[am2010]

We chose to have our ceremony and reception at a country club, of which my fiance is a member. The clubhouse manager emphasized the importance of proper guest attire in accordance with the club's strict dress code. It is an evening wedding, and the bridal party attire is formal. We aren't requesting black tie (it is not so formal that men need to be dressed in tuxedos,) but we need guests to be aware that proper dress is required. It seems like common sense to dress appropriately for an evening wedding, but I want to avoid any conflicts should a guest still arrive in jeans, etc. I know it is inappropriate to state it on the invitations (which are ceremony/reception) since we are not requesting formal attire. How do I tell guests about the site's dress code? Thanks in advance for any advice.

This post has been edited by TWQadmin: 23 August 2025 - 03:44 PM

[Etiquette Now]

Dear Am,

You are right that is does seem like common sense, but some people just don't have it. Most often we have ladies showing up in red strapless dresses with so much skin showing that all eyes are straying from the happy couple all evening. And, then there are those who can't leave their jeans at home for even one evening.

So, we have been forced to think outside the box a bit and include dress code information as an enclosure with our wedding invitations. You can detail this information with examples of appropriate attire or simply give them the rules of the club.

Best wishes,