Wedding Attire for Wedding Invitations
Wedding Attire for Wedding Invitations: How to Clearly Communicate Your Dress Code
Choosing the right wedding attire and clearly communicating your dress code are important parts of planning a seamless wedding day. As a Midwest wedding photographer serving Eau Claire, Wisconsin; Minneapolis; St. Paul; Duluth; and beyond, I often hear guests say they wish they had more guidance before the big day.
Whether you’re searching for a wedding photographer in Eau Claire, WI, a Wisconsin wedding photographer, or a Minnesota wedding photographer near me, this guide is designed to help couples set clear expectations while elevating the overall guest experience.
Clear dress code wording helps your guests feel confident, comfortable, and appropriately dressed—while also ensuring your wedding photos look cohesive and timeless.
Why Wedding Dress Code Wording Matters
Your wedding invitation is one of the first touches guests have with your wedding day. For couples planning weddings in Eau Claire, across Wisconsin, or across Minnesota, dress code clarity is especially important given seasonal weather and diverse venue styles.
From elegant ballroom celebrations photographed by a Minneapolis or St. Paul wedding photographer, to outdoor lakefront weddings captured by a Duluth or Eau Claire wedding photographer, attire guidance ensures your guests arrive dressed appropriately for both comfort and style.
Clear wording also reduces guest confusion, cuts down on last-minute questions, and contributes to polished, consistent wedding imagery.
White Tie Attire
White tie is the most formal wedding dress code and is typically reserved for luxury, evening weddings in grand venues.
How to word it on the invitation: White Tie Attire Requested
What this means for guests: Men should wear black tailcoats, formal white shirts, white bow ties, and black formal shoes. Women should wear full-length evening gowns.
This dress code is ideal for historic venues, upscale Minneapolis or St. Paul ballrooms, and formal winter weddings.
Black Tie Attire
Black-tie weddings are elegant, timeless, and still quite formal without being as strict as white-tie weddings.
How to word it on the invitation: Black Tie Attire
What this means for guests: Men should wear tuxedos. Women should wear formal gowns, either floor-length or elegant midi styles.
Black tie works beautifully for evening weddings in Minneapolis and St. Paul, and for destination-style Duluth weddings with luxury hotel receptions.
Formal or Black Tie Optional Attire
This is one of the most popular dress codes because it allows guests flexibility while maintaining an elevated look.
How to word it on the invitation: Formal Attire or Black Tie Optional
What this means for guests: Men may wear a tuxedo or a dark, tailored suit. Women should wear formal dresses or elegant evening pantsuits in their choice of color.
This option is perfect for Midwest weddings where guests may be traveling from different climates or comfort levels.
Cocktail Attire
Cocktail attire strikes a balance between semi-formal and black-tie optional.
How to word it on the invitation: Cocktail Attire
What this means for guests: Men should wear a suit and tie. Women should wear knee-length, midi, or tea-length dresses.
Cocktail attire is ideal for modern Minneapolis weddings, rooftop venues, winery weddings, and stylish barn venues throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Dressy Casual or Semi-Formal Attire
Dressy casual or semi-formal attire is popular for daytime weddings and outdoor celebrations.
How to word it on the invitation: Dressy Casual Attire
What this means for guests: Men may wear suits or sport coats with dress pants. Women should wear dresses or dressy pants. Seasonal fabrics and colors are encouraged.
Midwest seasonal tip: Spring and summer weddings pair well with lighter fabrics and colors, while fall and winter weddings benefit from richer tones and layering options.
Festive Attire
Festive attire is a newer and increasingly popular dress code that encourages personality and fun.
How to word it on the invitation: Festive Attire Encouraged
What this means for guests: Men should wear suits with bold ties or creative pocket squares. Women can wear cocktail or party dresses in vibrant colors paired with playful accessories and heels or dressy flats.
Festive attire works especially well for holiday weddings, New Year’s Eve celebrations, and reception-forward wedding days.
Casual Attire
Casual attire typically signals a relaxed, outdoor, or destination-style wedding.
How to word it on the invitation: Casual Attire
What this means for guests: Men may wear lightweight suits or dress shirts with slacks. Women should wear cocktail-style dresses or relaxed wedding-appropriate attire.
Even in casual attire, guests should avoid overly informal clothing, such as shorts, flip-flops, or athletic wear, unless specifically stated.
Themed Weddings
Themed weddings invite guests to participate in a specific aesthetic or color palette.
How to word it on the invitation: All White Wedding Attire Requested
or
Please join us in our themed celebration by wearing all-white casual wedding attire. No ties or jackets required.
While themed attire isn’t traditional, clear and friendly wording ensures guests feel excited rather than unsure.
Additional Midwest Wedding Attire Tips
Consider adding a short line about terrain or weather, especially for outdoor weddings in Minnesota, Wisconsin, or along Lake Superior. Let guests know if grass, sand, or uneven surfaces are involved so they can choose practical footwear.
Including a wedding website link with expanded attire guidance is also helpful and keeps invitations clean.
Final Thoughts from Your Midwest Wedding Photographer
As a Midwest wedding photographer serving Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth, and surrounding areas, I always encourage couples to think beyond tradition and focus on the guest experience.
Clear attire guidance allows guests to relax, enjoy the celebration, and show up feeling confident—while also enhancing the visual story captured by your Eau Claire wedding photographer, Wisconsin wedding photographer, or Minnesota wedding photographer.
If you’re searching for a wedding photographer near me who values both storytelling and thoughtful planning, clear communication about the dress code is one of the easiest ways to elevate your wedding day from start to finish.