Guests Dress Code

mdupon70997 · November 2012

This may be superficial (or even crazy), but I really don't want guests showing up underdressed for our wedding. I have a few family members who I don't think will really get the whole "semiformal" dress code. We are paying a lot of money for this wedding, and we don't want guests to misinterpret the dress code and show up in khaki pants and a polo shirt (or worse...jeans!) How can I make absolutely sure they know what to wear? Should I include the guidelines from the knot's cheat sheet on my wedding website or on my invitations:

"The invite says: "Semiformal" or "Dressy Casual"

Depending on the time of the event, you'll want to dress somewhere between formal and casual. Wear darker, more formal hues for an evening fete; opt for light colors and fabrics for a daytime wedding.
He should wear: A suit and tie, dark or light depending on the season and time of day.
She should wear: A cocktail dress or a dressy skirt and top."

And what if someone does show up in khakis and a polo shirt (or jeans)? Should I have security turn them away? Are there other options for this sort of dress code mishap?

P.S. - I understand that some people cannot afford to buy a whole new suit just for my wedding...but there are people who underdress just because they don't like to wear a suit or a skirt. So, please, no nasty remarks.

misssunshine17 · November 2012

This post says so much about you as a person. You would rather you guest, who I assume you care about, escorted out by security for wearing khakis. If you put something like this on an invite, I would show up in something so tacky ust to piiss you off.

[Deleted User] · November 2012

1. It is never appropriate to tell guests how to dress. They're perfectly capable of dressing themselves and if they show up underdressed they'll look foolish and it won't reflect on you.

2. Most people get the idea of the attire from the formality of the invitation.

3. This is an internet forum. You have no control over how people will respond to your posts. If you can't handle it then don't post.

itzMS · November 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_guests-dress-code-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:c04c25f6-8ac5-453f-98af-f3093d5b5164Post:dd1484de-1541-491b-aafd-d0cd0e351377">Guests Dress Code</a>:
[QUOTE]This may be superficial (or even crazy), but I really don't want guests showing up underdressed for our wedding. I have a few family members who I don't think will really get the whole "semiformal" dress code. We are paying a lot of money for this wedding, and we don't want guests to misinterpret the dress code and show up in khaki pants and a polo shirt (or worse...jeans!) How can I make absolutely sure they know what to wear? Should I include the guidelines from the knot's cheat sheet on my wedding website or on my invitations: "The invite says: "Semiformal" or "Dressy Casual" Depending on the time of the event, you'll want to dress somewhere between formal and casual. Wear darker, more formal hues for an evening fete; opt for light colors and fabrics for a daytime wedding. He should wear: A suit and tie, dark or light depending on the season and time of day. She should wear: A cocktail dress or a dressy skirt and top." And what if someone does show up in khakis and a polo shirt (or jeans)? Should I have security turn them away? Are there other options for this sort of dress code mishap? P.S. - I understand that some people cannot afford to buy a whole new suit just for my wedding...but there are people who underdress just because they don't like to wear a suit or a skirt. <strong>So, please, no nasty remarks.
</strong>Posted by mdupon70997[/QUOTE]

Oh, my gawd. This has to be an April Fools joke. Wait...it's November? <img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/scripts/tinymce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-yell.gif" border="0" alt="Yell" title="Yell" />

You cannot tell adults what to wear. Really, the only time it is ok to list dress requirements is if your Church strictly requires covered shoulders, for example.

Wow.

Maggie0829 · November 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_guests-dress-code-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:c04c25f6-8ac5-453f-98af-f3093d5b5164Post:dd1484de-1541-491b-aafd-d0cd0e351377">Guests Dress Code</a>:
[QUOTE]This may be superficial (or even crazy), but I really don't want guests showing up underdressed for our wedding. I have a few family members who I don't think will really get the whole "semiformal" dress code. We are paying a lot of money for this wedding, and we don't want guests to misinterpret the dress code and show up in khaki pants and a polo shirt (or worse...jeans!) How can I make absolutely sure they know what to wear? Should I include the guidelines from the knot's cheat sheet on my wedding website or on my invitations: "The invite says: "Semiformal" or "Dressy Casual" Depending on the time of the event, you'll want to dress somewhere between formal and casual. Wear darker, more formal hues for an evening fete; opt for light colors and fabrics for a daytime wedding. He should wear: A suit and tie, dark or light depending on the season and time of day. She should wear: A cocktail dress or a dressy skirt and top." <strong>And what if someone does show up in khakis and a polo shirt (or jeans)? Should I have security turn them away</strong>? Are there other options for this sort of dress code mishap? P.S. - I understand that some people cannot afford to buy a whole new suit just for my wedding...but there are people who underdress just because they don't like to wear a suit or a skirt. So, please, no nasty remarks.
Posted by mdupon70997[/QUOTE]

You would seriously have security turn people away if they are not dressed to your standards? Wow! You are definitely earning the title of bridezilla with that one.

You cannot dictate what your guests wear. The only time a dress code should be made known is if your wedding is black tie or your venue has a dress code such as all men must wear a sports coat, etc. If neither of these two things apply to your situation then you cannot tell your guests how to dress.

Your guests are adults and can figure out for themselves how to dress appropriately. Also, even if you put the formality on your invitation (which you shouldn't do anyway) and then list a paragraph long description of what you mean will not stop people from dressing how they want.

Let your invitation show the formality. Meaning if you want something that is formal then use higher quality paper, calligraphy, fancier fonts, etc on your invitations.

Finally, no matter what anyone wears it will not ruin your day. You will still be married even if everyone wears a potato sack as their attire. If someone shows up in a pair of flannel pj's they will look like the fool not you. And if they do show up like that at least it will be a nice laugh and funny story for your kids.

AddieCake · November 2012

We had several people show up in jeans at our wedding, and we couldn't have cared less. It was more important to us that those people were there, not what they were wearing.

Cortney1982 · November 2012

Not everybody is comfortable wearing a suit or even owns one. Would you rather a guest wear an ill-fitting pair of dress pants over a great fitting pair of khaki's?

KellyBrian2013 · November 2012

Umm, semiformal to me means men should wear khakis and a polo or button down, NOT a full suit. So putting that on your invite is, well, inviting people to wear what you apparently don't want them to wear. None of that excuses the fact that dictating attire to guests is completely rude and inappropriate. Throwing them out because they actually followed your suggestion, though apparently that's not what you actually want? Assinine.

QueerFemme · November 2012

Don't tell grown people how to dress. If you want people as props, dressed to your standards, don't bother inviting them. Just hire a bunch of actors in suits.

Not only is your post totally superficial, but you sound like a huge asshole. Seriously, you would have security turn your friends and family away from celebrating your marriage instead of letting them come dressed as they are? Unless someone was in pasties on their breasts and a thong, I can't imagine doing that.

TiffanyT816 · November 2012

maybe you should just buy everyone clothes, so they will show up to your specific standards. You know...send your invite with an outfit.... (insert sarcasm here)

Stage - that's an awesome pic!

Peledreamsofrain · November 2012

Obvious troll needs to go back to the drawing board for material. Yawn.

AddieCake · November 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_guests-dress-code-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:c04c25f6-8ac5-453f-98af-f3093d5b5164Post:2fe4a70a-f2a7-4ab4-9020-21f542460270">Re: Guests Dress Code</a>:
[QUOTE]@Addie - just wanted to say your wedding picture is beautiful. I love the waterfalls as a backdrop to your ceremony!
Posted by kwitherington[/QUOTE]

<div>Thank you so much! </div>

mdupon70997 · November 2012

#1 - This is directly from theknot.com and it doesn't say anything about khakis:

"The invite says: "Semiformal" or "Dressy Casual"

Depending on the time of the event, you'll want to dress somewhere between formal and casual. Wear darker, more formal hues for an evening fete; opt for light colors and fabrics for a daytime wedding.
He should wear: A suit and tie, dark or light depending on the season and time of day.
She should wear: A cocktail dress or a dressy skirt and top."

#2 - Geeze Louise! I asked about turning people away at the door, not because I would want to do it, but because I don't know what you would do in that situation. No need to call names or anything eles. I asked the question because I didn't know the answer. I didn't ask because I'm a total jerk. I didn't know if this was a common problem. I have only been to a few weddings, and most of them were a lot less formal than our wedding will be. Not everyone is a wedding pro.

#3 - "You just have to know how to interpret the invite wording. Here's your cheat sheet for what to wear." This made me think that it's ok to include the dress code in the invitations.

Here's the link to theknot.com's dress code:

http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/attending-wedding/articles/wedding-guest-attire-cheat-sheet.aspx

lyndausvi · November 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_guests-dress-code-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:c04c25f6-8ac5-453f-98af-f3093d5b5164Post:6db4d4ca-6ed1-42f4-8b77-3dd02688da26">Re:Guests Dress Code</a>:
[QUOTE]Umm, semiformal to me means men should wear khakis and a polo or button down, NOT a full suit. So putting that on your invite is, well, inviting people to wear what you apparently don't want them to wear. None of that excuses the fact that dictating attire to guests is completely rude and inappropriate. Throwing them out because they actually followed your suggestion, though apparently that's not what you actually want? Assinine.
Posted by KellyBrian2013[/QUOTE]

<div>
</div><div>this. </div><div>
</div><div>My DH HATES to wear sport jackets and ties. I know it's mental, but he seriously starts sweating up a storm when he puts one on. 5 minutes in a jacket his pits are soaking wet. I've never seen anything like it before. </div><div>
</div><div>So if he saw 'semi-formal' he would be so happy to hear his standard button down shirt and khakis would be fine. The boy only wears a polo shirt on the golf course and a t-shirt around the house. Out in public he is always in a freshly dry-cleaned button down shirt.</div><div>
</div><div>Personally I would think you would much prefer my DH is his standard attire than in a suit. He's uncomfortable, grumpy and down right not fun to be around in a suit.</div>

AddieCake · November 2012

Just because it's what people "should" wear does not mean it is what they HAVE to or WILL wear.

By "interpret the invitation wording," that means things like "request the honour of your presence" vs. "invite you to." One is clearly more formal than the other.

libby2483 · November 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_guests-dress-code-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:c04c25f6-8ac5-453f-98af-f3093d5b5164Post:9635f798-ffb3-4069-baaa-e0178eeb8752">Re: Guests Dress Code</a>:
[QUOTE]#1 - This is directly from theknot.com and it doesn't say anything about khakis: "The invite says: "Semiformal" or "Dressy Casual" Depending on the time of the event, you'll want to dress somewhere between formal and casual. Wear darker, more formal hues for an evening fete; opt for light colors and fabrics for a daytime wedding. He should wear: A suit and tie, dark or light depending on the season and time of day. She should wear: A cocktail dress or a dressy skirt and top." #2 - Geeze Louise!<strong> I asked about turning people away at the door, not because I would want to do it, but because I don't know what you would do in that situation</strong>. No need to call names or anything eles. I asked the question because I didn't know the answer. I didn't ask because I'm a total jerk. I didn't know if this was a common problem. I have only been to a few weddings, and most of them were a lot less formal than our wedding will be. Not everyone is a wedding pro. #3 - " You just have to know how to interpret the invite wording. Here's your cheat sheet for what to wear." This made me think that it's ok to include the dress code in the invitations. Here's the link to theknot.com's dress code: <a href="http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/attending-wedding/articles/wedding-guest-attire-cheat-sheet.aspx">http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/attending-wedding/articles/wedding-guest-attire-cheat-sheet.aspx</a>
Posted by mdupon70997[/QUOTE]

<div>What in the world would make you think that turning guests away from your wedding for wearing khakis would be an appropriate solution? If someone does come underdressed, it will reflect poorly on them, not on you. If this does happen, don't say or do anything. Just let it go. Chances are you won't even notice. </div><div>
</div><div>My aunt wore jean shorts to our semi-formal wedding. I didn't even notice and was only aware of it when a couple of other relatives made a remark about it after the wedding. </div>

Maggie0829 · November 2012

1) TK is in the wedding industry. Companies in the wedding industry don't usually use common sense when it comes to certain things. They are also not dictating what people should wear but are just providing guidelines if you are unsure of the formality. You do not provide this information to your guests. If your guests are unsure they will either Google it or ask you for your opinion.

2) What in your head makes you think it would be ok to turn your guests (friends and family) away at the door because they aren't dressed to your standards. What should you do if they show up dressed in appropriately or not dressy enough? You smile, give them a hug, and thank them for coming! You don't have security to escort them out! This is freaking common sense not about being a wedding pro! Geesh!!

3) Again, TK does not use common sense when giving novice brides information. Their main goal is to make money. Period. They could care less if you don't follow certain etiquettes or come off looking bridezillaish. If they can get you to spend more money anywhere on your wedding then they have done their job.

So, in summary, take everything you read on TK with a grain of salt (excluding the forum boards of course) because it is usually all bull anyway.

TheVirginians · November 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_guests-dress-code-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:c04c25f6-8ac5-453f-98af-f3093d5b5164Post:5c57533a-95c5-4787-91db-e3df7c267690">Re: Guests Dress Code</a>:
[QUOTE]I would think this was real, up to the point of having security removed people dressed too casually. Now, I'm convinced you're trolling. Here is H with my FFIL at our wedding. My FFIL, who walked my mother down the aisle and lit the unity candle no less. Our marriage survived and our wedding was still awesome.
Posted by StageManager14[/QUOTE]

That's about the cutest thing ever! I meant the pic. Guess that isn't copied when you reply to this post.

Jen4948 · November 2012

I think you just have to let it go. My cousin and his wife had an instance of this at their wedding. There were some underdressed guests there (relatives of my cousin, other side of the family), and they weren't turned away, but welcomed and treated with the same hospitality as all the other guests. Annoying as it might have been, it wouldn't have been worth making an issue over.

marisa176 · November 2012

I understand why you are concerned, after all this is the day you have been planning and spending a good amount of money on. Not to mention, I'm sure you've played out the entire day in your head and how perfect it will be. I totally get that. But, I have to agree that no matter how much you may want Uncle Fred to not stroll up to your wedding in jeans and sneakers, the imprortant thing to remember is that on that day you will get to marry the man you love. I don't think you'd actually turn anyone away. It would take a pretty cold person to do so. But, from what I hear and read, you will be so preoccupied with other things on that day that you won't care if Uncle Fred is in jeans. Most people know how to dress for a wedding and so long as it is not a daytime wedding outside in a backyard, I believe people will dress accordingly. Nevertheless, some people, based on their background may think nice jeans, a button up and boots are formal (it is for some places in Texas) so, don't sweat it. I think sometimes as brides we get too wrapped up in trying to make sure EVERY aspect of the wedding is perfect, and forget exactly why we are planning this thing. It will all be okay and in the end, you won't care what anyone is wearing (assuming everyone at least shows up in clothes). Best of luck!

AddieCake · November 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_guests-dress-code-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:c04c25f6-8ac5-453f-98af-f3093d5b5164Post:ae657663-b288-4449-b451-927fe913578f">Re: Guests Dress Code</a>:
[QUOTE] @ AddieL73 I love the waterfalls in your picture!
Posted by snippet17[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>Thank you!

</div>

KellyBrian2013 · November 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_guests-dress-code-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:c04c25f6-8ac5-453f-98af-f3093d5b5164Post:1eb0ce8b-5413-4171-bd8c-8ae5855c7d82">Re: Guests Dress Code</a>:
[QUOTE]Thanks everyone! My sister-in-law was ready to start WW3 to get FIL into slacks and a button down shirt at least, but I know my grandpa still talks about how my dad was such a brat at their wedding and insisted he wear something he wasn't comfortable in because he was too "high falutin' to accept where he comes from". I knew I didn't want to be the daughter in law in another verson of that story 20 years from now, so I told them he was the FOG and could wear whatever he damn well pleased. That's what he chose (same thing he's worn every day of his adult life, including to his wife's funeral and his own wedding), he was happy, DH was ecstatic not to have to deal with the drama, and the juxtaposition in the photos made for great pics! A win win win situation. ETA: And for the record, I could barely tell you what *I* was wearing once the ceremony started, so if anyone else was in jeans or underdressed (and I'm sure there were a few), I would have to got hrough the reception photos and specifically look for it to tell you who it was.<strong> I don't get brides who are "annoyed" or "irritated" by their guests' attire at the wedding. Honestly, if you have the time and inclination to pay that much attention, you have way bigger issues with your wedding than what a few people are wearing.</strong>
Posted by StageManager14[/QUOTE]

Absolutely this. Apparently people wore jeans to our wedding (which was fairly formal; ballroom, top-shelf open bar, butler passed hors d'oeuvres, etc.) and I would have to go through photos to tell you who. One of my good friends also wore an all-white top with a sparkly silver skirt... someone commented on a photo about what she wore, and I frankly, I thought she looked fantastic (and wasn't in the least bit upset, concerned, or feeling like she'd made off with my thunder).

artbyallie · November 2012

Also, since no one's pointed it out yet (other than to say that The Knot is a terrible etiquette sourse, which it is), semiformal/"dressy casual" doesn't mean sh!t. They're ridiculous terms and the only dress codes with actual meaning are black tie and white tie. Which also correlate to very expensive and classy events with live bands and top shelf open bar and plated multicourse meals.

But I agree with PPs. No dress code on the invitations. The people who do know how to dress will be PO'd by it and the ones who don't won't pay any attention and dress how they want to anyway.

xxstardust · November 2012

I know this is a little off topic, but I was wondering if anyone else was confused by the "formalilty of the invitation" rule. I haven't been to many weddings at all - but I know that (being in the NE) my cousins' bar and bat mitzvahs were very, very formal affairs (both were more expensive then my weddingn, actually) and were black tie. However, both also had fairly informal invitations. They were certainnly nice - fancy paper, expensive invites - but one was Yankees themed and once was a tropical beach, neon invite. Does this rule only apply to weddings?

lyndausvi · November 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_guests-dress-code-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:c04c25f6-8ac5-453f-98af-f3093d5b5164Post:7c3d0775-de6c-407b-8b6e-01b840e81663">Re: Guests Dress Code</a>:
[QUOTE]I know this is a little off topic, but I was wondering if anyone else was confused by the "formalilty of the invitation" rule. I haven't been to many weddings at all - but I know that (being in the NE) my cousins' bar and bat mitzvahs were very, very formal affairs (both were more expensive then my weddingn, actually) and were black tie. However, both also had fairly informal invitations. They were certainnly nice - fancy paper, expensive invites - but one was Yankees themed and once was a tropical beach, neon invite. Does this rule only apply to weddings?
Posted by xxstardust[/QUOTE]

<div>I think back in the day when people went to stationary stores and all really did make a difference. But with everyone having access to printers and more people doing DIY or semi-DYI (i.e vistaprint, etc) I'm finding it's not as easy to tell as much anymore.</div><div>
</div><div>My wedding was casual attire because my DH refused to wear a suit or tux. However, the wedding was on a Saturday night, full blown premium open bar, huge cocktail hour, sit-down dinner, dancing, etc. Our invites were not casual, not super fancy either.</div>

jenajjthr · November 2012

I detest dresses and skirts. No wait, I DETEST!!!!!!! dresses and skirts. I don't even like dress/khaki pants but I wear them at work because I have to. But even I know that when I go to a wedding as a guest I need to suck it up and wear a skirt or dress. When it came to my wedding though, I could care less what people wore. I even made it known that jeans were certainly okay. My mom tried very hard to get my nephew to wear dress up type clothes and he said "But Aunt Jen said I could wear jeans."

OP, I hope to the moon and back again that you asking about having security turn your guests away because they don't look like you want them to is temporary insanity. Don't worry about how they are dressed, you won't remember it anyway.

warpedredpenguin · November 2012

Look. I wore a red dress. This was common knowledge. A good friend of H's wore a red strapless cocktail dress with a black bra with straps. Her friend wore an underbust corset with a white shirt under it, and no bra, meaning you could see major nippleage. I didn't even notice until halfway through the reception, and I just shrugged my shoulders and forgot about it. They didn't ruin pictures, the wedding was awesome, nobody burst into flame because zomg someone was inappropriately dressed. The people who know how to dress for a wedding, will. Those who don't, aren't going to change their ways just because you tell them to. It isn't a big deal.

I couldn't tell you who showed up in jeans. I'm sure some people did. I cared more about being surrounded by friends and family than what they looked like. I don't love these people for their fashion sense. What they wear doesn't affect you at all.

semi891 · November 2012

I've only ever been to one wedding where I noticed guests wearing jeans (and baseball caps!) and it seemed to be a younger crowd at the wedding. I don't anticipate any of my guests to show up to the wedding in jeans, but I'm fairly certain if they did I wouldn't be paying attention to that kind of thing on the day of anyhow. I think worrying about your guests wearing jeans is unnecessary. Most adults know how to dress themselves.

@Stage Manager I love the photo of your FFIL. Reminds me of my own, who is a farmer. I wouldn't be surprised if that's what he wears

arco13 · November 2012

To be fair, I don't blame OP for getting confused by a post on TK, when you're first starting out into wedding planning, you haven't always learned not to take everything on these sites at face-value. Though, OP I agree with everyone else that you shouldn't worry about your guests attire any past how formal you make the invites. Hopefully now you know not to trust everything posted by these sites.

I do however think you were way out of line to even consider turning guests away at the door if they were wearing khakis. I get that it can be easy get caught up in the spirit and idea of fancy weddings in today's society, but the people you're inviting to the wedding should be the most important people to you and FI and your families, and their pressence should matter a lot more than what they're wearing.

Simply Fated · November 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_guests-dress-code-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:c04c25f6-8ac5-453f-98af-f3093d5b5164Post:e0f74352-e1e4-4e2d-bb2c-b653a9071aa8">Re:Guests Dress Code</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re:Guests Dress Code: With all due respect, what kind of sexist backwards place do you live where you HAVE to wear a skirt or dress to be formal enough for any event? It's 2012, formal outfits with pants have existed for women for like 20 years.
Posted by StageManager14[/QUOTE]<div>The rest of the world is still catching up. Personally, I'm with you, but I know not everyone agrees with how a woman should dress. It sucks, but hopefully people will stop bitching about how "women <em>are</em> equal so why are they still fighting for equality?" when clearly we're not viewed as equals.

</div>

Burtonbaby145 · November 2012

Appology in advance for the mobile post! I am the type of person that stresses about what I should wear to any event, especially when the dress code isn't made obvious by the formality of the invites, like right now I am stressing about FIs office party at his new company a very nice restaurant but invite printed on home computer... So I definitely agree with PP about having the formality of the invites match up with the level you want. I also have to say, and know some people on here will disagree, that I did make a small section on my website for "attire" although it is pretty opposite of what you desire. I basically said that I have made up a term 'beachy dressy',obviously the wedding is on the beach, and whatever that means to them is perfectly fine. I also added that short attire blip to let out of town guests know that the destination the wedding will be at is very hot at the time of the wedding, and that we will be walking in the sand, so they may want to dress cool and comfortable. I also added the following line "Please don't stress about what to wear you can come straight from the pool in your bathing suit and wet hair and we will just be glad you made it to celebrate with us." Basically I added the attire to my website for more practical reasons, and I know my guests are ones that are more likely to appreciate that than take offense to it, but that may not be the case with every crowd. That said, I really don't see the harm in adding a small attire line to the website saying something like "Formal attire preferred", but again not featured prominently or anything. You may have some people that are offended by it and dress less than formal out of spite, but there are also those like me that would much rather be informed than show up under or overdressed. If you were truly considering not letting people in for wearing khakis a small sentence on your site is certainly a better heads up than letting them know at the door. On a cruise my FI was asked to change before entering the dining room because he had on very nice designer jeans and a sportscoat, while there were plenty of people that were super sloppy and poorly dressed but in khakis that were allowed to be there. It was horribly embarrassing for both of us and I do hope that you were just unsure of how to handle dress codes and now realize that is not a great option. Best of luck planning!

Guests Dress Code

"The invite says: "Semiformal" or "Dressy Casual"

Re: Guests Dress Code

"The invite says: "Semiformal" or "Dressy Casual"

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