Wedding Invitation Dress Code Wording: How to Say It with Clarity
When you’re planning your special day, there are a thousand little decisions to make. While some feel more glamorous than others, even the smallest details can shape your guests’ experience. One of those quiet but powerful details? Your wedding invitation dress code wording. Choosing the right words to guide how your guests dress sets the tone for your wedding day. This also helps everyone feel confident, comfortable, and ready to celebrate and your invitations should reflect the level of formality with clarity and care. We’re going to go over the best ways to include a specific dress code on your wedding invitations, along with wording ideas.
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Why the Dress Code Matters
Your dress code paints a picture. A floor-length gown and black bow tie suggest elegance and evening glamour, while dressy casual or beach casual sets a more relaxed tone. Giving guests this guidance ensures no one shows up in sports jackets to a white tie wedding or in button-down shirts to a barefoot beach wedding. Clearly stating the dress code also helps your guests avoid the stress of guesswork—especially if you’re planning a destination wedding, hosting at various wedding venues, or coordinating events across a different location.
Where to Include the Dress Code
1. On the Main Invitation (Lower Left or Bottom Center)
If the dress code is essential to your formal invitations, include it discreetly at the bottom. Phrases like “Black Tie,” “Cocktail Attire,” or “Resort Formal” communicate expectations without cluttering your design.
2. On a Separate Card (Enclosure Card)
Including a separate card for reception information, attire, or additional specific details is a good idea if you want to keep your main invitation minimal. This is common in more formal affairs or when using a full invitation suite.
3. On Your Wedding Website
For modern couples, your wedding website is a great place to elaborate on your dress code. You can even use visuals or suggest appropriate footwear for tricky terrain (hello, grassy lawns or sandy beaches).
4. On the RSVP or QR Code Page:
If you’re including reply cards or a QR code linking to your RSVP, that’s another opportunity to mention the dress code—especially helpful for tech-savvy wedding guests who may skip the full suite.
Wording Ideas by Dress Code
Here are thoughtful, tasteful wording options based on the most common wedding dress code types:
White Tie (Most Formal Wedding Attire)
The pinnacle of formality, typically reserved for royal banquets or very formal affairs.
“You are warmly invited to an elegant white-tie celebration. Dress Code: black tailcoats and full-length ballgowns, please.“
“Please join us for a formal evening in white-tie attire—tailcoats for gentlemen and ballgowns for ladies.“
“We invite you to an evening of refined celebration. White-tie attire is requested: tailcoats and ballgowns appreciated.“
“You are cordially invited to a white-tie affair. Kindly dress in formal tailcoats and elegant evening gowns.“
“An evening of grandeur awaits. Dress Code: Black tailcoat, white shirt, white tie, and gloves. Ladies: floor-length evening gown with gloves.
Black Tie
Elegant, classic, and perfect for evening events or grand reception locations.
“Join us in celebrating [Couple’s Names] on [Wedding Date], and please dress in black-tie attire for an evening of joy and elegance. We kindly request tuxedos for men and formal gowns for women.“
“We invite you to a formal celebration of [Couple’s Names] on [Wedding Date]. Black-tie attire is kindly requested for this unforgettable evening.“
“Celebrate the union of [Couple’s Names] on [Wedding Date]. A black-tie dress code will set the tone for a timeless and elegant evening.“
“Please join us for the formal wedding of [Couple’s Names] on [Wedding Date]. Black-tie attire is requested for what promises to be a magical evening.“
Black Tie Optional
Still formal, but with a touch more flexibility.
“Celebrate with us! Our wedding will be black-tie optional—tuxedos, dark suits, and evening gowns work beautifully.”
“Please join us for a joyful evening celebration. Attire is black-tie optional: a tuxedo, dark suit, or formal gown is perfect.“
“We can’t wait to celebrate with you! Dress to impress—black-tie optional means tuxedos, dark suits, or floor-length gowns are all great choices.“
“Our celebration calls for black-tie optional attire. Feel free to wear a tux, a dark suit, or an elegant evening gown.“
“We’re celebrating in style! Black-tie optional: tuxedos, dark suits, or evening gowns are perfect for the occasion.“
Cocktail Attire
The sweet spot between formal and fun—perfect for city weddings, art galleries, or modern venues.
Dress to impress in cocktail attire—suits and chic midi or knee-length dresses are perfect for a night on the dance floor.
Chic and celebratory cocktail attire: knee-length cocktail dresses, dark suits, and dancing shoes.
Celebrate with us in cocktail attire. Think tailored suits and party-ready dresses that move with you on the dance floor.
“Festive but polished cocktail attire. A suit or cocktail dress is just right for the occasion.”
Semi-Formal Attire
More relaxed than cocktail, but still polished.
“Our wedding dress code is semi-formal: Suits, slacks, and dresses just above or below the knee.”
“Come wedding-ready without going full black-tie. A sports jacket, midi dress, or dressy separates are perfect.”
“We’ll be celebrating outside—choose attire that balances elegance and comfort.”
Dressy Casual
Polished but not overdone. Great for daytime weddings or informal venues.
“Come dressed in elevated casual attire: button-down shirts, sundresses, and slacks. Please no jeans or sneakers.”
“For our wedding we want our guests to look great and feel great. Dress pants, smart blouses, and cheerful daywear are welcome.”
“Come dressed for a summer celebration! Light fabrics, soft colors, and relaxed elegance encouraged.”
Beach or Destination Wedding Dress Codes
Whether it’s Cabo Azul or a barefoot Maui ceremony, the key is relaxed refinement.
Beach Casual
- “Beach Casual Attire”
Sundresses, breathable fabrics, and sandals are encouraged. Appropriate footwear for sand is recommended. - “Tropical Casual”
Hawaiian dress, breezy fabrics, and comfort-first fashion welcome. Please avoid stilettos!
Resort Formal
- “Resort Formal Attire”
A balance of elegance and tropical flair—linen suits, maxi dresses, and polished sandals. - “Destination Chic | Resort Formal”
Light colors, refined fabrics, and coastal style are perfect for our intimate setting.
Non-Traditional or Themed Attire
Hosting a casual picnic, barn wedding, or just embracing your unique style?
- “Creative Attire Encouraged”
We invite you to wear something festive, fun, and true to you. - “Garden Party Vibes”
Florals, pastels, and smart-casual styles are welcome at our outdoor celebration. - “Casual Picnic Attire”
Light layers and comfy shoes are ideal—we’ll be celebrating under the open sky.
Add-On Phrases for Extra Clarity
These phrases can be added to enclosure cards, your wedding website, or RSVP pages to give guests extra guidance:
“Need help deciding what to wear? Visit our wedding website for inspiration and photos!”
“The ceremony will take place on grass—appropriate footwear recommended.”
“The evening may cool down—feel free to bring a light jacket or wrap.”
“Our event spans two locations; We ask our guests to dress comfortably for both.”
How To Handle Dress Code Questions
Use your wedding website to offer more guidance: Share outfit ideas, color palette suggestions, and even links to example looks. If your event spans multiple locations (like a church ceremony followed by a beach reception), note that the attire should work across the different locations or clarify with a separate line.
Concluding Thoughts: Your invitation is a reflection of your unique style, your event’s level of formality, and your desire for your wedding guests to feel included and prepared. Whether your wedding invitation wording leans traditional (“The bride’s parents and groom’s parents request the pleasure of your company…”) or modern, clarity around the dress code is an important part of the planning process. This will make your big day as seamless as it is beautiful.
