Wondering how to put dress code on a wedding invitation? If you want to tell guests what to wear, you’ll need to properly establish and communicate a wedding dress code. In this blog post, we’ll tell you what you need to know to politely tell wedding guests of a dress code and make it clear without being rude. Subscribe for the latest wedding tips to your inbox!
When it comes to weddings, there are two possible outcomes if you don’t inform guests of a dress code: they’ll show up underdressed or overdressed. Both are uncomfortable for guests and, as a good host, it makes sense to tell your wedding guests the dress code ahead of time.
In this blog post, we’ll cover the easy way to tell guests you’d like them to dress up — or go a little more laid back and casual — in the politest way possible.
Let’s get started!
Is it normal to have a dress code at a wedding?
Yes! It is appreciated to have a wedding dress code, simply because guests will know exactly what is expected. Sometimes, it’s tough to decide what to wear based on the venue alone. It can be tricky to know the formality and expectations of the couple based on an invitation alone.
Establish the Dress Code
What kind of attire would you like guests to wear?
Whether it’s a black tie event or a more casual beach wedding, establish the dress code for your wedding and inform your guests as soon as possible.
How to Communicate the Dress Code to Wedding Guests
Once you’ve decided on the dress code you’d like to have (black tie? semi-formal? co*cktail?), based on the level of formality, it’s time to share the news with your guests. Where will guests expect to see the dress code information?
There are two ways to inform guests: include the dress code information on an enclosure card within your wedding invitation or put it on your wedding website.
To share the dress code with guests, there are two methods: include it on your wedding invitation (on an enclosure card) or put it on the wedding website.
Option 1: Inform Guests of the Dress Code on Wedding Invitations.
As a rule of thumb, you are not going to put the dress code directly on the wedding invitation. Instead, you’ll include an enclosure card and list the dress code on it. Here are some examples of the dress codes listed on reception cards or details cards.
Black Tie
Black Tie Optional
Formal Attire
co*cktail Attire
Casual Attire
If you prefer to skip the mention on invitation enclosures, let’s try this method: putting the dress code on your website.
Option 2: Share the Dress Code on Your Wedding Website.
Inform your guests of the attire expected at your wedding on your website. (Don’t have one? Get a FREE website here!)
To make sure your guests visit the website, you’ll want to include an enclosure card with a QR link to your website on it. This way, guests can scan your code and go directly to the website for more details. Feel free to even include a mention such as, “Please see our wedding website for details of the weekend, hotel accommodations, RSVP, and dress code.” This is an easy way to politely inform guests of your dress code. It’s not “in your face”, but guests won’t miss it, either.
Here are two examples of the QR code link to provide to your guests. You can browse more examples here.
Accommodations card
Details card
On your website, include the details of your dress code under a heading such as ‘FAQ’ or ‘Details’. You don’t have to explain too much: simply add a note that reads,
“The couple requests guests please dress in ______ attire for the wedding.”
If you want to offer some helpful suggestions, you can! Include a note that explains what your co*cktail, black-tie, or black-tie wedding attire requires. You can even encourage guests with something like, “We are so excited to have you dress up with us! Please wear co*cktail attire for the wedding and be ready for dancing!”
Keep it short and sweet. If guests have any questions, they’ll likely ask or look it up themselves for clarity.
And if you want to make the dress code insanely clear… do both! Here’s method 3 with a mix of both.
Option 3: Inform wedding guests of the dress code on the invite AND website.
This is best reserved for couples who fear guests will:
a) show up in denim outfits
b) wear a ballgown and a tuxedo when everyone else is donning casual attire
c) totally disregard the dress code entirely
:)
It doesn’t hurt to offer the dress code in both places. Some guests will totally miss it listed on the invite, while others may not visit the website. This way, you’re communicating the dress code to your guests effectively and hopefully, no one will miss it.
In conclusion, informing your wedding guests of the dress code is a great idea. While some think it’s important to let guests wear anything they’d like — and while they still can, if they decide to — it’s helpful for guests to know what others will be wearing. Guests will feel more welcome and appreciated when guests go the extra mile to provide details and inform them of what is appropriate to wear expected attire-wise for the wedding.
I hope this helps! If you run into any questions about telling guests about your wedding dress code, just let me know in the comment box below.
wedding dress code
Emma Arendoski
Emma is the CEO of Emmaline Bride, The Handmade Wedding Blog, published author, leading wedding expert, and wedding planner. Read her latest book: The Inspired Wedding. Wife, mother, coffee lover. Follow on Instagram and at Emmaline Baby for baby + kids inspiration.
