Wedding Guest Dress Codes in Australia: What Guests Should Wear and Why It Matters
If you are planning your wedding, you already know that choosing your dress code is one of those small details that makes a very big difference.
It effects the vibe of your day, the tone of your photos and, most importantly, how comfortable and confident your guests feel when they arrive. Yet it is also one of the most misunderstood parts of wedding planning. Couples often ask me how to choose a dress code that reflects their vision, and guests often ask what these dress codes actually mean.
This guide breaks down every commonly used wedding dress code in Australia in a simple, practical and stylish way. It is written to help you feel confident choosing the right aesthetic for your day and to give your guests absolute clarity so they can arrive feeling their best.
As a wedding planner and stylist, I see firsthand how dress codes influence the overall look and experience of the celebration, so this guide is both functional and beautifully in tune with real weddings!
Why Your Wedding Dress Code Matters
Your dress code sets the tone for your day. It tells guests exactly what to expect, what the atmosphere will be and how to dress in a way that complements your location, your styling and your vision.
A clear dress code:
Minimises the number of guest questions you need to answer (your future self will thank you)
Ensures your photos look cohesive and elevated
Helps avoid guests showing up drastically under or overdressed
Aligns with the overall aesthetic you are creating
Think of your dress code as an extension of your styling. The right choice elevates everything.
The Most Common Wedding Dress Codes in Australia
Below is a breakdown of the dress codes your guests will be familiar with, plus modern interpretations that suit Australian weather, venues and cultural norms. Feel free to use this wording directly in your invitations, website or welcome packs!
Black Tie
Black Tie is the most formal dress code used for Australian weddings and it always delivers an elevated, sophisticated look.
For women:
Floor length gowns, sleek silhouettes, refined fabrics such as satin or velvet, elegant accessories and dressier hair and makeup. Heels or formal dress shoes.
For men:
Black tuxedo, white dress shirt, black bow tie, black patent or polished dress shoes.
Perfect for:
Evening weddings, city venues, ballrooms, luxury estates and any wedding where you want a high level of glamour!
Formal or Black Tie Optional
This is ideal if you want a polished, elevated feel without expecting every guest to own or hire a tuxedo.
For women:
Long or midi dresses in dressy fabrics, statement jewellery, an elevated overall look.
For men:
Dark suit, crisp shirt, tie and dress shoes. A tuxedo is welcome but not required.
Perfect for:
Modern city weddings, upscale venues, elegant garden receptions and anything in between.
Cocktail/Semi-Formal
Cocktail is the most commonly chosen wedding dress code, and is synonymous with semi-formal here in Australia. It strikes a balance between stylish and comfortable while still giving your guests room to show personality.
For women:
Knee length, midi or even a dress suit. Fabrics should still feel special. Think classic, polished and occasion worthy. Heels are still encouraged, but dress flats are also okay.
For men:
Dress pants and collared shirt, tie optional depending on the vibe. Expect to see dress shoes, boat shoes or loafers.
Perfect for:
Most venues including estates, wineries, modern gardens, restaurants and resort weddings. Ideal for summer weddings as it doesn’t demand your guests to be wearing tons of fabric!
Smart Casual
This is the most flexible dress code and often misunderstood. Smart Casual means elevated and put-together, not everyday casual. If you’re choosing smart casual, it’s recommended to offer some guidelines to guests to ensure they don’t dress down!
For women:
Midi dresses, flowy summer dresses, tailored jumpsuits, polished separates. Sandals should be dressy, not beachwear.
For men:
Chinos or tailored trousers with a button-down shirt. A blazer is encouraged. Smart loafers or dress shoes.
Perfect for:
Relaxed outdoor weddings, coastal ceremonies, intimate gatherings or daytime celebrations.
Garden Party or Summer Chic
This dress code is becoming increasingly popular for garden or estate weddings, especially in Queensland where weather is a major factor! Expect to see vibrant colours and fun accessories.
For women:
Soft florals, flowy fabrics, midi or maxi dresses, event-worthy sandals, whimsical accessories or soft textures.
For men:
Lightweight suits, linen blends, optional ties, loafers or dressy leather sandals.
Perfect for:
Outdoor ceremonies, summer weddings, romantic garden styling and colourful floral themes.
Themed / Creative Cocktail
A fun, modern dress code for couples with a bold or colourful theme. It invites guests to lean into personality and style.
For women:
Statement colours, playful fabrics, sparkles, prints, fashion-forward silhouettes.
For men:
Coloured jackets, patterned shirts, bold accessories, playful pocket squares.
Perfect for:
Non traditional weddings, themed weddings, vibrant styling concepts and couples who want personality to shine. A common theme these days is Camp!
How to Choose the Right Dress Code for Your Wedding
When helping my couples decide on a dress code, we consider:
1. Your Venue
Your location often dictates the baseline formality.
Getting married at a city venue or hotel suite? Formal or Black Tie Optional.
Tying the knot at a garden estate? Cocktail or Garden Party.
Having a backyard celebration or casual elopement? Smart Casual.
2. Your Styling
This is a key consideration - if you’re asking your guests to dress in black tie, it’s important that your wedding matches this vibe too. If your reception styling is elegant and refined, choose a dress code that complements that. A cohesive look across your décor and your guests always elevates your photos and enhances the vibe of the day.
3. Your Guest Comfort
Think weather, accessibility and the practicality of moving between ceremony and reception locations. If it’s likely to be mid-30s (hello Brissie summer!) then consider cocktail rather than black tie.
4. Your Vision for the Day
Classic and timeless? Modern and chic? Colourful and playful?
Your dress code should reinforce the feeling you want guests to experience.
How to Gently Guide Guests Without Sounding Bossy
Clear communication is kind and helpful, not demanding. Your guests want to dress appropriately and appreciate guidance!
Here are effective ways to do it:
Add explanations on your wedding website
Use visual inspiration boards
List fabric suggestions for weather clarity
Include shoe notes for grass or sand
Add colour suggestions if you want a cohesive look
You are not controlling their choices, you are helping them feel confident!
Final Thoughts
Your wedding dress code is more than a line on your invitation. It is a styling tool, a guest experience element and a key part of creating the atmosphere you are dreaming of. When chosen thoughtfully and communicated clearly, it brings your vision to life and ensures your guests feel comfortable, confident and excited from the moment they arrive.
If you would like help choosing the right dress code for your wedding or weaving it seamlessly into your invitations, styling and guest communication, this is exactly the kind of detail I support my couples with. Every choice should feel intentional and every guest should feel at ease. Let’s chat!