If you've received an invitation to an evening wedding, it's likely there's one burning question at the top of your mind: What should I wear? These celebrations are often more elegant and sophisticated, and that applies to the dress code, too. Transitioning from day to night gives you the chance to experiment with fabrics, sparkles, and the kind of silhouettes that don't always work for day weddings.
But what exactly is an evening wedding dress code? Read on and get all the styling tips you need to get the right look without breaking the rules.
Still haven't sorted your look? Take a look at our selection of guest dresses for evening weddings and get ready to picture yourself dressed to impress at your next event.
Dress code for evening weddings
Weddings from 17:00 often have a more formal protocol. This is your chance to showcase full-length dresses, satin fabrics and deep, intense colours. Of course, you don't want to go too far – it's an evening wedding, not the Oscars!
Before we delve deep into evening wedding dress codes, let's look at some key elements you need to think about if you want to hit the right notes.
- Always go by the dress code on your invitation (if there is one). The happy couple have invited you to their special day, so if they ask you to stick to a dress code, you should.
- The timing: the later the wedding, the more elegant the look. An infallible rule.
- The location: is the wedding in a stately home, a field in the countryside, or on the beach? The sunset might be the same, but the similarities end there!
- Your role: Are you a bridesmaid, sister or part of the bridal party? You'll have stricter rules to follow.
Next we'll look at what to wear according to evening wedding dress code for women and men.
Evening wedding dress code for women
Ideal dresses for evening weddings
If you're a woman dressing for an evening wedding, you can afford to show off a much more sophisticated look than you would at a day wedding. At evening weddings from 17:00 onwards, evening dresses work just as well as midi and long dresses. On these (and later) occasions, the protocol extends longer dresses to guests as well as the bridal party. If you're not a long dress person, you could go for a trouser suit with a sophisticated edge – they make a great choice for evening or nighttime weddings.
Think dresses in fabrics like silk, satin, crêpe and embroidered tulle. Detailing like open backs, draped necklines, beadwork accents, capes and puffed sleeves elevate the look, giving you more of a party vibe – ideal for the evening.
Recommended colours and combinations
- Intense, deep colours like red, midnight blue, purple, emerald green or burgundy are a great choice, and very much in keeping with evening wedding protocol.
- Metallics like silver and gold add a touch of glam to weddings, but they're best avoided at weddings earlier in the day.
- Avoid really pale colours like white, beige or ecru. They're for the bride only!
Now for the accessories – think special and sophisticated. Complete your look with jewelled shoes, a structured clutch and a small and elegant hair ornament.
- Discover our selection of wedding hair ornaments and choose the best fit for your style.
- Browse our collection of evening bags for weddings for more inspiration.
- Still haven't found your footwear? Our evening shoes bring you elegance and comfort in one.
10 perfect dresses for an evening wedding:
1. Long crêpe dress with beadwork detailing at the neckline and cuffs in jade. This minimalist and elegant long-sleeved design is perfect for autumn and winter evening weddings.
2. Crêpe dress with flounced skirt and feather detailing at the sleeves. Pure sophistication and elegance with the Rosa Clará hallmark.
3. A-line cocktail dress with asymmetric neckline and flower detail. Crafted from sienna, this sensational dress is made to impress at an evening wedding.
4. Long printed dress with open back and flounced sleeves. The print and cut-out detailing of this original guest look make it less formal and better suited to later evening weddings.
5. Long dress crafted with beadwork. This striking design is a much better fit for evening weddings. A guaranteed winner for a refined and sophisticated occasion.
6. Crêpe two-piece with palazzo trousers and a bodice with long sleeves adorned with feathers for a playful twist. A look that's guaranteed to transform you into the most chic of guests.
7. Long crêpe evening dress with cape sleeves, for an imposing silhouette and impressive elegance.
8. Crêpe dress with butterfly sleeves for an original feel. This versatile design is the perfect fit for evening wedding dress codes. Pair it with striking accessories for later evening or nighttime weddings.
9. Dress crafted from crêpe with a central knot detail and subtly draped waist. Topped off with a teardrop back, this dress serves up on-trend elements ideal for younger guests.
10. Long princess style dress crafted in silk muslin with a cut-out detail. From the exclusive Paloma Cuevas x Rosa Clará collection, this one is ideal for high-end weddings. Just make sure you cover your shoulders if the ceremony is in a church.
Evening wedding dress code for men
You should now have a good idea of the women's evening wedding dress protocol, now we'll look at men's evening wedding protocol. From late afternoon onwards, you need to aim for a more formal look. Let's look at the basics:
Recommended suits and styles:
- Dark suit (think navy blue, anthracite grey or black if the wedding is really formal – otherwise, it's best avoided).
- White or light blue shirt, preferably plain.
- Black or burgundy lace-up shoes (depending on the suit and accessories).
If the wedding has a specific dress code like black tie or morning suit, stick to it. For traditional weddings, a pared-back, perfect-fit suit never fails. Just make sure it fits properly and isn't too loose.
Stylish accessories:
- Silk ties and a classic knot in sober tones are best. Or if you want to break with convention, simply add a flash of colour.
- Pocket scarf to match your tie (not identical).
- Cufflinks, an elegant watch and a leather belt will all complete your understated look.
Conclusion: What to wear to an evening wedding?
Evening weddings give you the perfect chance to showcase a more sophisticated look, loaded with style. Long dresses, fabrics like silk, crêpe and satin, deep and intense colours and special detailing will all elegantly elevate your guest look. Whether you're a guest, bridesmaid, man or woman, the secret is to stick to the dress code – without losing your personality. These tips are all you need to get it just right. Get ready to shine!
