Dress Code - Differences?

You don't put dress codes on invitations and you don't tell adults how to dress.

Black Tie optional is annoying because it's not really a thing. It's either black tie or it's not.

I'm sure a google research can help.

I think it's perfectly acceptable for you to put attire on the invitation. Just word it right. For mine I put please join us for a formal reception afterwards. That way guests aren't stuck worrying about what to wear.

I typically base my attire on the venue, so I don't think this info needs to be on the invite.

I agree that black tie optional is not a true dress code. It either is or it isn't. If it is, the wedding better damn sure have all the things that go into a black tie wedding, like a top shelf bar, dinner of several courses, china, crystal, etc.

Your question is a classic example of why dress codes should not be included. If you can't figure out which dress code is appropriate for your wedding, how do you expect your guests to figure out what to wear from your dress code?

Unless an occasion is black or white tie, the dress code does not belong on an invitation.

Even second hand references like Brittney suggested, are rude. A young woman should not be telling anyone how to dress. Your guests are smart enough to either figure it out from your invitation and venue, or they will dress as they choose no matter what you say.

Those dress codes are not helpful. They do not have standard definitions and serve to confuse people more than anything. Black Tie Optional is the worst. I agree with pp's - unless your wedding is actually black tie, leave the dress code off the invitation and website. Most guests know how to dress properly.

Dress codes don't go on the invite.

My daughter's wedding reception is in a barn. Like really a barn. Well, it housed the carriages, not the horses, but I would have been ok if it had been the actual stables.

So the invites were rather casual, looked like barnwood, had a sunflower. Typical rustic. Yes, I know. Kind of overdone. But that's what she wanted.

On the website, we noted that the party is a barn dance - come in your cowboy boots, jeans and pretty lace. We want folks to have a good time. When my FIL asked if we were serious about the jeans, and we said absolutely yes, my MIL insisted he get new ones.

I didn't put anything on invite and got ao many questions, so I ended up adding it to the website to cut down. I just put cocktail attire since it's at a Country Club and Resort.

The knot has a list - I usually look there if I'm not sure.

I would keep it on the website only personally... and be careful when wording it. Cocktail attire and semi formal are the same for a lot of people.

All guests have to do is look at your day of the weeki/time of the day/venue website to know how to dress. Far too often, and I'm not suggesting this is what you're doing OP, brides decide they want everyone to dress for a black tie wedding when what they're hosting isn't even close to a black tie wedding. In order to call that kind of dress code, you'd better host a true black tie (and not many do).

Unless you are having a true black tie (there is absolutely no such thing as black tie optional) or white tie (that's a league must of us will be lucky to ever be introduced to), you don't give your wedding guests a dress code. Here's some of the criteria for true black tie weddings, and these are just the basics....

1. Formal white/ivory invitations with black inscription.

2. A Saturday evening wedding -- no earlier than 6:00 PM. No Fridays, No Sundays, no afternoons. Period. This is a true, formal Saturday evening event.

3. Valet parking attendants

4. Cloak/coat/wrap check

5. Immediate passing of top grade champagne upon guests' arrival - white gloved service

6. Place card seating (handwritten, preferably in calligraphy), not table seating -- and never open seating

7. Opulent, gracious, and very formal venue (not rustic and no mason jars) with expensive and elaborate floral designs literally everywhere -- no DIYs

8. A licensed minister, rabbi, or officiant...no best friend or Uncle Bob

9. A live musical trio or quartet at the ceremony

10. A wedding planner, not a DOC.

11. Cocktail hour featuring multiple gourmet passed apps and a top shelf ONLY open bar

12. China, crystal, and silver on the tables

13. Tableside ordering from a printed menu featuring gourmet courses, cooked to order, with multiple protein options and side dishes -- all plated

14.. White gloved service with a sommelier available to every guest

15.. A live band/live entertainment (no DJ) - typically two (one to cover for the other when one group takes a break or goes for dinner)

16. A full Viennese table

17. Decorative Ice Sculptures

18. A full, top shelf only, open bar -- from beginning to end (no limited beer/wine/sangria only)

19. Exquisite videography

20. A staffed ladies' lounge and men's room with a selection of signature scents

That's a lot of it, but not all of it. If you're springing for this type of true black tie affair, your guests will want to know because they will feel underdressed if they aren't in tuxes and gowns. Otherwise, you don't get to pull a few thins from the list and claim, "good enough" and expect every male guest to rent a tux and every female guest to buy or rent a gown. You trust them enough to know that they will at least add a little extra to their normal business wear or just go with cocktail attire.

Black Tie Optional = The groom and groomsmen will be wearing tuxedos so the guests are welcome to as well! Tuxedos and long dresses would be appropriate for this wedding, but they are not a requirement. You'll want to make sure you're providing Black Tie level service!

Semi-Formal = A formal event but no tuxedos Guests should wear a dark suit (not a blazer or sports jacket with pants), or fancy dresses

Cocktail Attire = What you would wear to a cocktail party! Lots of short dresses, have more fun with bold colors and patterns, guys are fine in a blazer or sports jacket with nice pants!

https://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-ideas/the-ultimate-guide-to-wedding-dress-codes

My niece just got married at a destination wedding that even listed the dress code for pre and post wedding parties. I didn't go couldn't afford the clothing. My daughters wedding did say dress causal and enjoy your day. Mine will too

I've had so many guests ask me what to wear that I feel like people appreciate a touch of guidance. As far as they will know by the venue...mine is at a modest vineyard that can easily be done up very formal or simply casual. It's hard to tell from just the venue sometimes.

I put it on my wedding website and I literally still have people asking me if they can wear jeans. I honestly think people do not know how to dress for weddings or maybe its just my wedding, but I would definitely put it if you feel the least bit concerned someone might show up in something you do not want them to wear. I would put it on the website, but I still had people asking me what the dress attire was, but I mean I would still put in on there!

I feel like the only reason you would need to put the attire on the invite or website is if it is black tie (super formal, super expensive, and this means everything has to match that formality, and anyone who does not show up wearing said formality would stick out like a sore thumb) or casual attire (i.e. outdoor weddings, weddings in a barn, anywhere that sequins and 4" stilettos would be problematic, and you would want to let your guests know that for their comfort). If you're just having a "normal " or middle of the road wedding, then it doesn't matter; adults know how to properly dress for a wedding (at least in most cases).

We won't be doing a dress code but wouldn't mind if someone told me what to wear. I would however be upset if I was told black tie and there wasn't black tie service. Black tie optional is very confusing and if given the choice most people won't be showing up in black tie. I think most people will show up in cocktail attire (short/mid length dresses, & suits or dress pants/shirt & tie). If you are concerned about people showing up in jeans etc, and your wedding isn't black tie, I would say cocktail attire. Formal could be confused as black tie, and semi formal is like cocktail to most.