FORMAL?

[Deleted User]

I want to make it known to my guest that this is a formal event not necessarily black tie but I don’t want people showing up in khakis and a polo should I say black tie optional?

cougarette

It's really best to let people know by word of mouth.

Also, using formal titles on the invitations helps convey the message.  So put Mr. and Mrs. James Smith instead of Jim and Jane Smith.

duckie1905

People will wear what they want to wear regardless of how you word your invite.  For most people the formality of the invite will dictate how to dress.  Black tie optional means just that "optional" as in they can still dress however they want.

Unless you are willing to bump the formality up to black tie you will just have to deal with the fact that one or more of your guests will show up in khakis (the horror).

TurtlesAllTheWayDown

What other elements of your wedding (aside from attire) make this a formal event?

JanoBean75

I just attended a wedding that was "formal" but there was a guest in a denim shirt and jeans. The jeans did not fit well and I pretty much saw his entire a$$ when he sat down. The bride saw and laughed, but she didn't care -- she wanted HIM there, not hi in fancy clothes.

They'll wear what they want regardless of what you want.

I <3 Seabass

Your invitations and how they're worded (among other things) should convey the formality of your wedding. Unless you really are having a super formal wedding wear you want people to wear tuxes I wouldn't but black tie. As pp people will wear what they're going to wear.