Is Elegant an option for Wedding attire??

Yeah I do think that’s too confusing! I’d say formal

You can put “black tie optional”

Yeah, I wouldn’t understand what elegant attire was. I would stick with formal or semi formal.

Yes, you’ll get a lot of questions about what that means. I would use a dress code that people can look up and know exactly what you’re expecting. So nothing is open to interpretation and you won’t be answering the same question a million times.

View Quoted Comment I agree - black tie optional is quite clear.

Yep, either formal or black-tie option would be better. "Elegant" would just confuse people unfortunately!

I don't think you need to list anything. Black tie optional is not a thing - it's black tie or it's not. If you're having the ceremony and reception at upscale venues in the evening in downtown Chicago, your guests will be able to infer the level of formality from that (and your invites should feel fancier as well).

View Quoted Comment Black tie optional is a well documented thing. For men, it means you can choose to wear a tuxedo or choose to wear a suit (typically dark in color). If you look at Rent the Runway, it’s a category for women’s dresses. Stitch Fix and The Knot have articles explaining it. It even has a nail polish named after it (by OPI, probably discontinued these days). It may be confusing to some people, but it’s a thing. It’s the nice way not to require people to purchase or rent tuxedos but achieve the dress code you’re looking for.

View Quoted Comment

Black tie requires a certain level of service by the hosts. If they are truly having the elements of a black tie affair, then a dress code of Black tie is appropriate. If you just want people super dressed up - that's not a thing. Dress codes are not just "what you want people to wear", it is a reflection of rules and standards set by the venue and level of service.

Black tie optional is not a thing.

Thanks everyone for the feedback! We will be making the attire Formal on the invitation as the rest of the wedding is going to be formal as well and it eliminates confusion!

View Quoted Comment Black tie optional is 100% a “thing”. It means you’re requesting your guests wear tuxedos but they have the option to wear a dark colored suit instead. Look it up.
But yes, service and the event in general need to warrant these dress codes.