Walking down the aisle should be the only thing you’re nervous about on your wedding day, not worrying over whether Uncle Bob will show up in Bermuda shorts. That’s why nailing how to tell wedding guests what to wear can be as important as choosing the right cake flavor — everyone should be on the same (style) page!
But how do you be clear on what “Semi-Formal” or “Garden Party” attire entails without appearing too controlling or vague? Here are four ways to tackle the challenge of telling wedding guests what to wear.
1. Be Specific in Your Invitations
Your invites are a sneak peek into your wedding vibe. When mentioning the dress code, consider these tips:
- List the exact level of formality, such as “Black Tie Optional” or “Beach Casual.”
- Specify any colors or styles to avoid (e.g., if you don’t want guests to wear white.)
- For themed weddings, provide suggestions on how guests can incorporate the theme into their outfit choices.
2. Add a Section to Your Wedding Website
When it comes to how to tell wedding guests what to wear, precision is your best friend. Unsurprisingly, your wedding website provides the perfect place to give more details.
Ready to turn confusion into confidence? Make sure to include these in your dress code page:
- Helpful “Do’s and Don’ts” lists so guests know what’s acceptable and what’s not.
- Shoe recommendations based on your venue and activities. (Nobody wants to spend all night attempting to dance with their heels sinking into mud!)
- Pointers on what to wear if there are both indoor and outdoor portions.
Pro Tip: Sometimes, guests need to understand the “why” behind the bow tie. Whether it’s a theme or venue requirement, sharing the reason can turn a dress code from a demand into a part of the wedding adventure.
3. Use Visuals to Your Advantage
Some folks need to see it to believe it — or, in this case, wear it. When building your wedding website’s “Attire” or “Dress Code” section, consider adding a link to a Pinterest board with examples that closely match your wedding style.
Within your mood board, try to offer guests flexibility with a variety of outfit ideas featuring different items, such as dresses, tops, pants, shoes, etc. This helps guests choose what flatters their body type and comfort level.
Remember: A picture is worth a thousand words, and a Pinterest board might just prevent a thousand fashion faux pas!
4. Use Daisy Chat
Imagine a world where you’re not inundated with texts, calls, and emails about your wedding’s dress code. Daisy Chat bridges the communication gap (and tackles these tricky conversations) between you and your guests by providing automated responses to all your guests’ burning questions.
“What does black-tie optional mean?” Daisy Chat will respond on your behalf. “Can I wear white?” Daisy Chat will gently explain wedding etiquette. “What should I wear?” Our app will even provide some fashion suggestions.
Want to try out Daisy Chat for yourself? Sign up for a free account today.