How to Choose (and Explain) Your Wedding Dress Code
One of the biggest questions couples run into is: “What do we call our dress code, and how do we get people to actually follow it?” It sounds simple, but it’s one of those little details that can make a big difference. If you don’t give guidance, your uncle might show up in shorts while your best friend wears a ballgown. Let’s make sure everyone feels comfortable, on the same page, and ready to party.
Match the Dress Code to Your Vibe
First, think about what kind of energy you want your wedding to have. Is it candlelit and glamorous? Breezy and casual? A pizza party welcome night in Italy? The setting, time of day, and overall vibe should guide what you ask your guests to wear.
Evening ballroom will be more formal.
Tuscan vineyard at sunset can be cocktail chic or dressy casual.
Backyard BBQ or pizza party may be fun but still polished casual.
Call It Something They’ll Understand
The words you use matter. Guests don’t always know what “semi-formal” or “smart casual” actually means. Here’s an easy way to think about it:
Black Tie: Tuxes + long gowns.
Formal / Evening Attire: Suits + ties, long or cocktail dresses.
Cocktail: Shorter dresses, jumpsuits, chic separates, suits with ties.
Dressy Casual: Sundresses, button-downs, nice trousers—put together but not stiff.
Resort Chic / Destination Casual: Breezy dresses, linen, sandals, open collars. Perfect for a beach or Tuscany!
Themed: Don’t be afraid to brand it. “All White,” “Garden Party,” “Italian Aperitivo Chic.” Guests love a theme—it takes the guesswork out.
Show, Don’t Just Tell
Guests love examples. Instead of just writing “cocktail attire,” add a sentence like:
“Think summer dresses, jumpsuits, or suits with a tie. No jeans or flip flops.”
Or go a step further: link a Pinterest board, or make a quick inspo collage. Pictures are so much easier than words.
Classic & Polished
Dress Code: Cocktail Attire — suits and ties, cocktail dresses or jumpsuits. No jeans or casual sandals, please.
Formal Evening Attire: Black tie optional — tuxes and gowns welcome, dark suits and dressy dresses encouraged.
Friendly & Helpful
Cocktail Attire: Think chic but not too formal — suits with ties, summer dresses, jumpsuits, or separates you’d wear to a fancy dinner out.
Dressy Casual: Sundresses, skirts, nice trousers or shirts. Please, no shorts or flip-flops.
Destination Wedding Vibe
Resort Chic: Breezy dresses, linen, espadrilles, or loafers. Comfort + polish = perfect.
Tuscan Vineyard Cocktail: Dresses and suits you’d wear to a nice dinner under the stars. Block heels recommended for cobblestones.
Themed / Playful
All White (except the bride!) — help us set the mood for our welcome pizza party.
Garden Party Chic — florals, hats, pastels, and shoes you can walk in on grass.
Italian Aperitivo Style — colorful, stylish, and fun. Think what you’d wear to a rooftop cocktail bar in Florence.
Extra Clear for Guests Who Stress
We’d love to see our guests in cocktail attire. For the ladies: cocktail dresses, jumpsuits, or skirts and tops. For the gentlemen: suits with ties (jackets optional if it’s hot!).
Our dress code is Black Tie Optional. If you have a tux, this is the moment! Otherwise, a dark suit is perfect. Gowns, cocktail dresses, or formal separates are welcome.
Make It Practical
You know your wedding better than anyone, it’s up to you to help your guests out.
Grass or cobblestones? Suggest block heels or flats.
Cool evening? Remind them to bring a wrap or jacket.
Hot summer day? Light fabrics, no jackets required.
These little tips go a long way in making your guests feel at ease.
Gentle Reminders Go a Long Way
People skim invites, so repeat your dress code in a few places:
On the invitation itself.
On your wedding website.
In your welcome note or itinerary.
And honestly? Guests usually look to the wedding party for clues. If your crew nails the vibe, everyone else will fall in line.
At the end of the day, your dress code is just another way of setting the tone. The clearer and friendlier you are, the more your guests can relax knowing they’ll show up dressed right. And when everyone feels good, your photos look amazing, and the whole celebration flows better.
