Guide To Indicating Guest Attire On Wedding Invites

When it comes to wedding invitations, it's important to set the tone for the event and manage guest expectations. While some couples opt for a vague festive attire suggestion, others prefer to be more explicit about their dress code. This is usually indicated in the fine print or lower corners of the invitation, or on a separate information card. The level of formality is often implied by the invitation's wording, font, colour, and finishing touches. For instance, a dark colour scheme and traditional phrasing like request the honour of your presence suggest a formal event, while light and poppy colours, quirky fonts, and infographics indicate a more casual affair.

Where to include the dress code on the invitation

When it comes to where to include the dress code on a wedding invitation, there are three main options:

The Wedding Invitation

The dress code can be included on the lower left or right-hand corner of the invitation, or centred at the bottom. This is a straightforward way to ensure guests see the dress code, although it may clutter the invitation if there is a lot of other information included.

A Separate Information/Details Card

If you are providing guests with a separate card of additional information, this is a good place to include the dress code. This keeps the invitation uncluttered and ensures the dress code is still communicated clearly.

Your Wedding Website

If you have a wedding website, this is a good place to include the dress code. You can add it to the homepage, along with other essential details such as the date, venue and time. If your website includes multiple event pages, you can add a dress code for each. You can also add a more detailed explanation of the dress code on an FAQ page.

How to word the dress code

There are a few different ways to include the dress code on your wedding invitation. You can include it on the lower left or right-hand corner of the invitation or place it at the bottom centre of the design. If you want to keep your invitation simple, you can include a separate information or details card with the dress code and other important information for your guests. You can also include the dress code on your wedding website, if you have one.

• White-tie: "We ask that men wear tailcoats and women wear floor-length evening gowns or ball gowns. Top hats and gloves are encouraged."
• Black-tie: "We ask that men wear a tuxedo and women wear a floor-length gown."
• Black-tie optional: "We ask that men wear a tuxedo or a dark suit and tie and women wear an evening gown or midi or knee-length cocktail dress."
• Formal attire: "We suggest that men wear a suit in any colour and women wear a cocktail dress or a nice pantsuit."
• Cocktail attire: "We suggest that men wear a suit or dress shirt with a tie and women wear a midi or knee-length dress or dressy separates."
• Semi-formal attire: "We ask that you wear semi-formal attire such as a cocktail-length dress or dressy separates for women and a suit and tie for men. Please note that the venue does not permit blue jeans or sneakers."
• Dressy casual: "We want you to be comfortable at our wedding. For this time of year in California, may we suggest the following attire: Women: sundresses, lightweight separates and flats or wedge heels for the outdoor ceremony on the lawn. Men: light dress shirt with khaki or other lightweight slacks; jackets and ties optional."

When deciding on the placement and wording of your dress code, consider the level of formality you want to convey. The font choices, colours, and wording of your invitation can all help to indicate the level of formality. For example, using traditional phrasing such as "request the honour of your presence" or "request the pleasure of your company" indicates a formal affair, while a statement like "happily invite you to the best day ever" suggests a more casual event. The time of day can also be a factor, with weddings after 6 pm typically being more formal.

Examples of dress code wording

White-tie

"We ask that men wear tailcoats and women wear floor-length evening gowns or ball gowns. Top hats and gloves are encouraged."

Black-tie

"We ask that men wear a tuxedo and women wear a floor-length gown."

Black-tie optional

"We ask that men wear a tuxedo or a dark suit and tie and women wear an evening gown or midi or knee-length cocktail dress."

Formal attire

"We suggest that men wear a suit in any color and women wear a cocktail dress or a nice pantsuit."

Cocktail attire

"We suggest that men wear a suit or dress shirt with a tie and women wear a midi or knee-length dress or dressy separates."

Semi-formal attire

"We ask that you wear semi-formal attire such as a cocktail-length dress or dressy separates for women and a suit and tie for men. Please note that the venue does not permit blue jeans or sneakers."

Dressy casual

"We want you to be comfortable at our wedding. For this time of year in California, may we suggest the following attire: Women: sundresses, lightweight separates, and flats or wedge heels for the outdoor ceremony on the lawn. Men: light dress shirt with khaki or other lightweight slacks; jackets and ties are optional."

How to include dress code hints on the invitation

It's important to give your wedding guests an idea of the dress code, so they know what to expect and can plan their outfits accordingly. Here are some ways to include dress code hints on your wedding invitations:

Be Direct

One way to ensure your guests understand the dress code is to be direct and explicit. Simply state the dress code on the invitation, such as "Black-tie optional" or "Semi-formal attire". This leaves little room for confusion and ensures guests know what is expected of them.

Fine Print and Design Details

The style of your invitation can also hint at the dress code. For a formal affair, consider using fine print options like engraving, letterpress, or gold foil. A formal colour scheme could include dark colours such as navy, plum, or charcoal for the invitations. For a less formal event, a fun script or chalkboard-style print could be used, with light and poppy colours.

Timing

The time of day of your wedding can also indicate the dress code. If your wedding is in the evening, guests will likely interpret this as a more formal event. If it's during the day, particularly outdoors, guests may opt for more casual attire.

Wording and Phrasing

The wording and phrasing of your invitation can also provide subtle hints about the dress code. For a formal wedding, the request line could say "request the honour of your presence" or "request the pleasure of your company". Less formal invitations might use phrases like "happily invite you to the best day ever".

Finishing Touches

The presentation of your invitations can also suggest the dress code. For a formal wedding, consider adding finishing touches like a wax seal, personalised belly band, or calligraphy on the envelopes. For a more casual affair, colourful envelopes, quirky envelope liners, and infographics on the details card can indicate a relaxed dress code.

What not to wear to a wedding

When it comes to wedding attire, it's important to respect the couple's wishes and avoid any fashion faux pas. Here are some tips on what not to wear to a wedding:

Avoid White and Similar Colours

It is generally considered a fashion faux pas to wear white to a wedding. This includes not only white dresses but also attire in lighter shades such as ivory, cream, and other colours that might be mistaken for white in photographs. It is best to steer clear of soft colours like pale yellow or blue, as they can also appear white in certain lighting conditions. If you're unsure about your chosen outfit, it's always a good idea to seek advice from someone else attending the wedding or, better yet, ask the bride directly.

Don't Blend in with the Wedding Party

As a guest, you don't want to blend in with the wedding party or bridal party. Try to find out in advance what colours the bridal party and groomsmen will be wearing and select an outfit that is completely different. The wedding invitation is often a good source of information for the colour scheme, so if you notice a recurring colour, it's best to avoid it. If you know the bridal party personally, you can always ask them directly to avoid any potential clashes.

Avoid Revealing or Inappropriate Attire

While it's great to feel confident and sexy, it's important to remember that a wedding is a formal occasion. Choose an outfit that aligns with the dress code and the level of formality. Even for "casual" weddings, it is still important to dress up. Avoid revealing or inappropriate attire such as yoga pants, slippers, flip-flops, shorts, or jeans. Instead, opt for modest outfits with subtle hints of sexiness, such as slits, mesh, or open-back dresses.

Stay Away from the Bridal Party's Colours

If possible, try to avoid wearing colours that match the wedding colour scheme. You don't want to be mistaken for a member of the bridal party! You can usually determine the colour scheme from the invitation or the wedding website. If you're still unsure, don't hesitate to ask the bride or a bridesmaid for clarification.

Dress Appropriately for the Season and Venue

Consider the season and venue of the wedding when choosing your outfit. Align your look with the temperature and opt for thicker fabrics like velvet for winter, florals for spring, and lighter fabrics like cotton and linen for summer celebrations. If the wedding is taking place in a church or a venue with a modest dress code, remember to cover your shoulders with a shawl or sweater. For outdoor weddings, especially on grass, consider wearing wedges or shoes with a wider heel to avoid sinking into the ground.

Avoid Distressed or Frayed Clothing

While it's fine to incorporate trends into your wedding attire, it's best to avoid anything super distressed or with frayed edges. Instead, go for a stylish cutout or other on-trend elements that are appropriate for the occasion.

In conclusion, when deciding what not to wear to a wedding, it's important to respect the couple's wishes, avoid white and similar colours, stay clear of the bridal party's colours and attire, dress appropriately for the season and venue, and avoid revealing or inappropriate clothing. Remember, it's always better to be overdressed than underdressed!

Frequently asked questions