Guide To Wedding Attire Instructions For Invitation Wording

When it comes to wedding invitations, it's important to include details such as the request to come to the wedding, the names of the couple, and reception information. But what about attire? While some couples choose to omit a specific dress code, others prefer to provide their guests with clear guidelines. If you fall into the latter category, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the dress code can be included on the lower left or right-hand corner of the invitation, or at the bottom centre. The level of formality of your wedding, be it black tie, formal, or semi-formal, will dictate the attire. For instance, a black-tie event calls for tuxedos and formal gowns, while a semi-formal wedding may see guests in suits and cocktail dresses. If you're having a casual backyard reception, you might want to suggest button-down shirts for men and sundresses or skirts for women. It's also worth noting that the design and colour of your invitation can offer subtle hints about the expected attire. Darker colours like navy and charcoal can imply formality, while light and poppy colours suggest a more relaxed affair.

Black-tie

If you're opting for a black-tie wedding, there are a few ways you can communicate this to your guests through your invitations.

Firstly, the wording of your invitation can indicate formality. A traditional request line such as "request the honour of your presence" or "request the pleasure of your company" is a clue to guests that the event is formal. The time of day is also a factor: if your wedding starts after 6 pm, guests will likely expect a more formal dress code.

The style of your invitation can also convey the formality of your wedding. The very traditional options, such as engraving, letterpress, or gold foil, are most often used for fancier celebrations. A formal affair also often includes finishing touches such as a wax seal, personalised belly band, or calligraphy on the envelopes. The font choice is important, too: any invitation with more than two font choices is more informal, and any invitation with lowercase text is the most informal. The colour of your invitation is another clue: while the most formal colour for your invitation text is black, darker colours such as navy, plum, and charcoal can also indicate formality.

Finally, you can explicitly state the dress code on your invitation. Wedding invitation etiquette dictates that the dress code is placed in the lower right-hand corner of the invitation. For a black-tie wedding, you can simply write "Black tie" or "Black tie invited". Alternatively, you can write "Black-tie. We ask that men wear a tuxedo and women wear a floor-length gown."

White-tie

The invitation is the perfect opportunity to set the tone for your wedding, and the wording, fonts, colours, and finishing touches can all be used to indicate the level of formality. For a white-tie wedding, traditional phrasing such as "request the honour of your presence" or "request the pleasure of your company" is appropriate. The very traditional options of engraving, letterpress, or gold foil can also be used to indicate a formal celebration.

For a white-tie dress code, men should wear long-tail tuxedos, also known as tailcoats. Top hats and gloves are encouraged. Women should wear full-length ball gowns or floor-length evening gowns.

If you are including the dress code on your wedding invitation, it is usually placed in the lower left or right-hand corner, or at the bottom centre of the invitation. Alternatively, you can include it on a separate information card or on your wedding website.

Formal attire

For men, a dark suit with a shirt and tie is appropriate. If you want to go the extra mile, a tuxedo is also a good choice.

For women, a floor-length gown, a knee-length cocktail dress, a pantsuit, or dressy separates are all good options.

When in doubt, it's always better to be overdressed than underdressed. So, if you're unsure, opt for a dark, well-tailored suit or a floor-length dress.

However, if you're feeling adventurous, you can experiment with trendy jumpsuits, a suit with a colourful jacket, or bold accessories.

Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and feel confident in your attire!

Semi-formal attire

For women, semi-formal means a mid- to knee-length skirt or dress, or a tailored two-piece ensemble or suit. Jumpsuits and trousers are also an option. The focus should be on comfort and freedom of movement, with minimalistic patterns and/or muted colours. Accessories should be simple and minimalist, with block heels or wedges instead of stilettos, and simple gold or silver jewellery.

For men, semi-formal means a suit jacket or blazer with dress pants. The colour can be lighter or darker depending on the time of day—light blues and beiges are perfect for morning and afternoon weddings, while navy is better for the evening. Men can ditch the tie, but it is highly suggested to wear one to elevate the look. Loafers or Oxfords are recommended, but dress shoes are also appropriate. Pocket squares can add a nice touch of personality.

In general, semi-formal attire is about striking a balance between casual and dressy. It's a notch above business casual but a notch below cocktail attire. If in doubt, it's better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed.

Cocktail attire

If you're inviting guests to a wedding with a cocktail attire dress code, it's important to give them a clear idea of what this means. Here is some text you could include on your wedding invitations to explain the dress code:

"Cocktail attire isn't overly formal and is encouraging guests to be dressed a step above smart casual. For women, this means an above-the-knee hem (or any length above floor length). For men, suits are preferable, with the option of a tie. Footwear is an important consideration, as it can drastically change the vibe of your look. Accessories are also a great way to dress up an outfit and make it more formal."

You could also include some suggestions for different times of the year:

"For a summer wedding, opt for light and airy fabrics such as chiffon, linen, or organza. A floral maxi dress, a pastel midi or knee-length dress, as well as a jumpsuit, are all great options for women. Men could choose a lightweight suit and tie. In winter, consider richer fabrics and colours. The same rules apply in terms of style and length, but feel free to choose hues and materials that reflect the season, such as velvet or tweed."

It's also a good idea to give your guests an idea of what not to wear:

"Anything too tight, short, or revealing is not suitable for a cocktail attire dress code, nor are jeans, ripped clothing, shorts, or sandals (for men). As a female guest, your goal is to look polished and dressy without taking attention away from the bride."

Finally, you can explain how the venue, time of day, and season may influence the dress code:

"An upscale location, like a five-star hotel, would require a more formal outfit, while lighter colours and fabrics would be perfectly suitable for a beach wedding, even for a cocktail attire dress code."

Frequently asked questions