Should You Give Your Guests A Wedding Dress Code?
Some brides and grooms are very particular about what their weddings are like. They may even care deeply about what their guests wear and how they look on the big day. If that describes you, then you may want to think of dropping a line about dress code on your invitations. It may seem rude, but many guests actually prefer it if you tell them what to wear since it removes some of the guesswork. Still, though, it’s ultimately your decision, so you should give some thoughts to the upsides and downsides of dress codes.
The Positives
The nice thing about a dress code is that, if your guests adhere to it, no one will feel out of place. Everyone will be wearing the same style of clothing and dressed up to the same degree. Additionally, your wedding pictures are likely to look a lot more uniform and in line with your wedding vision. So, if you feel comfortable setting some dress guidelines for your guests, go ahead and do it.
The Negatives
While most guests will understand a well-worded dress code, others may take offense. Thus, be prepared to deal with some bristling or discomfort. You might have to explain your reasoning to a guest or two. Also, there is no guarantee that everyone will take your dress code seriously or abide by it, so be prepared for that.
Considerations
If you do opt for a dress code, keep a few things in mind. For one, you don’t want to make any guest feel uncomfortable if they don’t have extra fancy clothes or clothes that fit your desired theme or aesthetics. So, be nice to everyone, no matter what they show up in. Also, aim to make your dress code sound like a suggestion more than a rule. That way, people will still feel comfortable coming no matter what’s hanging in their closet. And, speaking of comfort, consider the temperature and setting as you give dress suggestions. People probably aren’t going to want to wear suits on the beaches of Maui, for example.
Whether you create a dress code or not is your call. It’s perfectly okay to have concerns about what your guests wear, and it’s okay not to as well. Or, you might just decide clothes aren’t worth the risk of hurting someone’s feelings. There’s no wrong decision on this matter. Just take the time to make the right decision for you.
