Was soll ich anziehen?

The dress code that best describes what we are envisioning at our wedding is something between what is referred to as "semi-formal" and "cocktail" . Now this is of course not very telling on its own, but many magazines and other creators have produced plenty of content on western wedding dress codes. In preparation of writing this, I searched dozens of websites and watched countless explanation videos. I will link my favourite ones below. What I took away from all of that content is that to dress for this dress code, you can:

For Men: Wear a suit (any color works) with a dress shirt—a tie is optional. Alternatively, a blazer with tailored trousers and a dress shirt. Dress shoes complete the look. The key is that it should feel polished and intentional—think of an outfit for an important formal dinner or celebration.

For Women: Wear an elegant dress of any length, a skirt with a refined blouse, or a sophisticated pantsuit. Vibrant colors are absolutely encouraged—this is where you can express your style and personality. Dressy shoes finish the outfit.

The main thing to avoid: Anything too casual. No jeans, chinos, khakis, or casual everyday wear. Also, please avoid anything too close to white, as that's reserved for the bride. Think refined fabrics and a polished presentation—the kind of outfit you'd wear somewhere special.

If at any point, you are still unsure whether something fits the vibe, you're welcome to ask us directly. We're here to help!

As the bride is a climate scientist, we also have to make a small sustainability request: if you already own something that fits the dress code and weather, we would love for you to wear that rather than buying something new specifically for our wedding.

A note on the weather

German buildings rarely have air conditioning, so in case Nürnberg experiences a warmer-than-usual early autumn (which is likely during this super El Nino year), lighter and more breathable fabrics may be a good choice.

At the same time, autumn evenings in Germany can become surprisingly chilly, so bringing a jacket, shawl, or another layer is often a good idea.