Each Wednesday, we tackle wedding etiquette. At times, it’s a reader question or one from a colleague, friend or family member and other times we’ll cover a popular issue. (Note: Questions may be edited for clarity and brevity.)
Question: We’re working on our wedding invitations. The venue is elegant and lavish, so to vibe with that atmosphere, we want guests to break out their best and dress in formal attire. I’ve seen ‘black tie optional’ on invitations, but we don’t want to make it an option. How should we word our wedding invitations to indicate formal attire?
Answer: This is a great question. It’s always best to be direct with details like attire, so guests know what’s expected. Include the information in more than one place. For example, on the wedding invitation at the lower left or right corner of the invitation or the bottom center or in a separate details card included with the invitation, and on your wedding website. The wording can be anything from ‘Dress Formal’ to
‘Dress Code: Formal’ or ‘Formal Attire.’ It also can’t hurt to ask attendants, as well as close family and friends to spread the word.
Do you have a solution to share or a wedding etiquette question? EmailMelanie@MyNewOrleans.com.
