Tag: Planning a wedding

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Wedding Photos

Given the amount of photo manipulation we see everywhere from ads to Instagram, it might be natural to think that your wedding pics can be tweaked the same way. I mean, after all, almost anything you dislike in your final gallery can be edited out with Photoshop, right? Not exactly. Photographers caution against assuming that everything can be retouched in the final snaps. Here’s what can and can’t be done.

First Things First

Before actually signing a contract with a photographer, you need to make sure that their style matches what you are actually looking for. “I think the critical first step for clients is to choose the right sort of photographer from the start: people who like a heavily retouched look should pick a photographer who clearly leans toward that style, with lots of computer effects and ‘perfect’ airbrushed-looking subjects,” says Al Fortier, creative director at Alistbeauty. “A reportage or documentary style photographer is going to be less inclined to do major retouching, favoring the natural and organic look they captured in-camera.” The best way to make sure someone will be able to deliver what you want is take a good look at their website and see if their images fit what you have in mind.

Set Clear Expectations

There is hardly one blanket approach, so it’s important to find out what your photographer’s view and policy is on retouching before getting started. “It definitely varies from photographer to photographer, so it’s good to ask from the start what kind of photo retouching, if anything, a wedding photographer provides,” says Al. I generally want to provide a near perfect gallery, so I ask to retouch anything that drives me nuts [like stray hairs or weird things in the background] before I put them on my website. When it’s something beyond my capabilities and it’s bothering me, I’ll send it out to a retoucher.” Someone on Fiverr.com

Small ‘Flaws’

If there’s something about your appearance that you’re insecure about, it’s best to give your photographer a heads up before your big day, as many things can be tweaked for your final images. The important thing is to speak up, because what stands out to you may not for your photographer. “[It’s important] that my clients tell me what they’re self conscious about before we shoot so I can be aware of it and share what retouching may be possible for them,” says Al. “For instance, a client who is insecure about yellowed teeth: I won’t insult anyone by automatically whitening their teeth on my own, but if they request it ahead of time, it’s an easy fix. If someone has bad acne scars and they ask me to fix it, I can also address that in photos that need it. However, I never ‘fix’ anyone’s flaws unless they ask me to. [It’s] sort of rude to assume!”

I love this picture but it is retouched a lot. You can tell the modles eyes are not this blue skin is too flawless and Emma had a necklace I  did not love with this dress.

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Things to Do After Getting Engaged

Your partner popped the question, you said yes, and now you’re engaged ! Congratulations! It’s a big moment, and you’re kicking off a totally special time in your lives. But what should you do after you get engaged? The first steps you take after your engagement will really set you up for a successful wedding planning process. From the fun and exciting to the nitty-gritty, we have a few tasks to get you on your way.

Spread the News

Of course the first thing you’ll want to do after your engagement is tell people about it! Start with your VIPs (think parents, siblings, and grandparents), either sharing the news in person or getting on the phone to tell them what’s just happened. Then, once your inner circle is up to date, you can head to social media with the perfect engagement post.

Get Insurance

Romantic? No. Totally necessary? Yes. Whether a stone gets loose or your ring falls down the garbage disposal, having it properly protected is key. Your partner may have already looked into ring insurance with the jeweler, but if he or she hasn’t yet purchased a policy, you’ll want to do that right away.

Get a Manicure

Now that you’re engaged, all eyes will be on your left hand, so pamper your fingers with a professional mani. Clean cuticles and soft skin will make your newest accessory really pop!

Enjoy the Moment

It’s hard to resist the urge to start planning, but try to take a few days—or a few weeks—to simply be engaged. Embrace the romance with regular date nights, an engagement trip, or even an engagement party. Practice introducing your partner as your fiancé, and enjoy all of the congratulations you’ll get!

Dream Big

Before you get into the details, give yourselves time to dream. Write down what you’d love to have at your wedding, whether it’s a barefoot ceremony in the sand or a bourbon bar at the reception, and start putting together a Pinterest board with your vision. Keep an eye out for common themes, which will help you narrow things down later, and start to define your biggest priorities for the event.

Talk Numbers

Don’t book a single thing before you know how much you’ll have to spend on your wedding. Talk to your parents about what they might be comfortable contributing, and start setting aside savings if you’ll be paying for the event yourselves. Another number to consider? Your guest list! Create a draft guest list to get an idea of how many guests you’ll have, which will play a major role in how far your budget can go and which venues you can look at.

Hire A Pro

If you’re going to work with a wedding planner, hire him or her before you book your venue. Go to your planner with the range of dates you’ve specified, then bring him or her along while you’re doing your venue tours. A planner will be able to give you invaluable insight into spaces, and might be able to recommend something you’d never considered before.

Narrow Down the Date

Before you tour venues or interview majors vendors (like your planner or photographer), you’ll want to have a range of dates in mind. Think about what you’re envisioning for your celebration, from a garden wedding in the spring to a snowy mountaintop fête, then look to your calendars to see when you’re both free. Don’t forget to check in with your VIPs to make sure they’re available, too!

Book Your Venue

With your planner secured, it’s time to sign that venue contract! The space you choose will influence everything from your final guest count to the color palette to the design of your dress, so get this locked in early.

Book Other Major Players

After your planner and venue, your next big bookings should be the photographer, alistbeauty and band or DJ—those professionals who can only take on one event per date. The best might get scooped up quickly, so send out inquiries early! This will give you time to browse portfolios and conduct interviews to help you find exactly what you’re looking for—and your planner will be able to help narrow it down and offer invaluable guidance!

Stay Organized

Whether it’s an online planning tool, a printed wedding planning binder, documents from your wedding planner, or templates from Google Drive, keeping on top of the details is key. Create a comprehensive timeline, track your budget, and scan contracts and receipts to keep all of the details in one place.

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More About Us!

Wedding Hair and Makeup

Al Fortier-Parker owner of alistbeauty is a professionally trained hair and makeup artist and one of Toronto’s elite artists specializing in luxury bridal hair and makeup.   He has more than 25 years  experience in bridal hair and makeup and 30 the hair industry .   Al’s skills have allowed him to work with some of Toronto’s leading commercial photographers as well as the Miss Universe Canada Pageant, Wedluxe Magazine, TV, and many others.

Al is a trained esthetician, which gives him a unique and deep understanding of skin and skincare.  With his extensive knowledge of skin, hair and make up, Al is able to incorporate all his training for  each of his clients and deliver high end results that you would naturally expect from a true professional.

Bridal Makeup and Hair in Toronto

Over the past 25 years, Al has dedicated much of his time training and honing skills primarily for the bridal industry and his clients.  Along with a great team of artists, he has helped create hundreds of happy brides and their bridal parties – all with unique and different flairs.  Alistbeauty’s bridal hair and makeup has been featured in the pages of Wedluxe, Elegant Weddings, The Knot, Vanity Fair and many more.

Al understands each  client will have different needs. As such,  alistbeauty takes a truly customized approach to ensure the expectations of all are met. Alistbeauty suggests you book trial for your hair and make-up, during this session we meet and talk about your requirements, concerns and answer any questions you may have.  During this trial Al and his artists give you a preview of your hair and make-up style, it is all documented so it is easy to reproduce on the day of your wedding.   After this initial meeting with alistbeauty , it is easy to enlist alistbeauty’s wedding hair and make up service on location in Toronto or anywhere. just fill out and the sign the contrast and put your deposit and your day is booked for you.

Alistbeauty strongly believes in no pressure sales as you already have enough stress, anxiety, and other things to take care of before you wedding day.   Alistbeauty  does not charge extra for travel fees within the Greater Toronto Area or for early morning weddings. There mat be travel fee depending on your location outside of the GTA.

For more information or to schedule your trial hair and makeup session, contact www.alistbeauty.ca today at 416- 5264580.

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Things to Remember to Do the Night Before Your Wedding

http://www.alistbeauty.ca
You’ve crossed off one thing after another on your wedding to-do lists. Now, less than 24 hours before you climb into your wedding dress and let out a confident “I Do” to your very own prince charming is a list of 19 things you need to do.
1. Eat a healthy meal.
Although that greasy fast food might be screaming your name, you should stick to the fresh fruit and the whole grains. They won’t have you waking up on your big with a food hangover like a Big Mac and a poutine will on your wedding day.
2. Pack a bag or clutch of personal items.
Put together your reception clutch and your post-reception bag and hand it off to your wedding point person, who can help make sure it’s waiting for you in the bridal suite or in your hotel room.
3. Drink a lot of water.
Keep a cold glass of water nearby and make sure you spend some quality time with it. This will help you avoid any dehydration that stress and running around can often cause.
4. Get a good night’s sleep.
Or at least try to tuck yourself underneath those covers at a decent hour.
5. Turn your phone on silent.
Say goodbye to checking your social media accounts and answering text messages. Turn your device on silent or hand it over to your maid-of-honor.
6. Put any boxes, suitcases, bags to bring to the ceremony or reception in the car.
Pack the car with all the items you’ll need for your wedding day so that you can wake up in the morning and not have to worry about doing any heavy lifting before getting out of the door.
7. Make sure you have cash on hand.
Have a couple of 20 dollar bills nearby in case you need to tip any of your vendors or in case of any last-minute emergencies.
8. Double-check payment for vendors.
Have them sorted out — whether that means your payments are via E- transfer, gathering checks or cash and put them in clearly marked enveloped and hand them off to your point person for the wedding day (whether that’s your wedding planner, bridesmaid, or family member).
9. Gather a survival kit.
Toss a bunch of must-have items into a small tote bag in case anyone needs them. Grab a handful of Band-Aids, safety pins, packets of Advil, and a Tide stick.
10. Print out a list of vendor details.
Be sure to include vendor info . like their phone number, arrival time, and name. Then, pass this list on to your point person so they can check up on them.
11. Write a love note to your groom.
Something short and sweet. A note to tell the man in the tux who will be waiting for you that he is the one you will love forever!
12. Grab a pair of flip flops.
Keep these close by, you’ll want to change into them throughout your wedding day — whether after the morning photos are taken or in the middle of the reception. Your feet are going to need a time-out before you do!
13. Watch something that’ll make you laugh.
In the spirit of putting yourself in a happy and enlightened mood, plop yourself down in front of the TV and watch some funny on Netflix.
14. Enjoy a mani and pedi.
While you’re getting a fresh coat of polish , say “I do” when they ask you if you’d like to add on a 10-minute massage. Pamper yourself — you deserve it!
15. Assign someone to be your morning-after person.
This person’s role will be to collect all the gifts at the end of the wedding and do one final sweep of the venue when the party is over to make sure you didn’t leave anything behind.
16. Say a big “thank you.”
Before the wedding-day chaos kicks in, be sure to thank people in advance for sticking by your side through this adventure. Give an extra hug to your bridesmaids and pop a kiss on the cheeks of your family members.
17. Make sure the shoe fits.
Even better, make sure you practice walking a straight line in them. After that, turn the volume up on your favorite Taylor Swift song and bust out some dance moves. This will help you not only relieve some stress, but it’ll make you see your threshold for when your shoes are going to start throwing a temper tantrum on your feet.
18. Confirm with vendors.
There’s a time and a place for everything. Make sure your outside vendors know when and where to show up. Now’s the time to also let them know the name and phone number of your “point person” that day.
19. Practice deep yoga-like breaths.
End the day before your wedding with 5-minutes of meditation and deep breaths. This will help calm you down before you hop into bed for the last time as a Miss.
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Our on location hair and make up professionals specialize in creating exquisite looks tailored to you and your dream!
We are offering touch ups as our gift to you after your ceremony
Valued at $600.00

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The 6 Costs You Should Cover for Your Bridesmaids

It’s no secret that being a bridesmaid is an expensive role for your friends to take on. They will find themselves paying for pre-wedding events, transportation costs, and of course the dress you’d like them to wear on the big day. So if you’re looking for a way to pick up some of the expenses your bridesmaids may incur , here are 6 things you should pay for, if you can, for your bridal party.

1. A Wedding Survival Kit

Whether it’s a bowl filled with travel-sized toiletries from the drug store or a personalized tote bag filled with emergency items for the day , be sure to equip your bridesmaids with any last-minute must-have items.

2. Their Transportation Home

Since the average wedding day for a bridal party is 10+ hours, be sure to provide your wedding party with transportation home or back to the hotel. You can do this through a taxi service or a scheduled shuttle for all of the guests.

3. Hair and Makeup

If it’s in your budget, a great treat (and gift!) for your bridal party is to pick up the tab on the glam squad, paying for them to get both their hair and makeup done on the wedding day. If you can’t manage to pay for both beauty fees, opt for one or the other. They’ll definitely appreciate the gesture.

4. Bridesmaid Accessories

Any and all items you’d like your bridesmaids to wear on the wedding day to accentuate the dress can be items that you buy for each bridesmaid as the ultimate thank you gift.

5. A Mani/Pedi

There’s no better way to  before the wedding than with a group outing to get a mani/pedi, especially when you’re paying for it! Treat your girls to a fun day at the spa, and get wedding-ready while doing so.

6. Alterations

If you’re asking your bridesmaids to buy their dresses themselves, one thing you can do to help keep the costs down is offer to pay for any alterations that they might need. That way, you can be sure the dresses fit optimally and look stunning in photos on your big day.

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WEDDING INSPIRATION

VINTAGE LAVENDER WEDDING INSPIRATION

Vintage ● Outdoor ● Spring ● Purple, Yellow
Vintage Lavender Wedding Inspiration

Written by Christina Rowan

Modern motifs meet vintage flair at this lavender wedding

Love the trendiness of mixed metals but know your an old soul? Look no further than this dreamy lavender wedding theme! Pulling inspiration from the historic gadgets and machinery that drive steampunk fashion, the elegant scene contains copper and gold table decor  as well as a vintage camera. Leading the colour palette are creamy hues of lavender and yellow in the floral, vintage chair, appliquéd tablecloth, sparkly Jimmy Choo shoes and even stationery suite. Between the baroque dining chairs and the four-tier paper crepe cake, we can’t decide which detail is our favorite!

Photography & Videography: | Planning, Decor, Rentals & Linens: Raven Luxury Events Inc. | Flowers: Zora’s Flowers | Invitations: Flourish Grace Calligraphy | Cake: MelinArt Cakes | Makeup, Hair & Jewellery: A List Beauty | Dress: Lea-Ann Belter Bridal | Venue: Bowmanville Museum

Written by Christina Rowan
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30 Wedding Venue Questions You Should be Asking

Wedding Budget
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There’s more to the perfect wedding venue than just the aesthetics (though good looks are a huge bonus!). There are all sorts of important details you’ll need to cover before you sign on the dotted line. We’ve asked the pros for the key questions to ask your wedding venue you’ll want to ask before you book. You just might want to bring this list with you!

Pricing & Availability

  1. Is my date of choice available? If not, are there any surrounding dates available? Or do you have a wait list for dates?

Pro tip: Try to visit venues before you’ve chosen an exact date. If you have a few options or a range of dates that might work, you’ll be more likely to secure a spot at the venue of your dreams!

  1. How far in advance can I reserve my date?

    3.What are the rates for different days of the week and times (Friday, Saturday, Sunday; morning, afternoon, evening)? What about different seasons!

    Pro tip: If you don’t have your heart set on a Saturday-night wedding in the summer, you may find more available dates on a Friday or Sunday and during the slower season—as well as lower prices!

    1. How many hours are included in the rental of the space? How early can we arrive, and how late can we stay?

    2. Is there an additional charge for extra hours? How much?

    3. How many weddings or events do you host on one day? On one weekend?

    Pro tip: Ideally, you’ll want to be the only event on-site on your wedding day, as having other events happening can result in less set-up time, limited venue access, and confusion for your guests. If you’re not guaranteed to be the only event that day, find out how much it would cost to do a complete buyout, as well as ask about how the staff handles having multiple events at once.

    Payment

    1. How much is the deposit?

    2. How do you structure the payment schedule?

    Pro tip: Most venues will have you pay a deposit upon signing the contract, and the balance in installments between the day you sign and your wedding date.

    1. What is included in the total? Does it cover service charges, gratuity, and cleaning fees, or are those additional line items?

    Pro tip: You may see a “++” on certain items on the bill. Called “plus plus,” that means you’ll be paying tax and gratuity on top of the listed cost.

    1. What is the cancellation policy?

    Pro tip: You’ll want to find out how long you have to cancel and get your money back (or at least some of it).

    1. When is the last possible date to make changes to our reservation?

    Pro tip: If there’s a chance you might need to change your wedding date, find out how long you have to do so without incurring a penalty or fee.

    Vendor Team

    1. Do you have a list of approved or recommended vendors we can use?

    2. Do we have to use your approved vendors? If not, are there limitations or guidelines we need to meet when bringing others in?

    Pro tip: If your venue doesn’t require you to use their vendors, ask if there are any they recommend most highly. A vendor who is familiar with your venue will already know the quirks and challenges of the space, which will make your planning process that much easier!

    Logistics

    1. Is the site handicap accessible?

    2. Are there noise restrictions?

    Pro tip: Many venues are under noise ordinances (town or county rules requiring music to stop at a certain time) or have restrictions of their own. Find out how late you can play music, as well as whether you need to turn it off at that time or just turn it down or move inside.

    1. How many bathrooms are there? Will we need to rent additional portable restrooms?

    2. Is parking available on-site? How much space is there? Will guests be charged for parking?

    Pro tip: Sometimes use of parking is included in your site rental fee, sometimes it isn’t. If there is a fee and it isn’t covered by your rental, ask how much it would cost for you to pay for your guests’ parking for the evening.

    Event Specifics

    1. What is the venue’s capacity?

    Pro tip: Find out how many guests you can fit in the space with and without a dance floor, with a band vs. with a DJ (as a band will require more space), and with round vs. rectangular or square tables to understand which decisions will help you maximize the space and your guest list.

    1. Do you have your own sound equipment and speakers, or will those need to be rented or provided by the entertainment?

    2. What is the backup plan for rain or inclement weather?

    Pro tip: Go look at this space closely, too! While no one wants a rainy wedding day, it happens quite often, so you’ll want to love your Plan B just as much as Plan A.

    1. Are there any décor restrictions?

    Pro tip: Ask about where and how things like lights and drapery can be hung, as well as whether you can use candles with an open flame or if you need to use LED candles instead.

    1. When can vendors arrive for setup?

    2. Will your staff be involved in setting up and breaking down the décor? In what capacity?

    Pro tip: A venue like a hotel will usually have staff available to help arrange and set the tables, then help pack up any rented glassware, flatware, and dishes at the end of the night. Confirm exactly what the venue’s staff will be doing so you can pass that information on to your other vendors.

    Food & Drinks

    1. Do you have an in-house caterer? If so, are food and beverages included in the venue rental fee?

    2. If there is not an in-house caterer, do we have to choose from a list of approved options, or can we hire our own caterer?

    3. Do you have a food and beverage minimum? What are the consequences if we don’t meet it?

    Pro tip: Venues with in-house caterers will often have a food and beverage minimum that you’re required to meet as part of the contract—essentially a minimum amount you need to spend. Find out what happens if you don’t meet it, as well as what upgraded options you might be able to add to your menu to help you meet that minimum.

    1. Do we have to purchase liquor through you, or can we source liquor elsewhere?

    Pro tip: Many venues offer the option of purchasing liquor directly through them (especially if they have an exclusive or in-house caterer), which is super convenient. It can, however, come with a hefty markup. Find out if you can source your liquor elsewhere, which allows you to price-shop, or if you can buy it yourself and bring it to the event.

    1. If we can bring our own liquor onto the property, is there a corkage or service fee?

    Pro tip: If your venue does allow you to buy your own alcohol, they may charge a fee to serve it on the property—which is still often much less than the price of ordering straight through the venue.*

    Production Staff

    1. Who will be our point person as we plan our wedding? Who will be our point person on our wedding day?

    Pro tip: It’s always best if these two people are one and the same, but that’s not always the case. Find out who your contact will be for the planning process, as they’ll be the contact for your vendors as well. But also make sure you get the contact information for whoever will be at the venue on your wedding day, so you can ensure they have all the necessary details in order.

    1. Can we meet them today?

    Pro tip: If they aren’t the person you’re doing your tour with, try to meet these contacts in person ASAP to find out if you get along. It’s not a deal breaker, but having a good rapport will make the process much more smooth, and it’s always nice to put a name and face together!

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Fall Dress trends for 2018

Listen up, fall 2018 brides! Bridal Fashion Week has come and gone, and we’ve pored over every wedding dress to make your search for the One as easy as possible. Want to know the latest wedding-dress trends before you kick off a season of wedding-dress shopping? We’re here for you always. While last season’s wedding-dress trends aren’t going anywhere (off-the-shoulder, blue, lace!), this season saw a new take on some of our favorites. Capes are still going strong, but this season they’ve been upgraded from capelet to full-on princess cape. Off-the-shoulder dresses are still everywhere and ultra flattering, but designers put a new spin on sleeves for them. And ladylike mid-length dresses have us all seeing visions of Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face .

From princess-inspired capes to cool moto jackets, detachable sleeves, tea-length ladylike frocks, and even shorts, these are the wedding-dress trends we’re loving for 2018.

Princess Capes

Courtesy of Elie Saab

Princess Capes

Designers are trusting you to channel your inner Snow White on “I do” day. Skip the train or veil and top your wedding dress off with an utterly too chic cape. Whether they were long, mid, or mini, capes were all over the Bridal Fashion Week runways, and we’re betting next year’s winter brides will be loving this trend. ( Wedding dress by Elie Saab )

Wedding dress by Zuhair Murad

Courtesy of Zuhair Murad Wedding dress by Zuhair Murad

NAEEM KHAN

Dan Lecca

Wedding dress by Naeem Khan

Wedding dress by Monique Lhuillier

JUSTIN ALEXANDER

Dan Lecca

Wedding dress by Justin Alexander

Wedding dress by Lazaro

Wedding dress by Lazaro

Wedding dress by Ivy & Aster

Courtesy of Ivy & Aster

Wedding dress by Ivy & Aster

Wedding dress by Allison Webb

Courtesy of Allison Webb

Wedding dress by Allison Webb

Wedding dress by Alexandra Grecco

Greg Finck

Wedding dress by Alexandra Grecco

Wedding dress by Melissa Sweet for David's Bridal

Courtesy of David’s Bridal

Wedding dress by Melissa Sweet for David’s Bridal

Dennis Basso For Kleinfeld - Runway - New York Fashion Week: Bridal October 2017

Courtesy of Getty Images

Wedding dress by Dennis Basso for Kleinfeld

Wedding dress by Monique Lhuillier

©Greg Kessler/KesslerStudio

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8 Irresistible Fall Fragrances

New fall fragrances debut every year like clockwork, but your wedding day scent leaves a lasting impression on one of the most important occasions in a bride’s life. Whether your nuptials are right around the corner or you’re looking for your new signature scent, consider the newest crop of autumnal perfumes hitting the shelves this season. Below, eight new irresistible fall fragrances on www.alistbeauty.ca radar right now.

Chanel

It doesn’t get more timeless than the newest floral iteration from Chanel. Consider this fragrant bouquet of jasmine, ylang-ylang, orange blossom, and grasse tuberose the new classic every woman should own. Chanel Gabrielle Chanel Eau de Parfum, at Sephora

Tom Ford

Cool spices make for a surf-meets-campfire vibe in this chic autumnal fragrance. Refreshing notes of seaweed are juxtaposed beautifully with an oud blend and pink peppercorn to put you in the mood for fall.

Tiffny & Co.

If you could bottle up a glamorous New York City–inspired perfume, this would be it. Tiffany & Co.’s new signature fragrance was inspired by jewelry, of course, and has a fresh radiance with notes of vert de mandarine and iris (the lovely flower synonymous with the brand). Tiffany & Co. Eau de Parfum,  at Bloomingdale’s

Gucci

Floral fragrance lovers will clamor over this contemporary jasmine and tuberose-infused perfume. Rangoon creeper—a south Indian plant that changes colors from pink to red when it blooms—rounds out the scent with a powdery finish. Gucci Bloom Eau de Parfum,  at Sephora

Ralph Lauren

Inspired by the quintessential Ralph Lauren woman, this decadently balanced scent of feminine florals with rich woodsy notes is a perfect fit for the fall season. Ralph Lauren Woman Eau de Parfum, at Sephora

Calvin Klein

The iconic American brand has remixed the circa-1993 classic Obsession with this new lavender and musk iteration. The aromatic intensity makes quite the statement, in the best way possible. Calvin Klein Obsessed for Women.

Burberry

The name says it all: With an energizing mix of fruity florals, this pomegranate, jasmine, and rose-infused fragrance is the ultimate feminine scent of the season, pink hue and all. Burberry My Burberry Blush, at Sephora

Hermès

With a harmonious mix of bold ginger and sultry tuberose, this powdery floral has quite the unexpected pairing of notes. The striking infusion is balanced seamlessly with sandalwood for a fragrance that’s anything but ordinary. Hermès Twilly d’Hermès Eau de Parfum, at Hermès

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Dress Code

From Black Tie to Casual Wedding Guest Dress Code Explained

I am sure you have received a wedding invitation that has left you comedpletely clueless about the wedding guest dress code? Between “black tie optional” and “semiformal,” what does this mean? The language can be tricky to decipher, but we looked it up.  Here are the most common wedding-guest dress codes explained so that you arrive appropriately—and stylishly!—dressed to the celebration.

The Invitation Says: “White Tie”

This the most formal of all dress codes (think: White House state dinners).

  • For the ladies: A formal floor-length evening gown.

  • For the men: A tuxedo, a long black jacket with tails, a formal white shirt, white vest and bow tie, white or gray gloves, and black formal shoes.

The Invitation Says: “Black Tie”

This is the next most formal wedding dress code, and usually means the wedding is an evening event.

  • For the ladies: You can go a bit dressier and wear a formal floor-length gown, or choose a short, dressy cocktail dress. (If you’re unsure about the appropriate dress length, the bride, wedding party, or friends should be able to answer your questions.)

  • For the men: A tuxedo. A black bow tie, black vest or cummerbund, and patent leather shoes are also suggested. For summer weddings, a white dinner jacket and black tuxedo trousers are also acceptable. (You might be able to get away with a conservative black suit as a substitute for the tux.)

The Invitation Says: “Formal” or “Black Tie Optional”

The wording here indicates something slightly less formal than black tie is acceptable. So, a tuxedo isn’t required, but the event is still formal enough for one to be appropriate.

  • For the ladies: A long dress, dressy separates, or a formal cocktail dress.

  • For the men: A tuxedo or a formal dark suit, white shirt, and conservative tie.

The Invitation Says: “Semiformal” or “Dressy Casual”

Take your cues from the time of the event: Wear darker, more formal colors for an evening wedding; opt for light colors and fabrics for a daytime event.

  • For the ladies: A cocktail dress or a long, dressy skirt and top.

  • For the men: A suit and tie, dark or light depending on the season and time of day.

The Invitation Says: “Festive Attire”

Relatively new, this one can leave many guests scratching their heads. Basically, guests are given the go-ahead to have fun and play with their look. Opt for cocktail-party attire featuring bolder colors and playful accessories.

  • For the ladies: A cocktail dress or party dress in a fun color, paired with playful accessories.

  • For the men: A suit and tie, jazzed up with a bright tie.

The Invitation Says: “Casual”

This indicates the wedding will likely be held outdoors or on the beach, meaning the event will be much more laid-back, especially when it comes to attire. That said, jeans, shorts, and tank tops are probably not appropriate unless they’re specifically noted as acceptable.

  • For the ladies: A summer sundress is appropriate (just make sure the fabric isn’t overly formal).

  • For the men: Dress pants or khaki pants with a button-down shirt, tie (though you might be able to get out of wearing a tie), and sport jacket or sweater.