Wedding Dress Codes – What to Wear to a Wedding

During the spring and summer months, people often take advantage of outdoor activities to soak up the sunshine. Weddings are another type of event happening during these warmer months, usually ranging from late spring to early fall- this is often called the wedding season. We all can agree that being invited to a wedding is a little less stressful than planning your own or anyone else’s for obvious reasons, but there’s one thing that still stumps and brings a bit of anxiety to the vast majority of wedding attendees. A question that plagues most: What on earth am I supposed to wear? There’s no need to fret because we’ve got you covered from dissecting each wedding type to what fabrics and patterns would be best suited for each one. You’ll be able you create the ultimate look for each so that you’re dressed to impress no matter the occasion. 

1. Most formal and commonly refers to evening weddings
2. Dress code: Full-length, formal evening dresses (typically a strapless ball gown meaning a fitted bodice and full skirt)
3. Fabric suggestions: chiffon, lace, sequins, Duchesse satin, tulle, silk faille, and charmeuse

The redux version of our Poinsettia Dress would look gorgeous with beautiful fringe in a luxurious fabric of your choice. The Iberis Gown is perfect for any body type and still gives off a high-class look. The Hyacinth Gown and The Sagittaria Dress are white-tie perfect, no adjustments needed. The Todea Dress is the supreme base for a white tie event with its no-fuss design and endless possibilities.

1. A step down from white tie and is usually suited for night time events
2. Dress code: Full-length dresses with a simple silhouette and elevated cocktail dresses 
3. Fabric suggestions:  satin, organza, 4-ply crepe, georgette, chiffon, and velvet

The Magnolia Dress and the Cosmos II redux are stunning and ready to go. Another black tie ready piece is the Solandra Gown and it would be gorgeous in an array of fabrics. The Daylily Skirt and the Gardenia Skirt can easily be combined with a sleek top of choice to create a black-tie ready masterpiece.

1. Formal or cocktail attire is appropriate
2. Dress code: full-length gown, cocktail dress, or a jumpsuit
3. Fabric suggestions: sequins, embroidered, velvet, mesh,  and pleated

The Rue Dress is the perfect selection for this type of event because it’s the perfect balance between black tie and cocktail appropriate. The Honeysuckle Dress is a great option for this event, but can be heightened to a more formal look by lengthening the hemline to graze the floor. The Shirley Dress redux is definitely more on the cocktail side of things; just use a fabric with a slightly more chic appearance to spice things up. The Iris Ensemble is the full package, including the patterns for both a bodysuit and a skirt. The Eurya Dress is certainly a show stopper with its beautiful winged sleeves. Add just a few inches to achieve that tea-length. 

1. Semi-formal attire is suitable
2. Wear: tea-length dress or skirts
3. Fabric suggestions: velvet, mesh, pleated, chiffon, silk, and sateen

The Valeriana Bodysuit and the Romulea Skirt are a perfect pairing, just combine the two patterns together to create a cocktail dress. Yes, Mood’s free sewing patterns can be combined to create a brand new look- we love a bit of versatility! The Cunilla Skirt can be altered to any desired length and paired with the Lyonia shirt; it’s a true show stopper. We also have the Rodanthe Dress which is cocktail-ready and can also be altered by adjusting the sleeve length or omitting sleeves completely. Creating a square neckline would also add a lot to this look. The Nerine Dress is a beautiful design, just add length to the hemline and you’re good to go! The Yarrow Dress is on the slightly more casual side of cocktail dresses but with the perfect accessories, you’ll be set. 

1. Usually outdoors or by the beach
2. Sundress, jumpsuit, or skirt and top (in summer fabrics)
3. Fabric suggestions: chiffon, cotton, linen, rayon, organza, and jersey

For the casual category the Daffodil Dress, the Mallow Dress, the Pine Dress, the Ursinia Dress, and the Ulmus Dress are all excellent selections for an outdoor wedding. These free patterns don’t need any modifications and you’ll look perfectly put together at any wedding with a more laid back dress code.

Whether you’re creating your own look or up-cycling an existing one, this guide is sure to help answer your questions and have you looking your best for any wedding type. Our free sewing patterns are great alone and additionally, a lot of them can be modified slightly to create a wedding look suitable for those fussier, upscale white and black-tie weddings. You can design and wear an ensemble that you look and feel great in so that you’re able to enjoy the event to the fullest. When those wedding invites start rolling in, you’ll be able to easily choose your fabric and pattern and get straight to sewing. Cheers to an upcoming fuss-free wedding season!

Which type of wedding is your favorite to attend? Drop your comments below!