Let's decode the dress code for your guests.
On your wedding invitations, there isn't a lot of blank space to get into the nitty-gritty details. That's why you'll want to rely on your wedding website to answer guests' FAQs, like providing directions to the venue, and more importantly, what to wear. We're explaining exactly how to word the dress code on your wedding website to help your guests feel confident in their attire choices—and hopefully prevent anyone from showing up in something inappropriate. (If you still need to choose a dress code, read our guide to wedding dress codes before adding anything to your invites or wedding website). Here's the basic wedding attire wording for each type of dress code, plus a few helpful tips to follow when you're making your website.
In this article:
- How to Add the Dress Code on Your Wedding Website FAQ Page
- How to Word Different Dress Codes on a Wedding Website
How to Put the Dress Code on Your Wedding Website Home Page & Event Pages
When you're designing your wedding website, we recommend adding the dress code somewhere on the homepage along with the welcome message and other essential day-of details, such as the wedding date, venue and time. If your website includes multiple event pages (e.g. welcome reception, wedding day, post-wedding brunch), you can add a dress code for each event. To give guests a detailed explanation of the dress code(s), direct them to an FAQ page on your wedding website where you can write more about the attire in a few sentences.
How to Add the Dress Code on Your Wedding Website FAQ Page
The wedding website FAQ page is designed to handle all of the questions that guests would otherwise call or text you about. Do your future self a favor by providing clear wedding attire descriptions and special requests on the FAQ page from the very start. Here are a few examples.
"Is there a dress code?"
Answer this question by stating your dress code in a direct sentence ("The dress code for our wedding is…"). Following that, you can include a brief explanation with attire suggestions and specifics—for example, that your venue requires a jacket and tie or if the ceremony will take place on the beach. If there is no specific dress code, you should clearly mention that to prevent any confusion for guests.
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"Are there any styles or colors you'd prefer me to wear?"
Use this FAQ if you want to encourage or discourage certain attire for your dress code. Keep the wording specific but also realistic—avoid lengthy instructions or too many special requests that will burden guests. Share a brief recap of your vision for the wedding day, such as the theme or color palette, to help people understand what you're asking for. Let guests know that you'd like them to dress in a certain color or fabric (for example, sequined looks) but remember that it's frowned upon to make those requests an * absolute * requirement.
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How to Word Different Dress Codes on a Wedding Website
Not a wordsmith? Don't stress about the wedding dress code wording for your website (that's our job). Use these dress code wording examples that you can quickly copy or adjust as needed.
White-Tie Attire
"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 Attire
"Black-tie. We ask that men wear a tuxedo and women wear a floor-length gown."
Black-Tie Optional Attire
"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 co*cktail dress."
Formal Attire
"Formal attire. We suggest that men wear a suit in any color and women wear a co*cktail dress or a nice pantsuit."
co*cktail Attire
"co*cktail attire. We suggest that men wear a suit or dress shirt with tie and women wear a midi- or knee-length dress or dressy separates."
Semi-Formal Attire or Dressy Casual Attire
Semi-Formal: "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."
Dressy Casual: "We want you to be comfortable at our wedding. The dress code is dressy casual attire. For this time of year in California, may we suggest the following attire:
- Women: sundresses, lightweight separates and flats or wedge heels for the outdoor ceremony on the lawn.
- Men: light dress shirt with khaki or other lightweight slacks; jackets and ties optional."
Beach Casual
"May we suggest that men wear a long or short-sleeved shirt with slacks or shorts and ladies wear a sundress or dressy separates, like a nice top and skirt. Instead of heels, wear a pair of strappy or platform sandals."
Casual Attire
"May we suggest button-down shirts with khaki pants for men and sundresses with dressy flats or comfortable heels for women."
Daytime Attire
"Our wedding will be taking place outdoors in the grass. May we suggest sundresses and sandals for women and button-down shirts with pants for men. Please, no athletic wear."
Samantha Iacia contributed to the reporting of this article.
