Reception venue has some 'rules' , need to let guests know in polite way.

The only rule you really need to tell guests in advance is the heels rule. If you have a wedding website I would put it on there as a “what to wear” section and just state the reason why (historical building).

All the other rules you can have signs up around the venue that say “smoking outside” or “please recycle” with a recycling bin next to every trash can, etc.

We did an faq page on our website that explained things like parking, you have to be in time, whether kids are invited, no vaping on balcony, etc.

But I don't see how you could tell people not to wear high heels...

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I will just have to include this on invite & on website.

it's in our T+C of the hall and there's actual signs in the hall.

I'm basically not letting anyone in with heels; i'll be the one having to pay for damages otherwise...

I think the website alone won’t be enough bc ppl may not look or see it. Tons of ppl wear heels to weddings. I think you should put a little insert in with the invite and rsvp. I tried to find wording for you but I couldn’t really find anything. This sign is cute and even though the wording doesn’t exactly apply to you, you could use it as a starting point. You could have a basket of ballet flats or flip flops for ppl who wore heels anyway.

Yeah, everything else but the heels line should be sufficient to just put on your website, but definitely make it VERY clear about heels and have a bunch of cheap flip flops on hand for anyone who might wear them anyways.

Put it on your website. Word of mouth. Texts / emails and I would also suggest putting it on your STDs and your invitations.

It's on my website around 3 times.

I don't have enough to buy extra shoes...I mean,
if they can't follow this when i've repeatedly said it then
i don't want them to waste my time tbh.

thanks for the image its super helpful!

I do not know about just putting it in the wedding website. In all honesty there is a small chance your older guest would look at the wedding website. I do not even know if I i I would check a wedding website. I have not heard of them till I came on here. I would also maybe do word of mouth and put a note in with your invite.

Seriously buy some cheap flip flops. They can be got for a dollar a pair. I’m fairly young and never look at wedding websites. I also am proportioned in a way that flats are unflattering - I own literally one pair. I may not be your every guest but what will you do if someone doesn’t get the message andvwears heels to a wedding which would not be uncommon? Tell them they have to go buy another pair of shoes or they can’t come in??

You picked a venue venue that doesn’t allow a common type of footwear and that is fine but helping your guests be comfortable and able to attend your wedding with this rule in place is on you.

This is certainly a unique problem. I know I love my heels! And because I think bad news should rhyme, how about this...

Due to the historic wood in the building,
We must adhere to this guide -
Heels are absolutely prohibited
Even for the bride!

Having fun with you is what we adore,
but we don’t want our dancing to damage the floor.

Good luck! Hope that helps.

Of course as PP suggested, also have lots of flip flops on hand. As word gets our make sure they know they can wear heels in some areas (if that’s the case) for photos, etc. and encourage them to bring their own pair of flats. I personally hate flip flops and would happily bring alternative footwear if possible.

View Quoted Comment Yeah, I would definitely provide a basket of flip flops. You can buy them pretty cheap - definitely cheaper than any damages you’d be responsible for! It will be frustrating if guests don’t pay attention to the info you provided but I would rather be safe than sorry and provide a cheap change of shoes.

View Quoted Comment This is perfect. I was also thinking that a cute rhyme would be a good way to get the message across.And totally agree with PPs that you should get dollar store flip flops and have them in a basket for the guests who didn't get the message (or chose to ignore it)

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I usually hate cutesy rhymes and this one I think is kind of cute! It would work great for an insert on your invite!

I would write on the invitations no heels allowed and put a small footnote to go on your website for more info. You can then explain on your website in an FAQ that the venue has said no to heels and if someone wears heels it will be at your expense. if you tell others that you will have to pay a lot of money for their mistake, more people will be willing to follow the rules.

A huge number of historic homes and mansions have a no small tip high heels allowed rule, those with at least 1.5 inch across blocks, or continuous platform soles or espadrilles are allowed. The original floors may not be super hardwoods, and are 2.7 inches thick. And need to have the whole floor sanded, down as much as a quarter inch, to get rid of depressions made by small heels, or dragging furniture. And lots of public buildings open to events outside business hours do not allow any small heel, or any type of platform or block heel over 2", OSHA and insurance standards for slip and fall liability. There is no divine or constitutional right to wear pointy high heels. Like at the beach, most people just respect it. Every venue I have been to with restrictions, the venue had turned away at the door anyone not respecting the rules. Ballet slipper flats or Chinese cloth shoes are very practical too, for those who wear pantyhose and do not want either a thong flip flop, or runs in stockings from back or sides of feet scraping things.

You might consider including a "venue restrictions" insert with your formal invitation. These rules seem pretty serious to the venue and I don't trust everyone to visit the website so I'd want to ensure that people are able to see it in multiple ways.

I would definitely include the information on the invitation. Not everyone will look at your wedding website. I know I personally don't always check out the wedding website because the invitation has the information I need. It would suck if people important to you weren't able to attend your wedding because they didn't check the website.

Honestly since it's such an unusual rule I would spend some money and buy some cheap flip flops in varying sizes. You can get them for $1 and personally it would be worth it to me to spend if it meant having someone I care about at my wedding. Since it's such an unusual and uncommon rule I wouldn't be mad or upset at someone forgetting about it.

View Quoted Comment This. And not a cutesy poem they might not take seriously. It needs to say strongly, No high heels, and no small pointy low heels. And to say, venue security will not let you in the building if you wear these heels, due to the damage they cause historic softwood floors. Espadrille style shoe and large block heels are fine if you want a 2 inch height shoe. You must wear or bring flats or slippers ( flip flops or ballet slippers OK.) We would hate to see guests not allowed in for cocktails and the dinner reception.>>> Something people take seriously. Not cute.