Choosing a wedding dress code is essential for establishing the vibe and tone of your big celebration. The right dress code can also reassure your guests, giving them a hint of what to expect as they walk into your ceremony and reception. Struggling to visualize your entire wedding day aesthetic, particularly the flowers that will pair best with the dress code you have in mind? You’re in the right place! The experts at Griffin’s Floral Designs put together a perfect wedding style guide to help you. Take our quiz below to get started!
White-Tie or Full-Dress
A white-tie (or full-dress) wedding dress code indicates the height of elegance and sophistication. Ladies, pull out your most formal floor-length gown that makes you feel like a queen, and accessorize with some seriously dazzling jewelry. Gentlemen, this is your chance to step out in a tuxedo with tails, white shirt, vest, and bowtie — the fancier, the better! Guests will walk into a scene filled with graceful florals fit of a palace: white hydrangeas, roses, and those gorgeous stems you’ve spotted during your favorite royal weddings, like orchids, hyacinths, lily of the valley, sweet peas, gardenias, veronica, freesia, ivy, and the most regal myrtle.
Black-Tie
Although black-tie weddings are more common than white-tie, they still bring glam and elegance. Ladies, dress to the nines in floor-length gowns or even chic pantsuits, depending on the venue. Gentlemen, think tuxedos (sans tails) with either a bowtie or a sleek black tie. A black-tie dress code has a slightly more modern vibe compared to the proper and stately white-tie affair, so your floral designs can reflect that elegance with a twist. Picture tall gold vases overflowing with stunning classic roses, ultra-romantic peonies, sleek calla lilies, and lush hydrangeas.
Formal or Black-Tie Optional
With a formal or black-tie optional dress code, guests have more room to choose what makes them comfortable. Ladies might opt for a glamorous floor-length gown or a beautiful cocktail dress. Gentlemen can wear a formal tuxedo or black dress pants paired with a nice dinner jacket — a white jacket is perfect for a summer soiree! Whether you prefer classic wedding blooms like peonies and roses or are excited to mix things up with anemones, protea, and an abundance of greenery for contrast and texture, don’t be afraid to go all out — especially for the ceremony!
Cocktail
Cocktail attire is perhaps the most popular choice for wedding dress codes. Ladies, you’ll look fabulous in knee-length, midi, or tea-length cocktail dresses, while men will look sharp in suits and ties. Florals should be fresh, classic, and colorful for cocktail weddings: roses, peonies, and ranunculus could be your best friends. Mix these blooms with various greenery and a fun, seasonal color palette. Think vibrant colors for a summer wedding or rich, warm tones for a festive autumn atmosphere.
Semi-Formal or Dressy-Casual
If you want the backdrop of your wedding to have a strong influence on your guests’ attire, you might opt for a semi-formal or dressy-casual dress code. These dress codes mean ladies can arrive in midi dresses, skirts, or pantsuits, while men will choose a nice dress shirt, pair of slacks, and perhaps a tie. Evening events are best paired with darker colors, while lighter shades work beautifully for daytime celebrations! Offering this range of options will ensure guests feel confident, comfortable, and eager to celebrate your love story in style. The same can be said for your flowers! Taking floral inspiration from your venue and the desired vibe of your wedding could lead to beloved classics or creative blooms. However, each stem should represent your one-of-a-kind style and personality.
Festive
Embracing a festive dress code is a relatively new and fun way to encourage your guests to get creative with bold colors, patterns, and textures. It’s like taking a cocktail dress code and adding bright, playful, funky accessories—from shoes and jewelry to bowties and pocket squares. Your wedding floral designs should also reflect this vibrant spirit: colorful, bold, and bright blooms with textures and unusual shapes like anthuriums, dahlias, protea, and large palm leaves. These lively arrangements will make your wedding a true celebration, perfectly capturing the festive vibe.
Casual
Casual wedding attire doesn’t equate to jeans, shorts, or flip-flops (huge mistake!). Ladies should go for lovely, flowy sundresses and dressy sandals. Men should lean towards collared shirts with a nice pair of slacks or khakis (ties and jackets are optional). Wedding blooms at a “casual” wedding usually trend towards a boho or country-chic look! Think wildflower designs with pampas grass, sweet baby’s breath, and other charming accents that reflect a relaxed, natural, and organic feel.
Partner with the experts at Griffin’s Floral Designs to perfectly match your wedding dress code with stunning floral displays that will make your dream wedding a reality!