Guide
Attire wording for black tie, black tie optional, cocktail, casual and beach
Updated November 7, 2026
Guests worry about what to wear more than almost anything else on an invitation. Zola’s First Look Report 2026 found that 54% of its couples used AI to answer etiquette questions such as dress codes, which tells you how often the question comes up. The fix is simple: name the dress code, then explain it in one plain sentence.
Where the dress code goes
On a formal printed invitation, the Emily Post Institute advises leaving attire off, with one exception: if necessary, “Black tie” may be written in the lower right corner. Everything else belongs on your wedding website, where there is room to explain. Shutterfly’s samples use the word attire (“Black-tie attire requested”, “Cocktail attire”, “Beach attire recommended”), and The Knot’s guide calls it the dress code. Either is fine; we label the field “Attire” on the invitation.
If your weekend has several events, give each one its own attire line. A welcome party, a black-tie reception and a farewell brunch need three different answers.
What each dress code usually means
These are the one-line explanations the Honored builder fills in for you. Edit them to match your wedding: “cocktail” at a beach bar is not “cocktail” at a hotel ballroom.
| Dress code | One-line explanation |
|---|---|
| Black tie | Tuxedos or dark formal suits with a bow tie; floor-length gowns or elegant formal dresses. |
| Black tie optional | A tuxedo or a dark suit and tie; a long gown, formal cocktail dress or dressy separates. |
| Formal | Dark suits and ties; long dresses, formal cocktail dresses or elegant separates. |
| Cocktail | Suits, with or without a tie; knee-length or midi dresses, or dressy jumpsuits. |
| Semi-formal | A suit or blazer with slacks; a dress, skirt or tailored separates. |
| Dressy casual | Slacks or chinos with a collared shirt; a sundress, skirt or smart separates. No jeans. |
| Casual | Whatever you feel good in. Comfortable shoes are a good idea. |
| Beach | Light fabrics like linen and cotton; flat sandals or shoes that can handle sand. |
Notice that none of these say “men” or “women”. Describing the clothes rather than the wearer works for every guest.
Wording you can copy
On a formal card (lower right)
Black tie
On the website, per event
A tuxedo or a dark suit and tie; a long gown, a formal cocktail dress or dressy separates.
Come as you are after traveling, just no jeans. The terrace gets cool after sunset; bring a layer.
Sunglasses and comfortable shoes.
Add the practical part
The most useful attire notes are about the ground and the weather, not the label:
- “The ceremony is on the lawn; block heels or flats will save your evening.”
- “The barn is not heated. Bring a jacket for after dark.”
- “We are on the sand: bare feet are welcome during the ceremony.”
- “The chapel asks guests to cover their shoulders.”
In Honored, these go in each event’s notes, right under the attire line, so guests see them next to the time and the Directions button.
Colors, themes and cultural dress
If you have a request beyond the dress code, say it once and kindly:
Cocktail attire. We would love to see you in jewel tones, but please wear what makes you happy.
Sangeet · Cocktail or festive Indian wear. Bright colors welcome, and dance-friendly shoes.
Mehndi · Dressy casual. Short sleeves make henna easier.
For a multi-event celebration, a short “What to wear” FAQ answer that links back to the schedule helps guests who are new to the traditions. If guests are invited to wear clothing from a culture that is not their own, it is kind to say so explicitly so nobody has to guess whether it is welcome.
Things to avoid
- Invented dress codes with no explanation. “Garden glam” or “mountain chic” needs a sentence underneath.
- Rules about bodies. Describe garments, not who should wear them.
- Too many rules. One request (a color, a shoe warning) is helpful; five is a uniform.
- Silence. If you leave attire off entirely, guests will text you. Every one of them.
Checklist
- A dress code for each event, with a one-line explanation.
- Weather and ground notes where they matter.
- At most one style request, phrased as an invitation, not an order.
- Only “Black tie” (if anything) on a formal printed card.
Questions couples ask
Where does the dress code go?
On your wedding website, on each event, with a one-sentence explanation. On a formal printed card, only “Black tie” in the lower right corner, if anything.
What is the difference between black tie and black tie optional?
Black tie means tuxedos or dark formal suits with a bow tie, and floor-length gowns or elegant formal dresses. Black tie optional means a tuxedo or a dark suit and tie, and a long gown, a formal cocktail dress or dressy separates.
What does cocktail attire mean at a wedding?
Suits, with or without a tie; knee-length or midi dresses, or dressy jumpsuits. Add a note if the venue changes that, such as a beach bar or a lawn.