Guide To Requesting Formal Attire For Your Wedding

When it comes to weddings, attire is an important aspect that can set the tone and formality of the event. While some couples prefer a more casual approach, others may opt for a formal dress code, and this information can be communicated through the wedding invitations. Including a dress code ensures that guests are aware of the expected attire and can contribute to the desired atmosphere. In this discussion, we will explore the different ways to request formal attire on wedding invitations, ensuring a cohesive and elegant celebration.

Where to include the dress code on a wedding invitation

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

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 "Black Tie Optional: Formal attire is suggested". However, if your invitation already has a lot of text, you may want to consider including it elsewhere.

A Separate Information/Details Card

If you are providing additional information for your guests, such as directions to the venue or accommodation suggestions, you can include the dress code on a separate card. This keeps your invitation simple and uncluttered while still providing guests with the information they need.

Your Wedding Website

If you have a wedding website, this is another great 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 specific dress code for each event. You can also include a more detailed explanation of the dress code on the FAQ page.

Word-of-mouth and Wedding Party

While not a direct form of communication, word-of-mouth can be an effective way to spread the news about your wedding dress code. Inform your parents, wedding party, and close friends about the dress code, and they can help spread the word to other guests. This is especially useful if you are concerned about guests not seeing the dress code on the invitation or website.

Other Ways to Hint at the Dress Code

If you'd prefer not to explicitly state the dress code, you can hint at it through the design and style of your invitations. For example, a traditional invitation with letterpress and calligraphy suggests a formal event, while an invitation with a playful font and bright colours indicates a more casual style.

How to word the dress code

There are several ways to word a dress code on a wedding invitation, depending on the level of formality desired. Here are some options for how to word the dress code for a formal wedding:

White Tie

White tie is the most formal dress code. To request this attire, the invitation can state:

> "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

Black tie is a step down from white tie and usually indicates a formal evening wedding. The invitation can specify:

> "Black tie. We ask that men wear a tuxedo, and women wear a floor-length gown."

Black-Tie Optional

This option is slightly less formal than black tie, and a tuxedo is not required. The invitation can be worded as:

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

Formal Attire

For a formal wedding, the invitation can simply state:

> "Formal attire."

Alternatively, more detail can be provided:

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

Lounge Suit or Semi-Formal

This option indicates a semi-formal daytime wedding. The dress code can be communicated as:

> "Lounge suit or semi-formal attire."

Or, a more detailed description can be provided:

> "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."

It is worth noting that some sources suggest that including a dress code on the wedding invitation itself may be considered rude. Instead, it is recommended to include the dress code on a separate information card or the wedding website.

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

"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

"The dress code for our wedding is formal attire. We suggest that men wear a suit in any colour and women wear a cocktail dress or a nice pantsuit."

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."

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."

The difference between a black-tie event and formal attire

Black-tie events and formal attire are dress codes that are often specified for weddings, with black-tie being the most formal of the two. Both dress codes signify sophistication and charm, but they have distinct styles and rules. Understanding the difference between the two can help you dress appropriately for a wedding or any other special occasion.

Formal attire is a dress code that is commonly used for weddings, funerals, dinners, balls, and similar events. It is more of a general term, encompassing a wide range of outfit options. For men, a typical formal outfit includes smart suits, dress shirts, ties, and dress shoes. Dark colours are usually favoured, such as charcoal or navy suit jackets. Accessories such as a pocket square or cufflinks can also be added. For women, a standard formal outfit consists of a dress, either a floor-length gown or a lighter cocktail dress. Blouses, dressy skirts, dress pants, heels or fancy flats, elegant jewellery, and small clutch bags are also potential choices for women.

Black-tie attire, on the other hand, is a very specific dress code, often reserved for the most formal occasions, such as weddings, galas, dinners, proms, and balls. It is a step above formal attire in terms of formality. For men, black-tie attire typically consists of tuxedos with black bow ties, white shirts, and black dress shoes. The tuxedo jacket is usually black, although midnight blue is also an option. For women, black-tie attire can include various evening gowns or fancy cocktail dresses, although longer and more formal gowns are typically favoured. High heels, fine jewellery, shawls, and clutches are common accessories.

In summary, the key difference between black-tie and formal attire lies in the level of formality. Black-tie is the more formal of the two, with specific requirements for both men and women's outfits. Formal attire, on the other hand, offers more flexibility and a wider range of outfit options.

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 that might detract from their special day. Here's a detailed guide on what not to wear to a wedding:

Avoid White and Similar Shades

This is probably the most well-known rule—it's generally considered unacceptable to wear white to a wedding. This includes not only pure white outfits but also lighter shades that could be mistaken for white, such as cream, ivory, and pale colours like soft yellow or blue. These colours can often appear white in photos, so it's best to steer clear of them. If you're unsure about your chosen outfit, it's always a good idea to seek advice from someone close to the couple or another guest.

Don't Blend in with the Wedding Party

As a guest, you don't want to be mistaken for a member of the bridal party or groomsmen. Try to find out in advance what colours the wedding party will be wearing and select an outfit that's completely different. The invitation is usually a good source of information for this, but if you're still unsure, don't hesitate to ask the couple or a member of the bridal party.

Avoid Revealing or Inappropriate Attire

While it's great to choose an outfit that makes you feel confident, it's important to remember that a wedding is a sacred and formal occasion. Avoid anything too revealing or inappropriate, such as yoga pants, slippers, jeans, flip-flops, shorts, or t-shirts. Even for a casual wedding, it's better to dress up than down. If you're unsure about the dress code, don't be afraid to ask the couple or their wedding party for advice.

Be Mindful of Cultural and Regional Sensitivities

What is considered appropriate wedding attire can vary across different cultures and regions. For example, in some cultures, red is reserved for the bride, while black signifies disapproval of the union. In Western weddings, white and very pale colours are typically avoided, but in Chinese weddings, brides may wear red and not mind if guests wear white. It's always a good idea to do your research and be respectful of cultural and regional norms.

Avoid Matching the Bridal Party's Colours

If you know the colours chosen by the bridal party, try to avoid wearing the same solid colour. This will help you stand out from the wedding party and avoid any confusion or embarrassment. If you're unsure, it's always a good idea to ask the couple or their wedding party for guidance.

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, opting for thicker fabrics like velvet for winter and lighter fabrics like cotton and linen for summer nuptials. Also, keep in mind that some venues, such as churches, may have more modest dress code requirements, so be sure to bring a shawl or sweater to cover up if needed.

In summary, when deciding what not to wear to a wedding, it's essential to be respectful of the couple's wishes, avoid colours and styles that might detract from their special day, and always dress according to the specified dress code. If in doubt, don't hesitate to ask for advice from the couple or their wedding party.

Frequently asked questions