Guide To Conveying Wedding Attire Expectations To Guests

When it comes to wedding invitations, it's important to get it right. The invites are not just a glimpse into the style or theme of the big day, but they're also a crucial source of information for your guests. One of the most important details to include is the dress code. This ensures your event stays as formal or casual as you want it to be and helps your guests feel prepared. But how do you politely tell your guests what to wear?

Where to include attire details

There are several places where you can include attire details for your wedding. Here are some options:

The Wedding Invitation

You can include attire details on the wedding invitation itself. One option is to place the dress code in the lower left or right-hand corner of the invitation or at the bottom centre of the design. This way, your guests will have the information readily available when they receive the invitation.

A Separate Information/Details Card

If you are including a separate details card with other important information for your guests, you can use this space to list the dress code as well. This keeps your invitation simple and elegant while still providing the necessary information.

The Wedding Website

If you have a wedding website, this is another ideal place to include attire details. You can add the dress code to the homepage along with other essential information such as the wedding date, venue, and time. If your website includes multiple event pages, you can provide specific dress codes for each event. You can also include a more detailed explanation of the dress code on an FAQ page, where guests can find answers to any questions they may have.

Enclosure Card

If your wedding has a specific theme or you want your guests to dress up accordingly, you can include an enclosure card with your invitation. This card can be used to announce the theme and encourage guests to participate. For example, if you're having a masquerade-themed ball, you can request that guests wear masks and costumes.

Subtle Hints

If you don't want to explicitly state the dress code, you can use subtle hints on your invitation. The wording, font choices, and colours can all give guests an idea of the expected attire. For example, using traditional print options such as engraving, letterpress, or gold foil suggests a fancier celebration, while more casual affairs might opt for a fun script or chalkboard-style print. Additionally, the time of the wedding can also indicate the level of formality, with evening weddings typically being more formal.

Black-tie event vs. formal attire

When it comes to wedding invitations, it can be tricky to know what to wear, especially when the dress code is formal or black tie. Here is a detailed guide to help you understand the difference between the two.

Formal attire is a more general term, encompassing a wide range of outfit options. For men, this could include smart suits, dress shirts, ties, and dress shoes, with accessories such as pocket squares or cufflinks. Dark colours are typical, but not essential, and the overall outfit should be formal. For women, a standard formal outfit is a dress, which could be a floor-length gown or a lighter cocktail dress. Blouses, dressy skirts, and dress pants are also options, paired with heels or fancy flats and accessories such as jewellery and clutch bags.

Black-tie events, on the other hand, are more specific and strict. For men, this means a black tuxedo with a black bow tie and a classic white shirt. The jacket should be a dinner jacket with satin lapels, buttons, and pockets, and the trousers should be formal, pressed, and ideally with a single row of braid or satin fabric on the outside of each leg. Black patent leather shoes are recommended, although velvet slippers can also be worn. For women, black tie offers more versatility. While a full-length dress or a women's tuxedo is typical, cocktail dresses and formal jumpsuits are also acceptable. High heels, dressy flats, or loafers are usually paired with these outfits.

So, while both formal and black-tie attire is formal, black-tie events are more formal and have stricter rules. Formal attire gives guests more freedom to express their style, whereas black-tie events require specific outfits, particularly for men.

Wording attire details

It is often encouraged to mention a dress code on your wedding invitations. This ensures your event stays as formal or as casual as you want it to be and gives your guests clarity on what is expected of them attire-wise.

There are three main places you can include your dress code: on the wedding invitation, on a separate information/details card, or on your wedding website.

If you opt to include it on the wedding invitation, you can place the dress code on the lower left or right-hand corner of the invitation, or at the bottom centre of the design.

• Black Tie: This usually indicates an evening wedding where men wear tuxedos with black bow ties and women wear formal floor-length gowns. It is important to note that black tie does not mean one has to wear black.
• Formal or Black Tie Optional: These phrases mean that guests are encouraged to wear attire that fits a black-tie dress code but it is not mandatory. Men can wear a dark suit with a shirt and tie, and women can wear a floor-length gown, knee-length cocktail dress, a pantsuit, or dressy separates.
• Lounge Suit or Semi-Formal: This indicates a less formal dress code than Black Tie and is suitable for a semi-formal daytime wedding. Men can wear a classic suit or tux with a tie, and women can wear formal evening wear such as floor-length dresses or evening pantsuits.
• Cocktail Attire: This dress code encourages guests to dress a step above smart casual. Women can wear dresses of any length above floor-length, and men can wear a suit (tie optional) or sports jacket and dress shirt.
• Smart Casual: Wedding guests are asked to dress neatly, without being too dressy or too casual. Men can wear dark denim, chinos, or suit pants with a neat shirt, while women can wear a skirt or smart trousers.

When mentioning attire details, it is important to be consistent with the style of the rest of your wording. The dress code can be written with or without a colon or other marks (e.g. a bullet point or vertical bar) to match your design.

Matching attire with wedding style

When it comes to wedding attire, you'll want to ensure that your outfit matches the wedding style. Here are some tips to help you achieve a coordinated and stylish look for your special day:

Suit Up:

The groom's suit should complement the wedding's venue, season, and style while reflecting his personality. For a daytime, beach, or outdoor wedding, opt for a lightweight suit in cotton or linen. For an elegant evening wedding, a charcoal, navy, or black tuxedo is a perfect choice.

Coordination is Key:

As a couple, you can showcase your style and complement each other's attire. If the bride is wearing royal blue shoes, the groom could wear a matching tie. For a bohemian wedding, the groom might wear a tan suit with cowboy boots, while the bride chooses a lace gown. Avoid exact matching; instead, aim for colour coordination and a subtle signal that you're a pair.

The Wedding Party:

The groom's attendants should match his attire, with slight variations. They can also coordinate with the bridesmaids by incorporating their colours into their outfits, such as with ties or boutonnieres.

Accessorise:

Accessories are a great way to showcase your personality and make your wedding party stand out. Unique bow ties, vests, boutonnieres, and cufflinks can add a special touch.

Dress Code:

The wedding invitation is a great place to indicate the expected dress code, whether it's "Black Tie," "Cocktail Attire," or "Dress Casual." This helps guests understand the level of formality and plan their outfits accordingly.

Remember, it's essential to consider the wedding's theme, venue, and season when deciding on attire. By coordinating your outfits, you'll create a stylish and cohesive look for your wedding day.

What to wear to a casual wedding

When it comes to wedding invitations, it's important to include a dress code to ensure your event stays as formal or casual as you want it to be. This is also helpful for guests so they know what is expected of them in terms of attire.

If you've received a wedding invitation with a casual dress code, you may be wondering what this entails. Casual wedding attire is a slightly elevated version of the clothes you would wear on a typical day. It's best to avoid anything too casual such as tank tops, flip-flops, and athleisure. Generally, casual weddings are held outdoors, so it's a good idea to wear something comfortable that you can easily dance in and that will work during the day and at night.

For women, a nice sundress or dress, a jumpsuit, or a two-piece set are all good options. A midi skirt or a pair of chinos with a comfortable pair of shoes and a cute purse are also great choices.

For men, a blazer with no tie and a nice shirt and slacks, or just a nice shirt and slacks are appropriate. A blazer with dressy sneakers, a long-sleeve crewneck shirt, or a turtleneck with chinos are also good options.

It's important to consider the season and venue when choosing your outfit. For example, a daytime beach wedding or backyard event may call for more informal attire. If you're unsure, you can always ask the couple directly or check their wedding website for more details.

Frequently asked questions