Guide To Wording Attire Instructions On Your Wedding Invitations

When it comes to wedding invitations, it's important to get the wording right. This is especially true when it comes to attire, as you want your guests to be dressed appropriately for the style of your wedding. The easiest way to do this is to include the desired dress code on the invitation itself or on a separate details card. It's worth noting that the location of your wedding can also indicate the dress code, but it's always helpful to give your guests a clear idea of what to expect.

White Tie

Paragraph 1:

"We request the honor of your presence at our white tie wedding on [Date]. Please join us in full evening dress to make this night exceptionally grand and magical." This example sets a formal tone, emphasising the high level of elegance and the expectation that guests will wear their most formal attire.

Paragraph 2:

"You are cordially invited to the wedding of [Name] and [Name] on [Date]. To celebrate this special occasion, we kindly request the pleasure of your company in white tie attire. Let's create an evening of timeless grandeur and elegance that will be remembered forever." This example uses formal language to communicate the dress code, reinforcing the significance of the event.

Paragraph 3:

"Join us for a truly elegant and sophisticated white tie affair as we celebrate our love on [Date]. Dress Code: White Tie. Gentlemen are requested to wear tailcoats, and ladies are invited to don full-length gowns, adding a touch of magic to our night." This example paints a picture of the grand setting, providing clear guidance on the expected attire for men and women while maintaining a celebratory tone.

Paragraph 4:

"It would be an honour if you could join us at our wedding, which will be a white tie event. We kindly request that you dress in your finest formal wear to celebrate this special occasion with us." This example is a direct and simple way of requesting white tie attire, conveying the formality of the event and the importance of adhering to the dress code.

Paragraph 5:

"Our wedding will be a formal occasion, and we request that you dress accordingly. For men, this means tailcoats, and for women, full-length gowns. We look forward to an elegant evening." This example is clear and concise, specifying the expected attire and setting the tone for a sophisticated celebration.

Paragraph 6:

"We invite you to join us for an evening of timeless elegance as we exchange our vows. Please come dressed in white tie attire to help us create an unforgettable night of celebration." This example emphasises the sophistication and enchantment of the event, inviting guests to participate in the magic by adhering to the white tie dress code.

Black Tie

Black-tie is the most formal wedding dress code, indicating a traditional and formal ceremony and reception. It is a formal evening dress code, so the invitation wording should reflect this. Here are some examples of how to word a black-tie dress code on a wedding invitation:

"We request the pleasure of your company at an evening of elegance and celebration as we tie the knot. Attire: Black Tie. Please join us in your most exquisite formal wear to make this night truly special."

"You are cordially invited to the wedding of [Name] and [Name] on [Date]. To honour this special occasion, we kindly request that you dress in black-tie attire. Let’s make this a night of timeless elegance and unforgettable memories."

"Please join us for a glamorous black-tie affair as we celebrate our love on [Date]. Dress Code: Black Tie. Gents in tuxedos and ladies in evening gowns will add to the magic of our night."

"We request the honour of your presence at our black-tie wedding on [Date]. Please join us in formal evening dress to make this night exceptionally grand."

"You are cordially invited to the wedding of [Name] and [Name] on [Date]. Attire: Black Tie. Let's celebrate in timeless elegance and style."

"Please join us for an evening of celebration as we tie the knot. Dress Code: Black Tie. We look forward to seeing you in your finest formal wear."

Black Tie Optional

If you're inviting guests to a formal wedding, it's a good idea to include a dress code on your wedding invitation. This can be included in 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 card or on your wedding website.

Black-Tie Optional Wording Ideas

• "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."
• "Black-tie optional. Tuxedos and evening gowns are welcome, but not required. Dark suits and cocktail dresses are also acceptable."
• "Black-tie optional. We invite you to wear a tuxedo or a dark suit and tie if you wish. For women, we suggest an evening gown or a cocktail dress, either floor-length or midi/knee-length."
• "Formal attire requested. Tuxedos and evening gowns are optional. Dark suits and cocktail dresses are also welcome."
• "Black-tie optional. We kindly request that our guests wear formal attire. For men, this could be a tuxedo or a dark suit with a tie. For women, we suggest an evening gown, a midi/knee-length cocktail dress, or a dressy pantsuit."

Additional Tips for Guests

When deciding what to wear to a black-tie optional wedding, it's important to consider the season, venue, and time of day. These weddings usually take place in the evening, so a daytime outfit might not be suitable. For women, a floor-length gown is generally preferred, but a fancy cocktail dress or a dressy pantsuit can also be appropriate. Short or mini dresses are not recommended, as they may be too casual. As for colours, any hue is suitable, except for whites, pastels, and neon shades. For men, a tuxedo is ideal, but a dark suit with a tie is also acceptable. White, ivory, or cream colours should be avoided, as they may be too light.

Formal

If you want to specify a formal dress code on your wedding invitations, there are a few ways to go about it. Firstly, consider including the dress code in the lower left or right-hand corner of the invitation, or at the bottom centre of the design. Alternatively, if you are including a separate information or details card with other important details for your guests, you can list the dress code there.

• Formal attire. We suggest that men wear a suit in any colour and women wear a cocktail dress or a nice pantsuit.
• Formal, black tie optional (suit and tie and dresses).
• We suggest a formal dress code. For men, this means a jacket and tie or a traditional suit. For women, an elegant dress or a nice pantsuit would be appropriate.
• We request formal attire for our wedding. Men are invited to wear a dark, well-tailored suit, and women a floor-length dress.
• We kindly request that guests wear formal attire. This means a dark suit and tie for men, and a cocktail dress or a dressy pantsuit for women.

Semi-Formal

For men, the recommended attire is a classic suit or tux with a tie. A sports jacket, suit jacket, or smart blazer and chinos with a tie are also appropriate.

For women, a cocktail dress that is shorter than floor-length, a pantsuit, or dressy separates are all good options.

"Lounge Suit or Semi-Formal attire."

"Jacket & Tie: We kindly request that men wear a sports jacket, suit jacket, or smart blazer and chinos with a tie. Women are invited to wear a cocktail dress, pantsuit, or dressy separates."

"Semi-formal attire suggested. Please note that blue jeans and sneakers are not permitted at the venue."

"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."

Frequently asked questions