Attire Notes: Wedding Invitation Etiquette For Guests

When it comes to wedding invitations, it's important to convey the right tone and expectations for your big day. This includes letting guests know what to wear. While some couples opt to include dress codes on their invitations, others prefer to provide this information on a separate details card or wedding website. The location of your wedding, such as a beach or garden, can also indicate the appropriate attire. If you want to provide attire details on the invitation itself, there are a few standard places to include this information, such as the lower left or right-hand corner, or the bottom centre.

Invitation wording

The invitation is the first impression your guests will have of your wedding, so it's a great opportunity to set the tone for the event. The wording, fonts, colours, and other design elements can all be used to communicate the level of formality and the overall vibe you want to create. Here are some tips and examples to help you with the invitation wording for attire:

• Traditional wording: You can use traditional phrases to indicate the level of formality. For a black-tie event, use phrases like "request the honour of your presence" or "request the pleasure of your company". For a less formal event, phrases like "happily invite you to the best day ever" indicate a more relaxed atmosphere.
• Fine print: The printing style can also convey formality. Fine print options such as engraving, letterpress, or gold foil are often used for fancier celebrations. A fun script or chalkboard-style print suggests a more casual affair.
• Time of day: The time of day can influence the dress code. For example, a black-tie dress code may feel out of place at noon.
• Venue: Consider the venue's guidelines and dress code, if any, and inform your guests accordingly.
• Season and location: The season, weather, and location of your wedding should be considered. For example, beach casual attire may not be suitable for a winter wedding, even in a warm location.
• Clear and simple: Use clear and simple language to describe the dress code to avoid confusion. This will also help answer any guest questions about what to wear.
• Consistency: Keep the wording consistent with the rest of the invitation's language and style.
• Placement: The dress code can be included in the lower left or right-hand corner of the invitation or centred at the bottom. If you want to keep the invitation simple, you can include it on a separate information or details card.
• Examples: Here are some examples of wording for different dress codes:
• 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.
• Festive Attire: Guests are encouraged to wear bold, colourful semi-formal attire.
• Casual attire is welcome at our wedding.

Remember to match the wording and style of the invitation with the type of wedding you are planning. For example, if you're having a themed wedding, you can incorporate that into the invitation wording to give guests a clear idea of what to expect.

Dress code placement

The dress code placement on your wedding invitation is important to ensure your guests know what to expect. Here are some options for where to include the dress code:

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. This is a great way to ensure your guests see the dress code information.

Separate information/details card: If you are including a separate card with other important information for your guests, you can list the dress code here. This keeps your invitation simple and elegant.

Wedding website: If you have a wedding website, you can include the dress code information there. This is a good option if you want to provide more detailed explanations or suggestions for attire. You can add the dress code to the homepage, event pages, or FAQ page of your website.

Enclosure card: If your wedding has a specific theme or dress code, such as "black tie" or "casual", you can include this information on an enclosure card with your invitation. This is also a good place to include any special instructions or requests, such as "no suits or tuxedos required".

When deciding on the placement of your dress code, consider the level of formality of your wedding and the amount of space available on your invitation. You may also want to include some subtle hints about the dress code in the wording, font choices, and colours of your invitation.

Remember, clear communication is key. By providing dress code information in a noticeable and easily accessible place, you can help your guests feel confident and well-prepared for your special day.

Formal attire

When it comes to wedding invitations, there isn't a lot of blank space to get into the nitty-gritty details about the dress code. That's why many couples rely on their wedding website to provide guests with more information about what to wear. However, if you would like to include dress code information on your wedding invitation, there are a few ways to do so. You can 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 a separate information or details card along with your invitation, or direct guests to your wedding website.

Now, onto the dress code itself. "Formal attire" for weddings means something a little different from "formal attire" in other contexts. For men, formal wedding attire typically means a dark suit with a shirt and tie (a tuxedo is optional). For women, it means a floor-length gown, a knee-length cocktail dress, a pantsuit, or dressy separates. It's worth noting that formal wedding attire is a step up from cocktail attire, but a step down from black-tie attire.

When choosing a formal outfit for a wedding, it's important to consider the venue and season. For example, if you're attending a summer wedding, opt for lighter fabrics and brighter colours. On the other hand, if you're attending a winter wedding, go for darker shades, thicker fabrics, and longer sleeves. It's also important to avoid wearing white, ivory, cream, or champagne colours, as these are typically reserved for the bride. Additionally, try to avoid anything that may be too casual, such as a cotton sundress or a sports coat with chino pants.

Men's Outfits:

• A dark suit with a shirt and tie. If you want to wear something other than a traditional suit, consider a sports jacket or blazer with chinos and a tie.
• For footwear, dress shoes are always a good choice. You can also consider patent leather loafers or laced oxfords.
• Cufflinks are a great way to add a touch of elegance to your outfit. Pair them with a French cuff shirt, making sure the sleeve extends slightly past the length of your jacket so the cufflinks are visible.

Women's Outfits:

• A floor-length gown or a knee-length cocktail dress. If you want to stand out from the typical choices, consider a jumpsuit, a suit, or a patterned suit or tuxedo.
• When it comes to accessories, don't be afraid to have some fun with colours or playful prints. A colourful shoe, patterned tie, statement jewellery piece, or a pair of stylish sunglasses (if the wedding is outdoors) can add a touch of personality to your ensemble.
• If you're attending a formal wedding during the day, lighter colours and airy fabrics are a good choice.
• For a formal evening wedding, you may want to opt for more elegant and sophisticated options, such as a floor-length gown or a dressy pantsuit.

Remember, the most important thing is to choose an outfit that makes you feel comfortable and confident while still respecting the couple's attire request. If in doubt, don't hesitate to reach out to the couple or check their wedding website for more detailed information about the dress code.

Informal attire

If you're going for an informal or casual vibe at your wedding, you might be wondering how to communicate this to your guests. The good news is that there are several ways to do this effectively. Here are some suggestions for where and how to specify "informal attire" on your wedding invitations:

The Invitation Itself

If you want to include the dress code directly on your wedding invitations, you have a few options for placement. You can put it in the lower left or right-hand corner of the invitation or centre it at the bottom. Here are some examples of wording you could use:

• "Informal attire."
• "Casual attire."
• "Dress code: Informal."
• "Come as you are!"

A Separate Information/Details Card

If you're including a separate card with other important information for your guests, you can use this space to specify the dress code. This keeps your invitation simple and focused on the essential details. Here's an example:

"Please join us for a casual celebration. No need for suits or fancy gowns—come dressed for a relaxed day of fun!"

Your Wedding Website

If you have a wedding website, this is another excellent place to specify the dress code. You can include it on the homepage along with other essential details like the date, venue, and time. If your website has multiple event pages, you can add a dress code for each. For example:

"Join us for a casual beach wedding, followed by a semi-formal reception."

You can also include a more detailed explanation of the dress code on the FAQ page of your website. Here are some examples of what you could write:

"What should I wear?"

"We're requesting informal attire for the wedding. Think sundresses, lightweight trousers, and comfortable shoes!"

"Is there a specific dress code?"

"Yes, we're going for a casual vibe. Feel free to leave your suits and gowns at home and dress for a fun, laid-back day!"

Additional Tips:

• Be consistent with the style of wording you use throughout your invitation and other materials.
• If your wedding has a specific theme, consider including this information on an enclosure card or your website. For example: "Our wedding will be beach-themed, so feel free to break out those Hawaiian shirts and sun dresses!"
• If your wedding is outdoors or in a unique venue, consider mentioning this on your invitation or website to give guests a better idea of what to wear.
• If there are specific items you want (or don't want) guests to wear, be sure to mention them. For example: "Please wear flats or sandals, as high heels may sink into the grass during the outdoor ceremony."

Wedding website

Homepage

Welcome to our wedding website! We can't wait to celebrate our special day with you all. Here are some details about the wedding, including the date, venue, and time.

Dress Code

We ask that our guests follow a [dress code] for the wedding.

What to Wear

For the gentlemen: [suggested attire for men]

For the ladies: [suggested attire for women]

FAQ

Below are some frequently asked questions that you may have about our wedding.

Yes! The dress code for our wedding is [dress code]. We kindly request that the gentlemen wear [suggested attire for men] and the ladies wear [suggested attire for women].

We encourage our guests to wear [suggestions for colours or styles]. We would also like to discourage certain attire, such as [suggestions for attire to avoid].

Event Pages

If there are multiple events, such as a welcome reception or a post-wedding brunch, you can include a separate page for each event with the relevant details, including the date, time, venue, and dress code.

About Us

[Optional section about the couple]

Frequently asked questions