Wedding dress codes explained, from lounge suit to white tie

What the most common Swedish dress codes mean in practice – and how to write them so no guest needs to google.

Mikaela & Houssem · 5 min read ·

The dress code is one of the most common questions guests have before a wedding. The words sound obvious, but mean different things to different people – and in different countries. Here are the five most common in Sweden, from most to least formal.

1. The most common dress codes

White tie (högtidsdräkt) (On a Swedish invitation: högtidsdräkt)

  • SUIT SIDE: Tailcoat with white waistcoat and white bow tie.
  • DRESS SIDE: Long evening gown.
  • BEST FOR: The most formal evening weddings – castle, church and a grand dinner.

Black tie (smoking) (On a Swedish invitation: smoking)

  • SUIT SIDE: Dinner jacket with bow tie, usually black.
  • DRESS SIDE: Long dress, or an elegant shorter cocktail dress.
  • BEST FOR: Formal evening parties.

Dark suit (mörk kostym) (On a Swedish invitation: mörk kostym)

  • SUIT SIDE: Dark suit – navy, grey or black – with a tie.
  • DRESS SIDE: Dress or suit at knee length or longer.
  • BEST FOR: Parties that should feel smart but not stiff.

Lounge suit (kavaj) (On a Swedish invitation: kavaj)

  • SUIT SIDE: Suit, ideally with a tie. Lighter colours are fine.
  • DRESS SIDE: Dress, skirt or suit in any length.
  • BEST FOR: The most common dress code at Swedish weddings.

Summer smart (sommarfin) (On a Swedish invitation: sommarfin)

  • SUIT SIDE: Blazer and chinos, linen is fine. A tie is optional.
  • DRESS SIDE: Summer dress or jumpsuit, ideally in light colours.
  • BEST FOR: Relaxed summer weddings, outdoors and in the daytime.

2. How to choose a dress code

  • Start from the venue and time of day. An evening party at a castle suits black tie; an afternoon in the garden suits a lounge suit or summer smart.
  • Think about what guests already own. Most people rent a dinner jacket or tailcoat – it's a cost for the guest.
  • If you choose a formal dress code, say so early so guests have time to arrange it.
  • If you want the couple to stand out, choose a dress code one level below your own outfits.

3. Guests from other countries

The same word doesn't mean the same thing everywhere. “Formal” can mean a dark suit in one country and black tie in another. Spell out what you mean instead of just using the term, and add the Swedish or international equivalent in brackets.

4. What the code doesn't say

  • White is traditionally the bride's colour. Say so if you'd like guests to avoid it.
  • National dress and formal military uniform suit every formal dress code.
  • The ground – grass, gravel or sand – decides whether heels are a good idea.
  • Weather – an outdoor ceremony often calls for an extra jumper or shawl for the evening.
  • Themes and colours – if you have a colour palette you'd like guests to follow, say so clearly but make it optional.

5. Write it on your website

Write the dress code, what it means in practice and any wishes. Ready-made examples to copy are in What to put on your wedding website.

EXAMPLE
Dress code: dark suit (formal). That means a dark suit with a tie, and a dress or suit at knee length or longer. Dinner is on the lawn – choose shoes that can handle it.

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