how to tell guests its formal-

We had "Semi Formal Attire" placed on our reception card, so I don't think it's out of line to put "Formal Attire" on your invitations.

When you say formal, how formal do you mean? Be careful with that, I would think a long formal gown for that, and I certainly wouldn't want to walk on the beach in such a dress.

I think Kimmi's suggestion of putting it on the reception card is good, or simply have formal invitations that convey that vibe. STD and the website are also good places, but if someone isn't going to get kicked out for what they're wearing, so folks may still be more casual than you would like.

Hi "Soon To Be Mrs. Z"!

Although this could be done in a number of ways, you’ve got the right idea in going with placing it on the Save The Dates. However, it is also very acceptable to place it on the invitations as well. You want to CLEARLY define what you mean by formal. Formal is very vague. Guests never want to feel that they have worn something inappropriate for the occasion (over or under dressed). Your guest need to know if you mean dressy casual, “Sunday-do-to-meeting”, black-tie, etc. So when listing attire specifications on your Save the Dates use terms like “cocktail attire” or “black-tie” to give your guests an idea of the level of formality. You could even have your Save the Dates printed on a formal attire invite; maybe something quirky shaped like a tux or cocktail dress. So don’t stress, just specify the attire and enjoy your day no matter they show up in.

Best Wishes,

Tricia Holter

T.H.E. Events Planning

678.909.0663

*******@***********.***

www.eventsbythe.com

Great thread! You've officially helped me decide that my save the dates will set the first tone! Cocktail Attire! (o:

Thanks for posting Soon to Be Mrs. Z!

"Black tie optional" was on an invitation I received recently.

I guess beaches are cooler in OR than in Fla. in August. Here, you'd have guests passing out from the heat!

I would leave it to word of mouth via your mom, FMIL, FFIL, and bridal party.

You could put it on an enclosure card. Just explain you dont want jeans but nothing extremely fancy

Ive decided on cocktail attire for the save the dates somehow to squeeze it in. My STD is just a photo with date and place then i am including a postcard with a ryhme that says "our date is fast apporoaching and we just cant wait. so place this magnet on your fridge and be sure to save the date!"

Then i put our website address and below that I can put formal cocktail attire prefered for wedding?? or what should it say?

How formal exactly do you want it? Black tie? White tie?

I believe that when I see a very elaborate invite that it's a formal affair, I plan on handing out formal looking invites, and will also have it by word of mouth that it's going to be formal. I'm hoping they realize that without me having to say it, being my wedding will be at one of the more formal venues in my area.

Not black tie but no jeans

Simply say it. Don't feel bad about specifying a particular dress code for your special day. Like I said before, you want people to know exactly what you would like them to wear. I find that most of my brides wanting "formal attire" at their wedding typically mean not quite a tux, but no jeans and flip-flops either. "Cocktail Attire" gives your guest the idea that they should dress in a semi-formal manner. Give your guests the benefit of the doubt though, if you are clear in specifying the level of formality I'm sure they will be able to figure out what is appropriate to wear.

Best Wishes,

Tricia Holter

T.H.E. Events Planning

678.909.0663

*******@***********.***

www.eventsbythe.com

To me, "formal" means black tie optional, which means I wear a gown. Cocktail attire hits the nail on the head for dresses and suits.

I do have a question though. You are getting married on the beach in August. Do you have shade for your guests or are you making accomodations to keep them out of direct sunlight? If not, I wouldn't expect your guests to wear a suit and tie and a dress.

I think "resort dress" would be a better approach in the heat of the summer. "Resort Dress" tells me I could wear a sun dresses and the hubbie could wear khakis and a collared shirt(albeit a Polo or a tropical.)

Where is the reception being held? For me if I received an invite to a beach wedding with "Formal cocktail attire", I would think WTH? So I'm suppose to wear heels to the beach??? I think sometimes the venue really sets the tone for the type of clothing that should be worn. My friend recently got married and she placed on her invites "Cocktail attire requested" although the wedding was held at a ranch and the reception was in a hall with neon beer signs. Needless to say, people showed up in jeans.