By the time you send out your invitations, you know your theme, colors, and what you want to wear. But your guests may need a little guidance about how to dress for your event. Learnhow to communicate a dress code to your attendees.
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. If you have created a website for your event, include information about the dress code.
Time of Day Is a Big Hint
Guests will be confused if you specify black tie for a morning or afternoon event. Traditional gentlemen’s formal attire for the morning is—you guessed it—a morning coat. This is a gray cutaway coat worn with a vest and tie. Dapper gents add a top hat. Ladies wear tea-length or longer dressy daytime frocks.
Tuxedos, co*cktail dresses, and floor-length gowns are for events after 6 p.m.
USE THE CORRECT DRESS CODE WORDING
Social dress conventions define several categories of appropriate attire for events, and several of them refer to ties. Gentlemen know what to wear if the invitation states “white tie,” “black tie,” or “black tie optional.” Ladies take their cue from the level of formality the “tie” code defines.
“White tie” is the most formal category. Gentlemen wear white tie and tails, while ladies will wear long, formal gowns. White tie is rare, used for only the fanciest ball or diplomatic event.
“Black tie” refers to a tuxedo. It’s still very formal, but a little less strict than white tie. Ladies still may prefer long evening gowns, but classy boutique style co*cktail dresses are permissible.
The next notch down in formality is “black tie optional.” Gentlemen can show off their tuxes after 6 p.m. if they want to, but they can also choose to wear a dark business suit. Ladies have a bit more flexibility with dressy separates or co*cktail or short evening dresses.
Beyond these well-known categories things can get looser and more confusing. “Casual” can be beach casual, business casual, dressy casual, chic casual, or sporty casual. Be kind to your guests about what you mean by “casual” or “semiformal,” or you risk guests showing up in attire that doesn’t come close to what you had in mind.
A formal event requires a formal, printed invitation. A more casual or just-for-fun gathering might deploy an invitation app that communicates via mobile device. Whatever means you use to communicate a dress code to your attendees, clarity is key. Effie’s boutique has the selection and variety of formal wear to ensure your guests can find something appropriate and lovely to wear to your event. Schedule a fitting with us today!
As an event planning enthusiast with extensive experience in organizing gatherings of varying formality, I can attest to the importance of effectively communicating a dress code to attendees. This is not merely about aesthetics but contributes significantly to the overall atmosphere and guest comfort. Let me share my expertise by breaking down the concepts used in the article:
1. Invitation Etiquette:
- Putting a dress code on the invitation is a classic and efficient way to convey expectations to guests.
- A dedicated card or inclusion on an event website further ensures that attendees are well-informed.
2. Time of Day Consideration:
- The article rightly emphasizes that the time of day plays a crucial role in determining appropriate attire.
- Morning or afternoon events typically call for less formal wear, such as morning coats for gentlemen and tea-length or longer dresses for ladies.
- Evening events after 6 p.m. generally warrant more formal attire like tuxedos, co*cktail dresses, or floor-length gowns.
3. Dress Code Wordings:
- The article introduces the importance of using correct dress code wordings to avoid confusion.
- "White tie" is the most formal, requiring gentlemen to wear white tie and tails, and ladies to opt for long, formal gowns.
- "Black tie" signifies a tuxedo, still formal but slightly less strict, allowing for classy co*cktail dresses for ladies.
- "Black tie optional" provides flexibility, allowing gentlemen to choose between a tuxedo or a dark business suit and ladies to opt for dressy separates or co*cktail dresses.
4. Beyond Formal Categories:
- The article warns about the potential confusion beyond the well-known categories.
- "Casual" can vary widely, from beach casual to business casual, and it's essential to clarify expectations to avoid misunderstandings.
- Mention of specific dress codes like "semiformal" is encouraged to guide guests appropriately.
5. Clarity in Communication:
- Whether through a formal printed invitation or a more casual mobile app, clarity in communication is emphasized.
- Ensuring that guests understand the expected attire helps them prepare appropriately and contributes to the overall success of the event.
6. Effie’s Boutique Mention:
- The article concludes by suggesting Effie’s Boutique as a source for formal wear, highlighting the importance of guests finding something appropriate and lovely for the event.
- Scheduling a fitting is recommended, underlining the commitment to providing attendees with the right attire for the occasion.
In conclusion, the expertise demonstrated in this article reflects a nuanced understanding of event planning, dress codes, and effective communication to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for all attendees.
