Is it ok not to have a dress code?

I've never received an invitation that explicitly states dress code so I think you are fine

Unless you are at a venue with a specified dress code, the answer is, no.

I think they say the style/formality of the invitations is "code" for the dress code? I didn't mention anything about dress code on mine.

A dress code should never be specified on a wedding invitation, other than black tie.

The reasoning is that you should not appear to imply that your guests are too stupid to figure out appropriate clothing.

You can include some guidance on your website if you are having one.

"The ground at the farm may be soft so choose your footwear with this in mind."

I've never received an invitation that included a dress code. I'd imagine people would dress appropriately if they were attending a ceremony in a church. I would hope at least.

I was invited to one wedding that specified no dress code on the invitation and it threw many people off. I also think the end result was more of a family reunion party then wedding.

Although I agree most invites don't include a dress code and MOST people will pick up on the style of dress by the invite.....i had my wedding at a barn (not hay bales and horse barn) but a wedding venue refinished barn, and I was AMAZED at all the people that thought because it was at a "barn" that they could wear jeans, boots, etc basically farm attire. Now I am not against jeans and boots, the groom/groomsmen were dressed in nice levis, brown boots and suit coats, but some people they hear barn and take it to the extreme. So be cautious if you don't want people looking like they just plowed a field lol i put dressy casual on my wedding website and also told parents in case anyone asked them. Even my sister, a bridesmaid, in a GOWN, tried to talk me into letting her wear combat boots because it was at a "barn".

Thank you! Good to know it's not common on the invite! @Nikol yes, I figure people will see the church ceremony and can figure out what to wear from that. @muriel, good tip about footwear recommendations! Our cocktail hour will be in the garden on grass

I've never seen it on an invite. The only time I've seen it even discussed was on the wedding website and I've only seen it twice, once for a very formal event and once when the bride requested everyone wear white.

Kat I'd honestly put in on your wedding website and spread by word of mouth. I'm actually getting asked what type of attire I expect from my guests, but we are inviting mostly family. Good luck!

@lrucras, thanks for sharing your experience. Yes, this barn wedding thing is tricky! I'm hoping that since the ceremony is in a church people will dress for that first but I am definitely a bit concerned that people will see farm and think "farmer attire" lol, I've thought about putting "garden party attire" or "garden formal" on the website but I don't want to annoy people by making up a confusing dress code so I'll probably just skip it.

I've not told people how to dress, but I did make sure they knew it was an outdoor wedding.

I did not include dress code on our invites.

On my wedding website I added dress code is casual since I had people who asked.

@lrucras-honest question. If you GM were wearing jeans and boots why would you expect your guests to wear suits?

I've never seen dress code on an invitation unless it was black tie, Barns are not black tie so you are good

You pretty much don't include dress code info on your invitations unless you're having a black tie event. Most guests will note the look of your invitations and the type of venue and will be able to judge the formality level from that and dress accordingly.

If your church has any rules about keeping your shoulders covered, it may be wise to mention something like that on your website, or if you were getting married at a country club type venue that maybe had a dress code and required suit jackets or ties, it would be nice to also mention that info on your website about your venue. Also, if your guests will be spending any time on unpaved areas, like grass, it would be good to mention this on your website and recommend that ladies avoid wearing heels. But, if there's no tips like this that are specific to your venue about attire, I see no reason to specify a dress code even on the website.

A good idea may be to provide a link to your venue's website on your wedding website. That way, any guest in doubt about the formality level can check out the venue's website and see pictures of the venue and see just how fancy or casual the feel of the venue really is.

My cousin Debbie's wedding stated "Black tie affaire" on the bottom of the invitation. This was many years ago. No biggie. She was a formal girl and everybody got a kick out of wearing a black tie.

The only time that I have seen a dress code on an invitation, is when it was held at a private club that has a dress code.

Many private clubs will not allow denim (sometimes shorts). So, in that case, something may need to be mentioned.

Other than that, your guests will either knew by the style of the invitation they receive, or if they are confused, they will call you to ask.

I agree with PP, as long as its not black tie formal, there is no need to specify. People will get the idea of it from your venue & invitations.