Wedding Dress Codes, Explained Wedding dress codes aren't randomthey follow a gradual progression in both hem length and formality of structure. Cocktail Semi Formal Shorter hems, lighter fabrics, The Ultimate Guide to Dress Code Types and Guest Attire Paperless Post The Girlfriend's Guide to a Formal dress code. Reserved for elegant evening events, this dress code is less formal than Black Tie but more formal than Cocktail. Women should opt for a Blog Decoding Dress Codes: What Those Confusing Terms Actually Mean for Your Outfit Choices Clothz