Dress Code: Riva Formal

What’s Riva Formal? Glad you asked! Our wedding involves boats, grass, and uneven surfaces, so our goal was to come up with a dress code that would prompt our guests to dive into the details.

Our dress code is inspired by Northern Italy’s dreamy and iconic Riva wooden boats – celebrated for mahogany, turquoise upholstery, and timeless design – blending the fashion of Milan with the ease of Lake Como. Think mid-century glamour and waterfront leisure: rich colors, playful textures, and easy shoes ready for boats, grass, and good times.

Dresswear

We recommend midi-to-ankle-length dresses in rich colors, textured fabrics, or subtle patterns (and let you board a boat with grace). Consider a shawl or light layer for after dark.

Footwear

No stilettos please. You’ll be traversing grass, stone paths, and boats. Block heels, flats, or sandals are your best bet.

Suiting

We’re fans of a tailored suit, with a dash of personality. Jackets and pants don’t have to match (but certainly can!), so feel free to mix tones or experiment with textures and accessories. Experiment with something playful or stick with a classic dark suit - you can’t go wrong.

Style Tip

Think polished and expressive over beachy or tropical — more like a summer night in Milan or a lakeside Italian wedding rather than a garden party in Nantucket. 

Moodboard: Dresswear + Suitwear 

Some guests may find it helpful to see reference photos to use as a jumping off point. If that’s your thing, great - we’ve included some ideas here. If not, no problem! There’s no need to copy anything. Wear something comfortable that you’ll have a great time in.