How do you write a Dress Code on a Wedding Invitation? (2024)

FAQs

How do you write a Dress Code on a Wedding Invitation? ›

The easiest way to get your point across is to include your desired dress code on the bottom of the invite or on a separate details card. "Black tie," "co*cktail attire" or "dress casual" are all acceptable templates. (And trust us, your guests will appreciate the heads-up).

Put It on the Invitation

The simplest way to tell your guests what they're expected to wear is to put a dress code in the invitation. There is a time-honored glossary of dress-code wording short enough to include on invitations, or on a card inserted with the invitation.

A dress code is more like a set of standards about personal appearance which dictates what can and can't be worn. Less stringent than a uniform, a dress code can vary in strictness according to the employer.

Try to use familiar terminology such as black tie, co*cktail attire, semi-formal, or dressy-casual. It also helps to list some attire suggestions to help guests understand your vision better. For example for a black tie wedding you might add – tuxedos or dark suits for gentlemen, gowns or co*cktail attire for the ladies.

Formal Wedding

As the name suggests, it allows more flexibility than a black-tie dress code. Men can wear tuxedos or formal dark suits, and women can wear anything from evening gowns to dressy co*cktail attire.

Only discuss fact-based evidence of when and why your staff are in violation of the dress code for work. Never discuss their appearance, attractiveness or intrusive comments. Avoid saying anything that may be taken as inappropriate, such as, “Your body looked amazing in that dress, but you can't wear it at work!”

Do wedding invitations have dress code? ›

The general rule for dress code basically says not to include a dress code on your main invite. Your guests should be able to assume the level of formally based on the venue and time of day of your event.

A simple post script works best for dress code guidance. If clothing comfort factors are not obvious from your venue or wedding date, it is best to include a post script to help guests understand what they are expected to wear.

What Is Dressy Casual Attire? Dressy casual attire (also called smart casual) is a combination of relaxed and refined pieces—think blouses, dress shirts, button-downs, dress pants, dark jeans, and clean shoes.

Steer clear of off-white, eggshell, beige, champagne, cream, or any other super light color that could be mistaken for white. There are so many dress options available in a variety of hues, so steering clear of these shades should not be a major issue.

Our dress code is an example of communication.

Regardless of whether you are dressing for professional photos, a zoom call, or an actual meeting, it's important to understand the four main classifications of professional workplace attire: business formal, business professional, business casual, and casual.

Example Sentences

The school imposed a new dress code that forbids students from wearing jeans.

Ladies should wear co*cktail dresses, and the gentlemen should wear a suit and tie or a sports coat.” Tip: Wedding attire can be tricky, to avoid confusion in addition to the dress code, let the guests know specifically what they should wear, for example, a suit and tie, tux, formal gown, or floor-length dress.

These days, if the wedding invitation doesn't specify the dress code, you should assume “semi-formal.” This is a great mix of comfort and style, which is probably why it's gotten so popular over the years! Men can ditch the suit jacket and instead wear some nice pants with a button-down shirt.

When in Doubt… Still not sure? Your best bet is co*cktail attire. Sure, you might be overdressed if it ends up being a more relaxed affair, but you'll fit right in at a co*cktail attire party, and (with the right accessories) can easily dress up for something on the more formal side.

Should a guest wear the same color as the wedding party? ›

The wedding colours are for the wedding party, not guests

Unless you're in that bridal party, you'd be best to steer clear of trying to match them. Think of it a bit like a stage show. The actors, in this case the bridal party, all wear the same colour to identify themselves as being in the cast.

Shower Invitation Wording about Dress Codes

To make things easy for your guests, you might want to include something like “Dress Code: Casual” or “Dress Code: Formal.” Some other dress code wording for invitations might be: A formal dress code is requested. Please dress in your best! Dress to impress!

Myth 1: The Invitation must match your wedding theme.

If you have a wedding theme or decided colour palette, then yes, you can incorporate this into your wedding invitations. However, if you don't have a theme or colour palette confirmed at the time you create your invitations, this is fine and quite normal.

White-Tie. This is the most formal wedding attire possible (think: White House state dinners and royal events). Simply put, women should wear a formal, floor-length evening gown—no exceptions—with jewelry, heels, and an elegant clutch.

Casual wear is worn for informal and relaxed occasions such as trips, shopping, meeting friends, etc. Formal wear is worn for formal events such as ceremonial events, weddings, state dinners, etc.

What does dressy casual mean? It's a way to describe an overall aesthetic that is basically not-all-the-way-formal-but-please-don't-wear-jean-shorts. Swann explains that dressy casual is typically requested for daytime weddings—and the earlier the event, the less formal the attire.

Dress code memo writers should use standard informative message composition. The writers should include a summary of the key points in the first paragraph, the details of the dress code, the reasons behind the policy, any potential negative dress code situations and a positive, forward-looking conclusion.

Be direct. Though it won't be the first question you ask, directly ask, “What is the dress code for this position?” It's likely that you'll be asked, “Do you have any other questions?” This is a simple and direct way to get the information you need. Keep a pleasant expression no matter the answer.

Phrases like "no children" or "adults only" should not be included on the invitation card; who is invited will be implied by the names on the envelope. You should also leave off registry information—family and members of the wedding party can spread the word when asked about it, or you can provide it on your website.

What is proper etiquette for wedding invitations to go out? ›

Invitations should be sent to your guests six to eight weeks in advance of your wedding. Invitations for destination weddings should be sent to your guests three months in advance of your wedding.

"We ask that you wear semi-formal attire such as a co*cktail-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." "The dress code is Dressy Casual Attire.

On this page you'll find 28 synonyms, antonyms, and words related to dressy, such as: chic, classy, elegant, stylish, dressed to kill, and dressed to the nines.

The go-to outfit is typically a pair of slacks in a neutral color, such as khaki, navy blue, or black. This is worn with a nice dress shirt. If you want, add a cardigan or blazer on top. Examples of a nice dress shirt include collared button-up shirts, crewnecks, ruffled blouses, cashmere sweaters, and vests.

Yes, it can absolutely be appropriate to wear black to a wedding, and it isn't typically considered disrespectful (although there are exceptions). While black attire was traditionally associated with mourning and funerals, times are changing — and so are fashion rules!

Lizzie Post, host of the podcast Awesome Etiquette from the Emily Post Institute, says that no guest should ever feel embarrassed if they happen to wear the same color as the bridesmaids, but they can ask in advance what the colors will be if they're concerned about it.

What's the dress code for the wedding? The most common dress codes are casual, semi-formal, co*cktail or formal attire. If you'd like to be more specific, you can add examples to your webpage. If you've got a theme, like garden party or elegant co*cktail, this is a great place to mention it.

Be Clear and Concise

If you want them to stay within a certain color palette, be sure to list out the acceptable colors and even provide a picture of them! If you want them to avoid certain colors, for example, the bridal colors, so guests don't end up looking like accidental bridesmaids, be clear about that as well.

Modesty matters

Dressing modestly essentially means to wear clothing that is not too revealing, and this concept applies to weddings that have formal, black tie, and white tie dress codes. However, if a wedding is held at the beach and the dress code is casual, then this rule doesn't necessarily apply.

How do I tell guests no plus one? ›

Add a section saying “We have reserved __ seat(s) in your honour”, and fill in this gap with the number of people you're inviting. For example, if you're inviting your cousin Mary and she's not allowed to bring a guest, you should write “1 seat”.

You may choose to wear any color except black or white. The guest's goal should be to blend in with the surroundings and let the bride shine. As her guest, you should avoid attire that could be considered informal or in bad taste. Pastels, jewel tones and earth tones are excellent choices, as are most primary colors.

It doesn't matter if the dress code requests "casual" attire, jeans, T-shirts, shorts, flip-flops, and sneakers are never appropriate to wear as a wedding guest. Show respect for the bride and groom by dressing formally.

Include It in Your Invitation

You can either list the colors you would like them to wear or request that they avoid wearing certain colors. For example, you might say, “We hope our guests will come dressed in their favorite color.”

The wedding colours are for the wedding party, not guests

Unless you're in that bridal party, you'd be best to steer clear of trying to match them. Think of it a bit like a stage show. The actors, in this case the bridal party, all wear the same colour to identify themselves as being in the cast.

Neon/bright colors

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, you should not wear bright colors to a wedding because you may upstage the bride and groom. Furthermore, many weddings are semi-formal or formal events, and you should never wear bright colors to these events.