If you’re unsure what is cocktail dress for a wedding, it can be considered a stylish dress that is between semi-formal to formal. It is used at cocktail weddings, especially if the couple wants something elevated but not exactly black-tie formal.
We will discuss how to wear a cocktail dress to a wedding in more detail below. And if you’re curious about such a dress code, read what to wear to a cocktail attire wedding.
Everything To Know About What Is Cocktail Dress For A Wedding
A cocktail dress is an evening dress worn at cocktail weddings and receptions. It is usually knee-length and not as straightforward or plain-looking as a business casual, dressy casual, or even semi-formal dress.
A cocktail dress is distinguishable because it looks more stylish, usually in dark colors with sequins and other glittery details. But for a wedding, select a cocktail dress that doesn’t look bridal nor would take the attention away from the bride.
It should be between semi-formal to formal and never overdressed or underdressed. Think of a dress you’d wear to dinner at a nice restaurant or a fundraiser event.
How to wear a cocktail dress to weddings
- Cocktail dresses are usually knee-length or longer, but not to the floor
- Wedding cocktail attire should be dressier versions of dressy casual and semi-formal dresses
- To keep your cocktail dress from looking bridal, avoid white dresses, those with bridal materials like tulle, puffy skirts, or silver beads that look like features on wedding dresses
- Use the wedding theme and venue to know how to style and dress up your cocktail dress (for example, cocktail weddings with vintage themes can have women in midi sequin cocktail dresses with hats)
- Cocktail reception weddings usually happen in the evening, so select a dark-colored or jewel-colored cocktail dress
- A simple dress can be considered a cocktail dress with the right accessories and jewelry (for example, a sheath navy dress accessorized with gold jewelry can look sophisticated for cocktail attire)
What Is A Cocktail Dress Considered?
The in-between dress
The best way to explain what is considered a cocktail dress is it’s an in-between dress. It’s the perfect middle ground between daytime wear that is casual to semi-casual and classy to sophisticated evening wear.
When people think of a cocktail dress, one specific style comes to mind, and it is the LBD or little black dress. It’s the ideal evening wear for chic ladies, but it’s not too overdressed that you might look like you’re attending a black-tie event.
Chic and sophisticated
However, little does not mean dressing too sexy. For example, the perfect length for a cocktail dress should be around the knees, which should also suit a wedding with a cocktail dress code.
You are also not limited to wearing black as cocktail weddings vary in themes and types. For example, florals can suit an outdoor or destination cocktail wedding, while patterns on a chic dress would be ideal for a rustic but cocktail dress code wedding.
Classy and elegant
If it’s a classic evening cocktail wedding, opt for a dress made of classy fabrics like satin or silk. Tasteful features like embroidery or sequins will also be perfect if your look does not overshadow the bride.
Furthermore, while cocktail dresses are between a formal dinner and casual daytime dress, you shouldn’t dress like you’re going to a nightclub. Instead, be mindful of its style and accessorize with elegance in mind.
Is Cocktail Attire Long Or Short Dresses?
Cocktail attire means guests wear short dresses or in-between lengths like the midi dress. A cocktail dress is usually right on the knees or slightly above it, especially for the classic little black dress ensemble.
For weddings, you don’t need to wear a maxi floor-length dress for a cocktail reception. Instead, a dress slightly above or right on your knee level would be perfect.
Be mindful of the overall style of your look as well, especially at weddings where you must dress with modesty in mind. Cocktail events do not also limit women to skirts and dresses, as there are chic cocktail jumpsuits that suit the semi-formal but dressy event.
Here’s what is a cocktail reception wedding to know more about it.
What’s The Difference Between Cocktail And Semi-Formal?
Cocktail dresses or cocktail attire are usually defined as semi-formal outfits. However, the two dress codes have a slight difference from each other.
Cocktail dresses would be more stylish and sophisticated than semi-formal wear that can sometimes be worn at business events. Cocktail dresses are usually elevated by chic accessories and classy heels and even feature details like sequins than a typical semi-formal dress that might be a straight-cut partnered with a blazer.
Are Cocktail Dresses Formal Wear?
Cocktail dresses can be considered formal, and some weddings might even provide examples of cocktail dresses as suggestions for what to wear with their formal dress code. However, there are formal events such as black-tie where the long evening dresses are more appropriate than a knee-length cocktail dress.
Conclusion
Was this styling guide useful? To recap what is cocktail dress for a wedding, it refers to a stylish dress, usually knee-length and in colors suitable for evening events.
It’s in-between formal and semi-casual, but it shouldn’t look too overdressed or casual for the wedding. Some examples are a knee-length sheath dress with sequins or a floral midi dress with chic accessories.