Wedding Attire: To Include Or Not On Invitations?

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are a lot of elements to consider, and attire is one of them. Including dress code information on the invitation is a great way to ensure your guests know what to wear and can be helpful if your wedding has a specific theme. While the invitation design may give clues about formality, adding a dress code in the corner copy or on a separate enclosure card can provide clear guidance for your guests. This is especially important if you're having a themed wedding or if your venue requires specific attire, like a jacket and tie.

However, it's essential to strike a friendly tone and provide guidance rather than strict rules. You can also include dress code information on your wedding website, which can be mentioned on the invitation.

Where to include attire details

There are several ways to include attire details in your wedding invitations. Here are some options:

The Wedding Invitation Itself

The wedding invitation can give clues about the dress code. For example, a formal dress code could be hinted at with a classy black-and-white invitation featuring calligraphy. A casual event, on the other hand, could be suggested with a bright-coloured, square invitation featuring a loopy font.

The Corner Copy

The corner copy, at the right or centre of the bottom of the invitation, is a great place to include your dress code. This ensures your guests don't miss it, especially if the ceremony and reception are in the same place.

Reception Card

If your ceremony and reception are in different locations, include the dress code on both the invitation and the reception card. That way, there's no confusion, especially if the dress code is different for each.

Enclosure Card

Including a simple enclosure card with your invitation is another way to convey attire details. This is a good option if your invitation design doesn't easily accommodate extra information. For example, if your wedding is outdoors in winter, you could remind guests to bring warm layers and appropriate footwear.

The Wedding Website

The wedding website is a good place to give more detailed information about the dress code, especially if your theme isn't immediately obvious. Include the website address on your wedding invitation so that your guests know to check it out. On the FAQ page, you can include a question like, "What should I wear?" and answer it with several examples and outfit ideas. You could also create a Pinterest board with examples of the looks you're going for.

Visuals

Whether on your invitation or your wedding website, you could include a photo or other visuals along with your dress code description to give your guests a clearer idea of what you expect.

Wedding website dress code

If you want to give your wedding guests a clear idea of the dress code for your big day, it's a good idea to include it on your wedding website. This is especially helpful if you are already using your website to provide other details and important information for guests.

Where to Include the Dress Code

When designing your wedding website, it's a good idea to add the dress code somewhere on the homepage along with the welcome message and other essential details such as the wedding date, venue, and time. If your website includes multiple event pages (e.g. for a welcome reception, the wedding day, and a post-wedding brunch), you can add a specific dress code for each event.

To give guests a more detailed explanation of the dress code, direct them to an FAQ page on your wedding website where you can write a few sentences about the attire.

How to Word the Dress Code

On the FAQ page, you can include a simple question like "Is there a dress code?" and answer it with a direct sentence, e.g. "The dress code for our wedding is [dress code]." You can then include a brief explanation with attire suggestions and specifics. For example, you might mention if your venue requires a jacket and tie, or if the ceremony will take place on the beach. If there is no specific dress code, make sure to mention this clearly to prevent any confusion for guests.

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

Visual Inspiration

You can also include visual guidance on your wedding website by adding a photo or creating a Pinterest board with examples of the looks you're going for. This is especially helpful for themed weddings where costumes are encouraged.

Wording the dress code

There are several ways to indicate the dress code for your wedding, whether it's black tie, formal, semi-formal, cocktail attire, or casual.

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 is a good option if your ceremony and reception are in the same place.

On the reception card

If your ceremony and reception are in different locations, include the dress code on both the invitation and the reception card. This is also helpful if your wedding and reception have different dress codes.

On an enclosure card

Include a simple enclosure card with your invitation to let guests know about important guidelines, especially if your wedding invitation design doesn't easily accommodate extra information about the dress code.

On your wedding website

Add the dress code somewhere on the homepage along with the welcome message and other essential details. If your website includes multiple event pages, you can add a dress code for each event. To give a more detailed explanation, direct guests to an FAQ page where you can write a few sentences about the attire.

Through the 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 might indicate a formal dress code, while a bright-coloured, square invitation with a loopy font reflects a more casual event.

Through the venue

The venue can also provide clues about the dress code. A beach wedding is likely to be more casual than a wedding at a resort, for example. However, if you're hosting a black-tie wedding in a barn, you'll need to make the dress code very clear to your guests.

• Black tie: "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 a midi or knee-length cocktail dress."
• Formal attire: "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: "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."
• Beach or garden party attire: "Beach/garden party attire. We suggest summer suits and summer dresses."
• Casual: "Casual. We suggest button-down shirts and slacks for men and summer dresses or a skirt or pants with a nice blouse for women."

Matching dress code to invitation design

Matching your dress code to your invitation design is a great way to give your guests a clear idea of what to expect from your wedding. Here are some tips to help you achieve this:

Formal invitation, formal dress code

Design a classy, elegant invitation with calligraphy to indicate a formal dress code. You can use a traditional colour scheme such as black and white, and include details like the request to come to the wedding, the names of the couple, and reception information. This combination of elements will help set the tone for a formal event.

Casual invitation, casual dress code

For a more casual event, you can use a bright-coloured invitation with a playful font. You might also include some fun, casual wording in your invitation, such as "We're getting married!" or "Love is in the air". This will give your guests an indication that the dress code is more relaxed.

Themed wedding, themed dress code

If you're having a themed wedding, you can include elements of your theme on the invitation. For example, if you're having an "all-white" wedding, you can select white stationery. Or, if your theme is "under the sea", include nautical images. This will give guests a clear indication that they should dress according to the theme.

Black-tie event, formal gowns and tuxedos

If you're having a black-tie event, it's important to clearly state this on the invitation to avoid any confusion. You can use phrases like "Black-tie. We ask that men wear tuxedos and women wear floor-length gowns." This will ensure that your guests understand the formality of the event and have a clear idea of what to wear.

Beach or garden party, summer suits and dresses

For a more casual event like a beach or garden party, you can indicate this on the invitation by using a fun, light-hearted design. You can also include specific dress code wording such as "Beach or garden party attire (summer suits and summer dresses)". This will help your guests understand the level of formality and adjust their attire accordingly.

Remember, the most important thing is to create an invitation that represents you and your wedding while also clearly communicating the vital details, including the dress code.

Attire wording examples

If you want to be specific about the dress code for your wedding, there are a few places you can include this information. You can add it to your wedding invitation, a separate information/details card, or your wedding website. Here are some examples of attire wording for different levels of formality:

White Tie or Full Evening Dress

White tie is the most formal of all wedding dress codes. Men typically wear long-tail tuxedos, while women wear full-length ball gowns. An example of the wording for this dress code is: "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 usually indicates an evening wedding where men wear tuxedos with black bow ties and women wear formal floor-length gowns. It's important to note that "black tie" does not mean guests have to wear black. An example of the wording is: "Black-tie. We ask that men wear a tuxedo and women wear a floor-length gown."

Black-Tie Optional

This option encourages guests to wear black-tie attire but makes it optional. Men can wear a dark suit with a shirt and tie instead of a tuxedo, and women can opt for a floor-length gown, knee-length cocktail dress, a pantsuit, or dressy separates. The wording can be: "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

Formal attire for men includes a suit in any colour, while women can wear a cocktail dress or a nice pantsuit. The wording can be: "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 or Lounge Suit

Semi-formal attire is a step down in formality from black tie and is suitable for a 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. The wording can be: "Semi-formal attire. We ask that you wear a suit and tie, and women wear a cocktail-length dress or dressy separates."

Cocktail Attire

Cocktail attire is not overly formal and encourages guests to dress a step above smart casual. Men can wear a suit (tie optional) or a sports jacket and dress shirt, while women can opt for a midi or knee-length dress or dressy separates. The wording can be: "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."

Smart Casual

Smart casual attire strikes a balance between dressy and casual. Men can wear dark denim, chinos, or suit pants with a neat shirt, while women can opt for a skirt or smart trousers.

Beach or Garden Party Attire

For a beach or garden party, men can wear summer suits or button-down shirts with polos, and women can wear summer dresses, skirts, or pants with a nice blouse.

Frequently asked questions