“Smart Casual” welcome party—what does the bride wear?

I don’t know what “smart casual” is, but a romper or jeans and a cute top sounds fine based on your description of the event. My welcome meet and greet for about 20 people was causal and low key as well, so my fiancé and I wore specialty tshirts that my aunt made for us - mine said “Future Mrs. Wolfe” and his said “Mr. Wolfe.”

I think smart casual is business casual? It is not a real dress code according to countless lists online. I think a cocktail dress is too formal.

View Quoted Comment Thanks Sharonda and Michelle! I knew smart casual was not a thing—lol! We were trying to convey, “it’s casual, but don’t wear sweat pants and that free t-shirt you got for running a 5k this year.” We might need to rethink our wording 🤔. I’m a short girl and rompers really agree with my shape but they don’t seem to be trendy anymore so I can’t find any good ones. Will keep looking though—seems like a cocktail dress is out!

You’re welcome. I think your concern is valid. I see your wedding is in April, so could you say something like “springtime casual”, “classy casual”, or “casual chic” to avoid the sweatpants and 5k shirt?

View Quoted Comment Love those ideas! Classy Casual sounds perfect!!!

I’d wear nice (probably dark) jeans, heels and a pretty top.

I like the sound of classy or springtime casual. Springtime casual sounds more in line to your theme.

I think any of those would be fine. If you want to wear the cocktail dress, I'd go for it. I feel like the bride being a bit more dressed up is totally normal.

Wear whatever you want! You’re the bride, so it’s okay if you’re a bit fancier than others.


Here’s an article that may help with dress code wording:https://www.brides.com/story/wedding-dress-code-explained

I have no idea what smart casual means either. It sounds like a term your fiancé made up lol. I think a short cocktail dress or romper would be cute. I think it is fine if you guys dress up a little bit more than the guests.

You’re the bride so you will not look too dressed up no matter what you wear! We also had a welcome dinner with a similar “smart casual” vibe and I wore a white lacy cocktail dress and high heels. Most women wore sundresses with sandals or wedges and men wore khakis with a button down shirt. You’re the bride and don’t be afraid to stand out

I have also never heard of “smart casual”... but I knew what you meant the moment I read it! So if FH made that term up, he did a great job LOL
In terms of you wearing a cocktail dress... wear that dress girl!!! If that’s what you have always envision you wearing, there is no need to change that vision! I’ve been to a lot of welcome parties and rehearsal dinners where the bride is more dressed up than everyone else. You’re the guest of honor- wear something special! 😀

I’m in the minority here... I actually HAVE heard that term before! 😂 but like PP said, even those who haven’t heard the term should know what it means from reading it! I would say as the bride, really whatever you wears, goes, within reason. I wouldn’t wear a ball gown as the bride to the event that you’re describing LOL but I think anything along the lines of a romper, a blouse and jeans, or a more casual cocktail dress would work! Everyone expects the bride to be a little more on the dressy side, so you certainly won’t stand out (well other than for the fact that you’re the beautiful bride!) but even if you’re more dressed up, I feel like people just expect it during a wedding weekend!

You’re the bride there is no such thing as over dressed! You get to wear what you want. I wore a long red sequin dress to our rehearsal.

I also HAVE heard of smart casual, but always used in the context of a work event that is a more relaxed setting than the office- like a team building event at a baseball game. 🤣 For men, it means something like a polo shirt and jeans, I’ve never known how that directly translates for women?!
Definitely go with one of the other options suggested here, they sound so much cuter and easier to understand!

You can wear WHATEVER you want. It’s okay to be more dressed up than your guests— it’s your party afterall! (I just wouldn’t advise going super casual if you’re requiring a dress code of your guests). No such thing as overdressed to your own wedding events