Unique Wedding Dress Codes For Non-Traditional Couples

I’m so ready to share unique wedding dress codes for non-traditional couples with you!

Here’s the thing. Not every couple wants guests to come to their wedding wearing “regular” suits and dresses. Some couples want to mix it up. Perhaps they want things to get fancy. Real fancy. Or, they want to have a color theme for all their guests. Maybe they want guests to match their venue or location of their wedding. The ideas are endless.

If you identify as a non-traditional couple, or just want to mix things up a bit for your wedding, this is the post for you. Mixing up dress codes, or just recommendations for what guests should wear to your wedding, can make your wedding more fun and more memorable. It’s a deviation from the norm, and there’s nothing wrong with it. It’s okay to go for the unique wedding dress codes if you want to.

Unique Wedding Dress Codes For Non-Traditional Couples

This post is going to go into unique wedding dress codes for non-traditional couples. Of course, it’s okay if you stick to tradition everywhere else in your wedding. The dress code can totally be an outlier. Or, buck tradition all around. Your wedding, your way. The point of this post is to give you inspiration for what could be possible, and help you think outside the box.

Also, side note, feel free to apply these dress codes to other pre-wedding events. Bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, welcome parties. They don’t just have to be for the wedding. Just be sure to let guests know what to wear in one of these methods, and have fun with it.

Let’s get into it!

THE BLACK AND WHITE DRESS CODE

Okay, let’s start off kind of basic. The black and white dress code.

This one is simple. All guests wear black, or white. Maybe all the guests, except the bride, wear black. Or everyone wears black. Or everyone wears white. You can have certain people stand out with one color, and the rest of the guests wear the other. This isn’t one of the most unique wedding dress codes, but it’s also not that common. Just be sure to tell guests how “dressy” their outfits should be, and also the color options.

CELEBRATING ANOTHER COLOR DRESS CODE

Stepping it up a little to another option, your wedding could be nothing but a color. Or several colors.

For example, perhaps you’re having a Mardi Gras themed wedding. Maybe all your guests wear green, purple, or yellow. Maybe your wedding is near Valentine’s day and you want guests to wear red and pink. There is no judgement here. If you’re drawn to a color, and your partner signs off on it, go with it. The photos will be awesome.

TROPICAL PARADISE DRESS CODE

Okay, now we’re talking. Tropical paradise dress code. This is something that most people can get behind.

For this one, think flowy dresses, flowers in hair, linen pants, and soft collared shirts. It’s got a beachy feel, without being totally beach forward. This is a dress code that can be a whole theme, and it suits many destination weddings well.

GOING TO THE OSCARS DRESS CODE

This can be a fun one. A “going to the Oscars” dress code.

Here’s the thing with this one. You need a certain crowd of wedding guests for this. And, you may need a certain type of venue. The outfits for this dress code are fancy. Maybe a little wild. They may entail gowns, tuxedos, and wild hats. It’s classy, and it’s expensive.

THE ROARING TWENTIES / GREAT GATSYBY DRESS CODE

If you are having an Art Deco themed wedding, a “roaring twenties” or “Great Gatsby” dress code can be so much fun.

For this, think mini dresses with fringy layers. Zoot suits. Stripes and boas. There may be feathers in women’s hair and lots and lots of pearl accessories. Legs will be shown, and fishnets will be worn. There could be lots of colors or a lean towards black and gold.

HIGH TEA DRESS CODE (AKA BRIDGERTON)

Have you seen Bridgerton? If not, think upper class English from the early 1800’s.

In Bridgerton, for tea time at least, there are lots of flowy empire dresses worn by the women. Most have their cleavage on display, and their hair is pinned up in fancy buns with curls and braids. The men wear suits, of various fabric, and rock mustaches. Gloves are worn by all, and it’s very civilized.

THROWBACK TO A DECADE DRESS CODE

Are you a child of the 80’s? 70’s? Or something else? Maybe you have that decade be the inspiration for your wedding dress codes.

Depending on the decade, it could mean certain colors are worn by guests. Neon for the 80’s, for example. Tie dye for the 60’s. The dresses may be mini or maxi, as well. Hair may be down or up, depending on the time frame you’re thinking. Wedding dress codes from various decades can be a fun way to pair a group style with the music playing, too. Just food for thought.

SUMMER VIBES DRESS CODE

Summer vibes may be one of the only wedding dress codes that really should take place during a certain time of year.

In the summer, of course.

For this dress code, think sun dresses. Flowy dresses. Hair up in buns or down in natural waves or curls. Men can wear comfortable, light, clothes that will fit a warm or hot day. Sandals are not just allowed, they are encouraged.

Of course, you can do a summer vibes dress code in the winter, but it’s really best received when it’s warm out, at an outdoor wedding.

BEACHY DRESS CODE

While we’re on the warm day track, let’s explore a beachy dress code.

This one is a lot like summer vibes, by the way. With it, your guests would be encouraged to dress like they were going to a dinner or event by the beach. If your wedding is actually on the beach, shoes may be optional. Otherwise, guests could wear sarongs, wrap dresses, long and light dresses, linen pants, and sandals. It’s a casual vibe, somewhat of a marriage between tropical and summer.

FARMHOUSE DRESS CODE

A “farmhouse” dress code is really sweet.

For this, think farms. Barns. Events that have hayrides and tractors. Women would wear comfortable dresses that they can dance in, likely knee-length. Men would wear cotton collared shirts or plaid, and perhaps suspenders or a hat to dress it up. Footwear is mostly flats, and comfortable.

WEAR A COSTUME DRESS CODE

Alright, now, this is one of those unique wedding dress codes that really needs a non-traditional couple to embrace it.

It’s the one where you ask your guests to wear a costume to your wedding.

Of course, you can give guidance on the costume. Maybe everyone should wear a costume mask to your wedding. Or everyone dresses up like a certain type of character, or from a certain pop culture reference. Ideally, this would be the dress code around Halloween, but you know. You do you.

BOHEMIAN DRESS CODE (AKA COACHELLA MUSIC FESTIVAL)

Are you into bohemian styles? It’s kind of like dessert hippie in the twenty-first century.

For this dress code, which seems to be featured prominently at music festivals like Coachella, guests will wear more neutral colors. Though, they are allowed to mix things up a little if they want. Think long dresses, or short dresses with fringe. Accessories are key, including hats, belts, and bracelets. It’s all about sexy comfort for this style, so a little skin is allowed.

Men can wear comfortable clothes for this dress code, by the way. They are encouraged to rock some patterns, and collared shirts are allowed only if they are fun, interesting, or comfortable.

ODE TO YOUR HERITAGE DRESS CODE

Last of the unique wedding dress codes!

An ode to your heritage.

This will vary by person. The key takeaway here is that if you are from another country, you may want to have that country’s customs and traditions represented in your wedding. This may include traditional outfits. You may want to encourage guests to wear a certain color or accessory to participate. Or, you and your family and wedding party may be the only ones dressed up.

THOUGHTS ON UNIQUE WEDDING DRESS CODES FOR NON-TRADITIONAL COUPLES

Friends, weddings with unique wedding dress codes can be memorable and fun. Remember to let guests know what to wear with one of these methods. Be clear about what they should wear, and participate yourself, where applicable. It’s okay to go non-traditional, even if you receive some pushback from others. Enjoy the process, and share the pictures. They are sure to be amazing. Happy wedding planning!  

More On Dress Codes From Hummingbird Wedding Advice

Wedding Dress Codes – What Do They Really Mean?

Five Ways To Let Your Guests Know Your Wedding Dress Code

What To Put On Wedding Invitations – And What To Leave Off!

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