Announcing dress code?

5stat that's really creative! I like that!

Adults should know how to dress. It's pushy. Just put it on website and spread word of mouth.

Agree with the PPs. Probably not something for the invites, but word of mouth & the website should do. Everyone will be looking at how beautiful you are anyway

I wouldn't put anything on the invitations, because it could make people feel weird about your wedding, as in maybe their version of formal isn't formal enough for you so you had to put it in there? That's how I would view it

We are putting black tie optional on our invites. I have been asked by a lot of people what to wear and in my area it is custom to put the dress code on the invite.

With the weddings I've been in/to I have used the invitation as a clue as to how they want me to dress, the more formal weddings had fancy, formal invites, the others (such as my sisters) has more informal invites. I wouldn't put anything about "dress code" on your invites, it could come off as tacky or rude to tell people how to dress.

I'm hoping I don't even notice it

Back away slowly. It doesn't matter what you want them to wear, unless it is TRULY black tie, they'll wear what they want. And it won't make any difference at all. Their apparel only reflects on them, not you.

If your venue has a pic with people dressed formally, put that pic on your wedding website.

You will definitely not notice or care! My cousin wore jeans and a hoodie to my formal wedding and I can honestly say I did not care one bit. It will be the best day of your life; do you seriously think it'll be dampened by Aunt Judy is wearing? (Hint, it won't!) it's just not something to worry about!

You're not going to notice what people wear. Really

And if someone shows up in jeans they're going to get side eyed and feel like a dumbass so natural consequences and all.

I wouldn't even worry about it. Says a bride from Florida where people where cut offs to church.... Oy

I'm putting "black tie optional" on my invitations, and I will probably put more details about that on my website, if anyone needs pointers. One of the things I'm most excited about is seeing everyone dressed up all fancy!

Black tie optional isn't a thing. Black tie is a thing and the criteria for it is strict. Using black tie optional doesn't really mean anything, according to etiquette.

No matter what you say or put on your website people will address how they want and you will have to be okay with it

I don't know what time your wedding is, but if it is at 6 most people will know to dress up. Men may not wear tuxedos, but suits for sure. Also, i went to a wedding in July and I could tell by the invitation style and that it was at 6 and in a ballroom. All 300+ guests were dressed in at least Sunday's best or cocktail dresses and suits for the men.

Etiquette is a set of rules that have been mutually agreed upon by society. If you tell people "black tie optional," they know what it means. And if they care about you and your feelings (and I would hope that at least most of the people on your invite list would), they will try to be respectful.

So I can say this if it is that big of an issue for you one on one if possible take them shopping and pick out fits that youd like them to wear

Sorry Ambir, you used "black tie optional" and " etiquette" in the same sentence. You are incorrect.

@Hallie: Black Tie Optional is a ridiculous thing that was made up. It is not, by etiquette standards, a "thing".

Even if it were, it STILL suggests a higher level of service on the HOSTS' part (think valet parking, white glove service, played multi course dinner, etc) that most brides just aren't having.

Putting ANY black tie reference when you are clearly NOT having a black tie affair is ignorant and rude. Saying black tie optional still binds YOU to the black tie requirements, but is essentially telling guests a dark suit is okay if they don't have a tux.

Somehow, I doubt you're having a true black tie worthy wedding. >_>

@Ambir: if she does this, not only is it incredibly rude and Bridezilla, she is also obligated to pay.

Op: you let adults be adults. If you tried to tell me what to wear to your wedding and I didn't ask, I would probably purposely show up in the most casual clothes I owned to spite you. Okay, maybe not that far, but yeah, I'd definitely not be following what was dictated, just because of the assumption on your part.

Adults can dress themselves. Period.