Dress code on invitations

Seeing as black is a very popular color, I don't think there is a nice way to tell other guests they can't wear that color especially if they would then have to go out and buy something different just to wear to your wedding.

View Quoted Comment Not that they can’t wear some of black just not a full complete black suit if that makes sense

That’s great that you are wanting to be incredibly organized! Before doing anything though, my suggestion would be to first familiarize yourself with wedding etiquette. For example, it is a faux pas to tell guests what colors to wear/not wear. You also should not list attire on invitations (the only exception would be if you were hosting a black tie or white tie event).

You can do something like this and change the words around for example “ below is the colors of the wedding party we’d appreciate if you refrain from wearing these colors! Thank you “ something along those lines!

I think it will be hard for many males to follow semi formal while not wearing black. I know my FH only wears black out for weddings and formal attire because he will sweat through any other color.

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If you want your groom and Father to coordinate or have special designation, they can wear matching boutonnieres. There will be no question as to who are special in your family.

Most guests choose to wear the same clothes to weddings for simplicity. If you ask, I would do so politely over the phone, but be prepared guests will come in what they have or decline entirely. Ps. older people in particular do not like to be told what to wear, no matter the advance notice.

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I know that is just an example and not your own color palette, but I think that couple was not successful in getting what they want. Guests probably showed up in plain black or declined. Black tie optional and polarizing formal wear colors are not a good combination.

Black, navy, and gray are probably the most common suit colors, so if you're expecting people to wear suits, odds are that some will wear black. Michelle's suggestion to call people is probably your best bet, but that might not go over exceptionally well.

It’s generally frowned upon to tell people what colors they can or can’t wear to a wedding. As Alyssa mentioned, it will definitely be hard for many males to adhere to that rule with a semi-formal wedding. As Michelle said, boutonnières will help them stand out as honored family.


I can say from experience other guests’ attire will not really make or break your photos from the day. Only the wedding party and family portraits mattered much with our wedding. We didn’t even do family together with the wedding party (time allowance and also we didn’t mark it down as a priority on our photographer’s checklist) so no one actually clashed in pictures. I know it’s hard right now, but I promise this is a worry that can be put to rest.

Most men own black suits. It would mean they have to go out and buy an entire new suit for your wedding. You can call people and ask but I think people will come in black anyway or decline if they have to go out and buy new clothes

I have been totally like you and started gathering ideas right away, but in addition to what others have said about it being difficult to keep guests to a color code, I would also say take advantage of the luxury of time and just enjoy being engaged before you get into full planning mode! If you have a vision/color scheme right now that you’re interested in, pin away on Pinterest but you might also keep looking because 2024 is still a ways away and you might see something you like better! Speaking from experience, I’ve changed my mind on a couple things I’m already locked into haha.

You can't. The only colour that you can dictate is for the wedding party themselves.

It's not polite to tell people what to wear to your reception, with the exception of black tie. Black is a really common suit colour, and are you really going to tell people to go purchase a different suit?

"Black tie optional" isn't a real dress code and adding that to a bunch of "suggested" pastel colours just doesn't make sense. Technically, the only dress code that should go on the invitations is black tie, and that's not even really a dress code but more an indication of formality. If you're thinking semi-formal, then that could go on the wedding website.

It's early in your planning (yay!) so you have lots of time to read around on forums and gather ideas. Good luck!

A semi formal dress code will mean a lot of guests, especially men, show up in black. Black is the most formal color. It's also a common default color

If you are doing your own invitations when your writing it up before the date time and place make sure that you say This is a formal wear wedding only

You can't dictate what people wear (unless your venue has actual requirements like jacket and tie for me, or no jeans, etc). Asking people not to wear black is ridiculous.

I did a color dress code

View Quoted Comment You’re acting like I’m asking them to not wear black at all! I mean like a full suit, like they can wear a suit without the black jacket with a white shirt or something

View Quoted Comment See I love that!

View Quoted Comment I can make one for you on procreate!

You could say the color black is "reserved for the groom and dad." Or you can say, we greatly appreciate you honoring our request of having the color black "reserved for the groom and father." I don't think anyone would be offended with stating the above.

I wish you the best on your wedding planning.