should be in a colour that complements his skin tone and should be appropriate—not too formal or casual.
Ditch the black suit
Black suits are too formal for a cocktail wedding. Depending on the cocktail wedding venues, your suit can look more like formal wear than a normal suit. It’s also worth considering that black is not necessarily easy to match with other colours, which can be frustrating when trying to coordinate your and your date’s outfits.
A tie or bowtie is welcome but not essential
While ties and bowties are welcome, they are not essential to a man’s wedding day attire. If you choose to wear one, make sure it doesn’t dominate your outfit or clash with the rest of your cocktail wedding party.
Opt for lace-up dress shoes
Opt for lace-up dress shoes. Lace-up shoes are more formal than slip-on shoes, but they’re also more comfortable and stylish—and can be worn with many different outfits.
Rock your Wedding Cocktail with Navarra
When it comes to cocktail wedding dress code, there are no hard and fast rules. Cocktail wedding attire is a guide to help you dress appropriately, comfortably and stylishly.
The key is finding the right balance between what you feel comfortable with and what will look good on your body type at your wedding.
Do you need assistance in planning your cocktail wedding? Navarra has the best venues to make you memorable. Contact us and book a venue tour.
