Attire

SP29

Would one, hosting a wedding, ever make mention of attire for the event?

Don't worry- I have NOT done this anywhere on the invites. But would it be appropriate on something like a wedding website? 

How do guests know what kind of wedding to prepare for? ie. whether this is some big grand wedding where everyone will be wearing tuxedos and floor length evening dresses (which my wedding is not) versus cocktail attire versus t-shirts.

I have heard that a guest should take the formality of the event from the invitation design and type of event. But I have been to an event before (not a wedding) that was a large celebration/award function in a banquet hall with a large price tag to the dinner plate, so I wore a sparkly floor length gown. WELL was I ever over-dressed! Every one else was dressed in cocktail attire, or even less. I suppose you can never be too overdressed, but I felt pretty uncomfortable with everyone staring at me every time I walked somewhere. I hardly left my seat. 

So would you ever recommend attire for wedding guests?

Blue_Bird

Unless the wedding is black or white tie, which is very expensive and pretty rare, it's inappropriate to mention.

People know that weddings are formal events, and take into consideration the location of the event, the time of day, and the weather. For example, if I was attending a morning or afternoon wedding in an arboretum, I might wear a nice sundress and heels. If I was going to a late afternoon or evening wedding (inside or out), I'd wear a cocktail dress. The only time I'd wear a long gown would be if the invitation stated that it was a black tie affair. I would also wear my best jewelry and take a wrap. While wearing my husband's jacket if it gets cool and taking my shoes off if my feet get tired would be fine in my circle, that wouldn't fly at a black tie affair.

P.S.- I'd say those at the function you went to who weren't at least in cocktail attire were very under dressed, and were a little rude (probably pretty young too).

Jen4948

The only times it's acceptable to mention attire is if the wedding is black or white tie.  Those would both be evening events-the white tie being of the highest formality, and the black tie being of slightly less formality.

The best way for guests to figure out what to wear is to consider the time of day, the time of year, the location, and the venue.

SP29

Thanks for the advice.

NYCMercedes

You can put the venue's dress code on your website. Ours said jacket and tie required for the gentlemen per the club's rules.

misssunshine17

If there is a dress code, yes. If the ceremony is in grass, I appreciate knowing for footwear. Otherwise, your guests will know how to dress themselves. 

NYCBruin

Jen4948 said:

The only times it's acceptable to mention attire is if the wedding is black or white tie.  Those would both be evening events-the white tie being of the highest formality, and the black tie being of slightly less formality.

The best way for guests to figure out what to wear is to consider the time of day, the time of year, the location, and the venue.

I agree with the bolded.  I'll also add to the list of acceptable attire things to mention are if the wedding is casual and you want to say something like "shoes optional."

emmyg65

I don't think there's any issue with putting a note about attire on your wedding website. I worked really hard to choose an invitation that reflected the formality of our wedding and would've thought the date, time and location would be enough information, but I have answered so many questions about what to wear.