Planning your wedding involves many details, and ensuring your guests dress appropriately is another way you can create the right atmosphere for your day. Including a dress code helps set expectations, avoids awkward outfit choices, and ensures your photos look cohesive.
If you’re currently working on your wedding invitations, you’re probably wondering how to include your dress code clearly and naturally — without overcomplicating it.
Here’s a practical guide to help you get it right.
Why Include a Dress Code on Your Wedding Invitations?
Including a dress code on your wedding invitations helps guests feel confident about what to wear and removes any guesswork. It also reinforces the overall tone of your wedding — whether that’s formal, relaxed, or somewhere in between.
A well-worded dress code:
- Helps guests feel comfortable and prepared
- Sets expectations
- Matches your venue and style
How to share your wedding dress code with guests
Your invitation design should naturally reflect the tone of your wedding - a formal invitation will feel very different to a relaxed, modern one.
Alongside those visual cues, you can also clearly state your dress code.
My rule of thumb: Keep It Simple.
Clear, concise wording avoids confusion and ensures guests understand exactly what’s expected.
Need help with wording?
We customise all invitation wording for you - including dress codes, RSVP details, and guest wording - so everything flows naturally and feels like you. Browse Wedding Invitations
Where to Include Your Wedding Dress Code
There are a few places you can include your dress code:
1. On the Wedding Invitation: Usually placed in the lower corner or bottom centre.
2. On an Information/Details Card: Perfect if you want to keep your main invitation clean and simple.
3. On your Wedding Website: Great for expanding on details - like footwear suggestions or weather considerations.
What are the different Wedding Dress Codes?
What is Formal Dress Code or 'White Tie'?
Formal attire, evening dress, or white tie is the most formal dress code. Women wear full-length gowns, and men wear tailcoats.
Example Wording:
"Dress Code: White Tie"
"White-tie. We ask that men wear tailcoats and women wear floor-length evening gowns or ball gowns. Top hats and gloves are encouraged."
"Formal attire. We suggest that men wear a suit in any colour and women wear a cocktail dress or a nice pantsuit."
“Formal attire. We invite you to dress in your finest — floor-length gowns and formal suits are encouraged.”
“White-tie. Please join us in full formal attire — evening gowns for women and tailcoats for men.”
“Formal wedding. We kindly request formal attire to match the elegance of the occasion.”
See how this wording looks on a real invitation
What is Semi-Formal or Black Tie?
Black tie is commonly seen as a high level of formality. Women typically wear long dresses, and men wear tuxedos.
Often, the region will influence how formal people will dress. For example, what some consider formal attire in Dunedin might be seen as smart casual or cocktail in Auckland.
Example Wording:
"Black-tie. We ask that men wear a tuxedo and women wear a floor-length gown."
"Dress Code: Black Tie Attire"
"Attire: Black Tie"
"Black-tie optional. We ask that men wear a tuxedo or a dark suit and tie and women wear an evening gown or midi or knee-length cocktail dress."
“Black-tie. We invite you to dress for an evening of elegance — tuxedos and formal gowns.”
“Black-tie. Formal evening wear is encouraged to suit the style of our celebration.”
“Black-tie. Please wear a tuxedo or formal suit, with long or cocktail-length dresses.”
“Black-tie optional. Formal attire is encouraged, but not required. A suit or cocktail dress is perfect.”
“Black-tie optional. Feel free to dress up, but a smart suit or elegant dress will be just right.”
“Black-tie optional. Tuxedos welcome, but not essential - dress to feel your best.”
See this wording on a real wedding invitation
What is Cocktail Attire?
Cocktail attire is one of the most common wedding dress codes - polished but not overly formal.
Example Wording:
"Cocktail attire. We suggest that men wear a suit or dress shirt with tie and women wear a midi- or knee-length dress or dressy separates."
"Dress Code: Cocktail"
"Cocktail Attire Recommended"
“Cocktail attire. Dress to impress — suits, dresses, or dressy separates are perfect."
“Cocktail. We suggest polished, semi-formal attire suitable for an evening celebration.”
“Cocktail attire. Think stylish and dressy — a great excuse to wear something special.”
Browse example wedding invitations
What is Semi-Formal or Dressy Casual Attire?
A relaxed but still polished option, ideal for many NZ weddings.
Example Wording:
"We ask that you wear semi-formal attire such as a cocktail-length dress or dressy separates for women and a suit and tie for men. Please note that the venue does not permit blue jeans or sneakers."
"Dressy casual. We want you to be comfortable at our wedding. The dress code is dressy casual attire. For this time of year on Waiheke Island, may we suggest the following attire:
- Women: Sundresses, lightweight separates, and flats or wedge heels for the outdoor ceremony on the lawn.
- Men: Light dress shirts with khaki or other lightweight slacks; jackets and ties optional."
"Dress Code: Semi-Formal"
“Semi-formal. A suit or dressy outfit is perfect — polished but comfortable.”
“Dressy casual. We’d love you to look sharp, while still feeling relaxed and comfortable.”
“Semi-formal. Smart, tidy attire such as dresses, skirts, or collared shirts and trousers.”
See relaxed, modern wedding invitation designs
What is Smart Casual?
Perfect for smaller or more informal weddings.
Example Wording:
“Smart casual. May we suggest button-down shirts with khaki pants for men and sundresses with dressy flats or comfortable heels for women.”
“Attire: Smart casual. Neat, stylish, and comfortable - no need to be too formal.”
“Smart casual. Think relaxed but put-together — dresses, shirts, and tidy footwear.”
“Smart casual. A polished everyday look — comfortable yet considered.”
Browse casual wedding invitation designs
What is Beach Casual?
Beach casual is ideal for beach weddings and destination weddings.
Example Wording:
"Beach casual. May we suggest that men wear a long or short-sleeved shirt with slacks or shorts and ladies wear a sundress or dressy separates, like a nice top and skirt. Instead of heels, wear a pair of strappy or platform sandals."
“Beach casual. Light, breathable attire is perfect. Sandals encouraged, heels not recommended.”
“Attire: Beach casual. Dress for the sand and sea... relaxed, summery, and comfortable.”
“Beach casual. Keep it cool and comfortable with lightweight fabrics and easy footwear.”
Explore beach & boho invitation designs
What is Daytime Attire?
Great for outdoor or garden weddings. Sundresses and sandals are appropriate for women, while men can wear button-down shirts with pants. Avoid athletic wear.
Example Wording:
"Daytime attire. Our wedding will be taking place outdoors in the grass. May we suggest sundresses and sandals for women and button-down shirts with pants for men. Please, no athletic wear."
“Daytime attire. Light, comfortable outfits suited to an outdoor setting.”
“Attire: Daytime. We suggest fresh, relaxed attire appropriate for a daytime celebration.”
“Dress Code: Daytime. Dress for the outdoors — comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate outfits recommended.”
View garden & floral invitation styles
Common Dress Code Wording Mistakes
Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to overthink this part. Some common mistakes include:
- Being too vague (e.g. “formal-ish”)
- Including too much detail on the invitation itself
- Not matching the wording to the style of the invitation
- Forgetting practical considerations (weather, terrain, location)
This is where having guidance makes a big difference - we help ensure everything feels clear, appropriate, and consistent with your overall stationery.
By providing clear dress code instructions, you help your guests feel confident and ensure your day looks and feels exactly how you imagined.
Need help with your wedding invitation wording?
We make the process easy - from wording through to print. Every order includes guidance to help you get the details just right.
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