Incorporating Dress Code In Wedding Invites: A Guide

When it comes to weddings, it's important to get the details right. A wedding invitation is a crucial logistical element and the first glimpse guests will have of the style and theme of your big day. It's also an opportunity to inform guests of the dress code. While some sources suggest that it's rude to include a dress code on an invitation, others argue that it's essential. So, how do you go about it?

The easiest way to indicate the dress code is to include it on the bottom of the invite or on a separate details card. You can also direct guests to your wedding website, where you can provide more detailed information about the dress code and other FAQs. If you don't want to explicitly state the dress code, you can use the invitation design to hint at the formality of the event. For example, a traditional invite with letterpress and calligraphy suggests a formal event, while an invite with a playful font and bright colours indicates a more casual style.

When it comes to wording, keep it simple and clear. You can use widely known dress code terms like black tie, cocktail attire, or dress casual. If you have a unique dress code, consider providing a brief explanation and some attire suggestions. Remember, the dress code should match the mood, venue, season, and your personality.

Where to include the dress code

Including a dress code on your wedding invitation is a great way to ensure your event stays as formal or as casual as you want. It's also helpful for your guests to know what is expected of them in terms of attire. Here are some options for where to include the dress code:

The Wedding Invitation

You can include the dress code in the lower left or right-hand corner of the invitation, or at the bottom centre of the design. For example, you could add a simple sentence such as "Black Tie Optional" or "Semi-Formal Attire". This is a straightforward way to communicate the dress code to your guests.

A Separate Information/Details Card

If you are including a separate 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 uncluttered while still providing the necessary details.

Your Wedding Website

If you have a wedding website, you can include the dress code there. This is especially useful if you want to provide additional context or suggestions for attire. For example, you could say something like "The dress code for our wedding is semi-formal. Please note that the venue does not permit blue jeans or sneakers." This option is also helpful for guests who may not check the physical invitation frequently but are more likely to visit the website for other details.

Word-of-mouth and Family Outreach

While not a direct form of communication, word-of-mouth can be an effective way to spread the dress code, especially if you have a small guest list. You can also enlist your parents or close family members to call or speak with certain guests, especially those who may be unsure about the dress code or need additional guidance.

The Invitation Envelope

Although less common, you could include a brief mention of the dress code on the back flap of the invitation envelope. This ensures that guests see the information as soon as they open the envelope. For example, you could write "Black Tie Event – see details inside."

What to include

When it comes to dress code, it is important to give your guests a clear idea of what to wear to your wedding. You can include this information in three main places: on the wedding invitation, on a separate information or details card, or on your wedding website.

If you opt to include the dress code on your wedding invitation, it is customary to place this information at the bottom of the design, either in the left or right-hand corner, or in the centre. Here, you can simply list the type of dress code, such as "Black Tie" or "Cocktail Attire". If you have room, you can also add some additional details or get creative with your wording, as long as it remains clear and simple for your guests. For example, "A Formal Affair: Our venue requires Black Tie attire."

If you would like to provide more detailed information about the dress code, you can include a separate information or details card along with your invitation. This card can list any other important information for your guests, such as RSVP details or travel arrangements. Here, you can provide a brief explanation of the dress code, including attire suggestions and specifics. For instance, you might mention that your venue requires a jacket and tie, or that the ceremony will take place on the beach.

Another option is to include the dress code on your wedding website. This is especially useful if you want to provide a more comprehensive explanation of the dress code and offer examples to help answer your guests' questions. 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 also add a specific dress code for each event. For instance, if you are having a welcome reception, wedding, and post-wedding brunch, you can provide separate dress codes for each occasion.

When deciding what to include in your dress code information, consider the formality of your wedding, the time of day, the venue guidelines, the season, and your personal style. For example, if you are having an outdoor wedding, you might suggest practical footwear for your guests. Or, if you are having a themed wedding, such as a 1920s-inspired celebration, you can encourage your guests to dress accordingly.

When to include it

Including a dress code on your wedding invitation is a great way to ensure your guests know what to wear and help set the right tone for your wedding. Here are some tips on when to include it:

When to Include the Dress Code on the Invitation

The dress code can be included in the corner copy of your invitation, usually at the bottom left or right-hand corner, or at the bottom centre. This ensures your guests don't miss it, especially if your ceremony and reception are in the same place. If your wedding and reception have different dress codes or are in different locations, it's helpful to include the dress code on both the invitation and the reception card.

When to Include the Dress Code on an Enclosure Card

If your wedding invitation design doesn't easily accommodate extra information about the dress code, you can include a simple enclosure card with your invitation. This is also a good option if you want to remind guests to bring certain items, such as warm layers and appropriate footwear for an outdoor winter wedding.

When to Include the Dress Code on Your Wedding Website

If you have a wedding website, you can include the dress code on the homepage along with other essential information like the wedding date, venue, and time. If your website has multiple event pages, you can add a specific dress code for each event. For a more detailed explanation of the dress code, you can direct guests to the FAQ page of your website, where you can provide attire suggestions and specifics.

When to Include the Dress Code Through Invitation Design

The design of your physical invitations can also give clues about the dress code. For example, a classy black-and-white invitation with calligraphy may suggest a formal dress code, while a bright-coloured invitation with a loopy font may indicate a more casual event. If you have a themed wedding, such as "under the sea," you can include thematic images on the invitations to hint at the dress code.

How to word it

There are a few different ways to include a dress code on your wedding invitation. The most common approach is to include it on the lower left or right-hand corner of the invitation or at the bottom centre of the design. Alternatively, you can include it on a separate information or details card, especially if you want to keep your invitation simple. You can also include it on your wedding website, along with other details such as directions to the venue.

• "White Tie Celebration: Please join us in your most royal formalwear."
• "A Formal Affair: Our venue requires Black Tie attire."
• "Black Tie Optional: Formal attire is suggested."
• "Cocktail Attire: Elegance encouraged."
• "Semi-Formal Attire: We suggest that men wear a suit in any colour and women wear a cocktail dress or a nice pantsuit."
• "Garden Party Attire: Dress in your best outdoor-friendly semi-formalwear."
• "Casual Attire: Our celebration will be Dressy Casual. Guests are encouraged to be comfortable."

If you have a less conventional dress code, it is a good idea to provide a brief explanation and some suggestions or specifics to help your guests understand what you are asking them to wear. For example, if your wedding is taking place on a beach, you can mention that in your dress code description.

What to do if you don't want to include it

If you don't want to include a dress code on your wedding invitations, there are a few other ways to convey this information to your guests. Here are some suggestions:

Use your wedding website

You can include the dress code on your wedding website, either on the homepage along with other essential information, or on a separate FAQ page where you can provide more detailed explanations and suggestions. This is a good option if you want to provide more specific guidance without taking up too much space on your invitations.

Include a separate information card

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

Use visual cues

If you are having a themed wedding or want to give your guests a general sense of the dress code without being too specific, you can use visual cues to convey the appropriate attire. For example, creating a Pinterest board with images of suggested outfits or using pop culture references to give guests an idea of the level of formality.

Offer incentives

Instead of a strict dress code, you can encourage guests to dress in a certain way by offering incentives. For example, you can suggest that guests "outshine the bride" or "dress to impress" and offer prizes or gag gifts to those who participate.

Provide general guidance

If you don't want to include a specific dress code, you can provide more general guidance on your invitations or wedding website. For example, "dress for comfort and class" or "dress to be comfortable and fabulous". You can also include a simple note about the venue, such as "the ceremony will be outdoors, so dress accordingly" or "choose your footwear according to the lawn venue".

Remember, the most important thing is to give your guests enough information to feel comfortable and confident in their attire choices. You can also offer encouragement rather than strict enforcement, as ultimately your guests will dress themselves.

Frequently asked questions