Formal is the most common dress code for a wedding in the United States, but we understand that doesn’t make it any easier to know what to wear. To start, a formal wedding dress code is slightly less formal than a black-tie event, so no tuxes are necessary.

We suggest a dark suite (or a jacket and tie) or floor length dress, but a tea length dress, pantsuit, or even an elevated cocktail dress will suffice. And of course, please exercise any manifestation of these elements in the way that best affirms your gender expression.

When in doubt, we recommend erring on the side of caution and going more formal, as opposed to less, will allow you to feel the most comfortable.

We’ve included a visual representation here of what formal represents to us, and we hope that any googling you’ve done has sent you to the same conclusion.