When going through the invitation process with clients, In our consultation we chat about the The Who, What, When, Where, Why type of questions. Then I send a questionnaire with more specific details, and this is what I use to put together the proper wording for the invitation, response card and any additional cards. One of the topics in both of these is Attire!

It’s OKAY to put the attire on a wedding invitation! Trust me, your guests will appreciate it. They want to know that when they’re getting ready for your wedding that they aren’t going to be over or under dressed for your big day. They’ll know ahead of time and can plan accordingly and can be comfortable with their choice.
So today I figured I would explain the different types of attire that can be listed on a wedding invitation so there is no guessing game when you’re trying to figure out what you want to tell your guests.​

Casual Attire
Casual attire is just that, casual. Guests can dress informally, often suggesting dressy casual attire such as slacks and a button-down shirt for men, and a sundress or nice blouse with slacks or a skirt for women.

Semi-Formal / Cocktail Attire
\This is probably the most common type of attire.Men are expected to wear suits or sport coats and ties, while women usually wear cocktail dresses or elegant separates.

Formal or Black Tie Optional
This attire is a more formal style, but not necessarily a full black-tie wedding. While formal attire is suggested, guests have the option to wear a tuxedo or a dark suit for men and a formal gown or cocktail dress for women.

Black Tie
This would be considered the most formal style of wedding attire. Guests are expected to wear formal evening attire, typically including tuxedos for men and elegant evening gowns for women.

There are a few other styles that would be appropriate for specific occasions.  Such as a Destination/Beach Wedding, or a Cultural Wedding with specific cultural traditions.  

Beach Attire / Tropical Casual
Common for destination weddings, guests are encouraged to wear light, breezy clothing suitable for a beach or tropical setting, such as linen shirts and sundresses.

Traditional Cultural Attire
In weddings that celebrate cultural traditions, guests may be encouraged or required to wear specific traditional clothing.

Theme Attire
If the wedding has a specific theme, such as a costume party or a period theme, the invitation may indicate appropriate attire related to the theme. (White party anyone?)

Asking for cash instead of wedding gifts can be a delicate matter, as it may go against traditional wedding etiquette in some cultures. However, it's becoming increasingly common for couples to prefer cash gifts for various reasons, such as funding their honeymoon, saving for a down payment on a house, or covering wedding expenses. Here's a guide on how to politely communicate this preference to your guests:

1. Use Clear and Tactful Language: Frame your request in a polite and gracious manner. You can include phrases such as:
   • "Your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift we could ask for. However, if you wish to honor us with a gift, we would be grateful for a contribution towards [insert purpose, e.g., honeymoon fund, home renovation, etc.]."
   • "In lieu of traditional wedding gifts, we kindly request your support in helping us start our life together. Monetary gifts would be greatly appreciated."
2. Explain the Reasoning: Providing a brief explanation for why you prefer cash gifts can help guests understand your request better. For example:
   • "As we are planning to move to a new home shortly after our wedding, contributions towards our savings fund would be immensely helpful in making this transition smoother."
   • "We are excited to embark on our honeymoon adventure and would be grateful for any contributions towards making it an unforgettable experience."
3. Offer Alternatives: Some guests may prefer to give physical gifts, so it's considerate to offer alternatives. You can include phrases like:
   • "While monetary gifts are appreciated, please know that your presence at our celebration is what truly matters. If you prefer to give a physical gift, we have registered at [insert registry information]."
   • "Your love and support mean the world to us. If you would like to contribute in a different way, we have a small registry available at [insert registry information]."
4. Communicate through the Wedding Invitation: Avoid directly mentioning gifts on the wedding invitation itself, as it's considered poor etiquette. Instead, include a separate enclosure card with your invitation that conveys your preference for cash gifts tactfully.
5. Utilize Online Platforms: If you have a wedding website, you can include more detailed information about your gift preferences there. Make sure the website is accessible to all guests, and include a link or QR code to it on your invitation.

Remember that while it's acceptable to express your preference for cash gifts, it's essential to do so with tact and consideration for your guests' feelings. Some may still choose to give physical gifts, and it's important to appreciate and thank them graciously regardless of their choice.

Honoring grandparents at your wedding is a beautiful way to recognize their importance in your life and make them feel cherished on your special day. Here are some special ways to do just that:

1. Reserved Seating Designate a special section or rows of seats near the front for your grandparents. Place reserved signs with their names to ensure they have prime seats to witness the ceremony.
2. Family Heirlooms: Incorporate family heirlooms, such as jewelry, handkerchiefs, or a piece of clothing, into your wedding attire or bouquet. This can be a touching tribute to your family's history and heritage.
3. Memory Table: Set up a memory table at the entrance or reception area with photos and mementos of your grandparents who are no longer with you. This allows their memory to be present on your special day.
4. Special Dances: Dedicate a special dance to your grandparents during the reception. You can have a father-daughter dance, mother-son dance, and a grandparent-grandchild dance to honor them.
5. Personalized Gifts: Give your grandparents personalized gifts, such as custom photo frames, engraved jewelry, or a heartfelt letter, expressing your gratitude and love.
6. Include Them in the Ceremony: This is my faveorite!  Involve your grandparents in the ceremony itself. They could do a reading, light a unity candle, or share a special blessing or prayer.  Need a ring bearer, or flower girl?  Grandparents are just the cutest doing these roles!
7. Escort Down the Aisle: If your grandparents are physically able, consider having them escort you down the aisle or be part of your processional. It's a touching way to involve them in the ceremony.
8. Acknowledgment in the Program: Include a special section in your wedding program that acknowledges and thanks your grandparents for their presence and love. (Have you seen our customized programs?  We can add grandparents characters as well!
9. Bouquet Dedication: After the ceremony, present your bouquet to your grandmother as a symbol of passing on love and tradition.
10. Table Settings: Consider naming your reception tables after your grandparents or incorporating their names into the table settings or centerpieces.

Remember that the specific gestures you choose to honor your grandparents should reflect your relationship with them and their preferences. It's about celebrating their presence and love on your wedding day in a way that feels meaningful to all of you.