These Formal Wedding Guest Dresses Look Way More Expensive Than They Actually Are (2025)

FAQs

What is considered a formal dress for wedding guest? ›

Formal attire is definitely defined as a full-length gown, very fancy cocktail attire from dresses to a really glamorous pantsuit.

Tabitha has made salon history by spending $70,000. Candice is shopping with her mom for her wedding that's just 21 days away. Bride Jacy has come with an entourage, but the day is bittersweet because she desperately wishes her parents could be with her. Tabitha has made salon history by spending $70,000.

The wedding party will be in formal wedding attire, and it's optional for all guests. For men, they should wear a classic suit or tux including a tie, and formal evening wear (floor-length dresses or evening pantsuits) for women.

In western countries, a "formal" or white tie dress code typically means tailcoats for men and evening dresses for women. The most formal dress for women is a full-length ball or evening gown with evening gloves.

White-Tie. This is the most formal wedding attire possible (think: White House state dinners and royal events).

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.

Can I bring a plus one? Sharing this answer on your wedding website is a great place to make it know in advance whether “plus-ones” are welcome. If they are not, here is a great sample answer from With Joy, “Our wedding is strictly RSVP only. We will only be able to accommodate those listed on your invitation.”

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Even though brides and their families are appearing on the reality show, they receive no form of compensation on the TLC show.

How much does a wedding dress cost at Kleinfeld's? ›

Exploring Our Price Range

Kleinfeld's collection of wedding gowns start at about $2,000 and increase in price depending on the intricacy of design details, particular designer, and choice of materials for each gown.

The show is not scripted

The crew captured my genuine reactions.

Black Tie Optional or Formal

A dark suit is acceptable. Women are more than welcome to wear a floor-length dress, but if you prefer a knee-length cocktail dress, then feel free. Just make sure it's not too revealing.

Traditionally women are expected to wear a floor length evening dress to a formal wedding. Often a sophisticated and dressy cocktail dress is also appropriate, however if the bride is traditional we recommend a floor length dress. A full length dress means that the ankle is not visible.

What Is a Black Tie Event? Black tie is a formal dress code for evening occasions such as a dinner party, awards ceremony, milestone birthday, or wedding. Less formal than white tie but more formal than business dress, it is traditionally worn for events after 6pm.

A formal dress code is actually very similar to a black-tie dress code. The choices for women are still a floor-length gown, a fancy cocktail dress, or a dressy pantsuit. For men, the options are a tuxedo or a dark suit with a white shirt and conservative tie.

The most common formal dress code for women is the black-tie attire. This typically requires a floor-length gown or a formal cocktail dress. The color black is often preferred, but other dark colors such as navy, burgundy, or emerald green are also acceptable.

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.

I really encourage people to go long. If you aren't going to wear a long dress for a black tie, that's fine, but do make sure it's a really dressy cocktail dress. Maybe it's tea length to elevate it to be appropriate for what the bride wants.