Make Your Wedding Guests Wear What You Want Them To — And Still Keep the Peace

Your wedding day is finally here.  You are practically floating down the cathedral aisle in a beautiful ivory gown, smiling at your guests when Uncle Roy catches your eye — he’s wearing shorts and sneakers!  You desperately hope he doesn’t crack open a beer in the middle of the ceremony. 

Or maybe you’re busy planning an outdoor wedding followed by a fun picnic, but you’ve spent most of your time this past week fielding phone calls from relatives who are wondering if neckties are necessary if it is really hot outside. 

You’ll make your guests more comfortable and save yourself a lot of headache by explaining to your guests what they are expected to wear to your wedding.  The best way to get the word out is with a few simple words at the bottom of your wedding invitation. 

White Tie
This is for the ultra-formal wedding.  If Prince William or Prince Harry get married, this is probably the attire.  Male guests should wear a formal tuxedo with tails, a white vest and tie.  All your female guests should be wearing floor-length evening gowns. 

Black Tie OR Formal
This designation tells male guests that a tuxedo is preferred however, some guests may choose to wear dark suits..  Female guests will be able to choose from slightly wider range of styles, but will generally dress to coordinate with their dates in longer (floor-, ballerina-, or tea-length) dresses and gowns. 

Semi-Formal
This is the most common way to dress at weddings.   Men wear a nice suit, and women wear dresses or skirts with blouses. 

Dressy Casual
This one is a little difficult for people to understand when they see it on a casual wedding invitation.  Is it dressy or casual?  Can I wear “nice jeans”?  Just remember ‘business casual’ without jeans.  Jeans or shorts are not acceptable for anyone.  Khakis and sport coats with no tie would be appropriate for the guys.  The women could wear dresses or suits, but something with a less-than-formal vibe to it. 

Casual Dress
This basically means “anything goes, so long as you wear something.”  Uncle Roy would fit in great here, because thank heaven, he is wearing clothing. 

Festive Attire
This is one phrase where you must explain to your guests exactly what you want and should be used only in certain instances.  A great example of festive attire is if you’ve planned a beach wedding followed by a luau-type party. “Island Attire” would be an appropriate addition to your beach wedding invitation. 

Make your guests part of your wedding plans and you’ll be creating an event that is relaxed and enjoyable for everyone — especially you!