Help me describe dress code!

Sounds casual to me. I would never wear a maxi dress to a wedding that was described as "semi-formal." But I would wear one to a daytime wedding at a beautiful outdoor Mexican hacienda.

I agree with those saying, give them specific examples if they ask.

Thank you all!

It's cracking me up that:

1. What most of you are suggesting is exactly what I did originally and then second-guessed myself on (having no suggested dress code, but just making clear that the venue is outdoors and recommending people wear layers and comfortable shoes). I think I'll stick with that (though I don't really get the hostility toward non-traditional / more descriptive dress suggestions).

2. The exact same description can lead some to say "casual" and others to say "semi-formal" or "cocktail"! Even the traditional descriptions don't have consistent meanings.

I think the reason some people are giving you different answers is because of how you described it. You suggested cocktail dresses or maxi dresses for women. Cocktail dresses would be more semi-formal while maxi dresses would be more casual. They could both be at the same event I suppose just because people dress differently but they don't really fall into the same dress code.

I think the "hostility' (which I'm not seeing) toward non- traditional dress code descriptions is because it's about as clear as mud. If I received an invitation and was told to dress in "creative cocktail" or "resort chic" I'd be like WTF and either call you and ask anyway, make my best guess and hope I'm right, or skip it entirely. If anything, I think you could put pictures of the venue on your website and let your guests take it from there.

I'd say either cocktail attire, or maybe business casual?

Rodney, that's.....not helpful.

I don't understand this. For the record, OP, I think your initial "doing nothing" was correct. I don't get calling a bride asking her what to wear to her wedding...really? You know it's on a mountaintop in Mexico, probably don't need a tuxedo. But also don't wear jeans. It's not difficult.

While I am definitely in the camp of adults know how to dress, I also know the reality of everyone asking you and freaking out without direction. A friend of mine had a cute response when 2-3 weeks out she was bombarded with dress code questions. She made a Pinterest board with minimum and maximum attire suggestions. It was like, "no need to be more fancy than this" and "please at least dress up this much." Their theme was zombies in love which threw some folks off I think. FH was super happy to get the email with the link, he's always concerned about dressing appropriately, and really found it thoughtful.

I'm definitely in camp "adults know how to dress themselves, and I'm happy to have a lot of diversity of dress at my wedding, I just don't want anyone to feel apprehensive or uncomfortable about what to wear."

"Zombies in love" would throw me off too, hahaha. Are guests supposed to dress for the theme?

The language I had originally is: "We will exchange vows in the gardens of a 16th century hacienda in nearby [location]. Immediately following the ceremony, we will share cocktails, then invite you to join us for dinner and dancing. Don't forget comfortable shoes for walking on grass and uneven stone, and layers for a warm afternoon ceremony and chilly dinner after dark." I've included a couple of photos of the venue, and on another page, a TON of information about the town, what to pack, travel planning, etc etc.

I think I'll stick with that for now!

I want to know more about that Zombies in Love wedding.

Yeah your wording is fine. Just be patient and answer those who ask the best you can.