What should i tell guests to wear?

I wouldn’t ask for black tie in this instant only to have it matching the wedding party.

Unless you're hosting an actual black-tie event, I wouldn't have a black-tie dress code. I would say formal or black-tie optional if that's really what you're going for. But given the weather, I would probably say semi-formal or formal at the most.

I don't understand the "prevent mismatched dresses in pictures" bit. Do you mean you are worried your guests might wear dresses of different lengths and it will look funny in your pictures? They will and it won't; it will look like a normal wedding.

"Black tie" is not a reasonable request unless you are hosting a very formal wedding with all the trimmings. No one should have to rent a tux and buy a formal, long gown just to attend a wedding where the groom isn't even wearing a tux.

I wouldn't tell your guests what to wear at all. You can suggest "cocktail attire" on your wedding website, but otherwise, just let people know the setting (outdoor) and time. They can check the weather and figure out what works best.

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As stated in my post Maggie, this is for guests who have asked me about the attire. I do not go around telling anyone what to do. Appreciate your insight, but please consider taking it down a notch when giving feedback.

I would just say semi formal, but I would let then know that the weather can sometimes change randomly and to bring a jacket just in case. I don't think you need to do a full on black tie dress code, but it seems like semi formal would be best. That was guest know you are expecting them to dress nicely, but they don't think they need to go spend hundreds of dollars on their attire.

Black tie is a level of hosting, not just a dress code. Unless you’re providing a multi course plated meal, valet parking, a live band, too shelf open bar, etc., you can’t request black tie attire. Cocktail attire would be fine. Your guests don’t need to match your wedding party.

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Okay. Notching down.

Mis-matching in pictures with guests isn't really a thing--it would be nearly impossible to fully prevent clashing of styles. Cocktail attire sounds like the best option.

Similar to PPs, denoting a black tie event comes with a very formal level of wedding with multiple plated courses, top shelf bar, etc. I'd say a step down from that would be "formal attire," but that has a tendency to confuse people, so cocktail would probably work best.

Black tie attire is only for black tie/formal weddings (full top shelf open bar, multi course plated meal, valet, coat check, live band, etc.). I'd just say semi-formal. Our groomsmen were in full suits, both moms were in long dresses, and we said semi-formal and it was totally fine.