How to let guests know what they should/shouldn't wear

I've seen "flat shoes recommended" on invites before!

As a guest, I would not find it rude to read on a website something along the lines of "due to venue style, heels are not recommended" or something like Richard recommended. If anything, I'd be very grateful for it.

I am the least detail oriented person ever! I'd probably see the picture of your venue, think "oh how beautiful" and never notice the wood chips or think about shoes.

This isn't telling your guests what to wear, or requesting a specific attire, it's just a suggestion. A suggestion that may contribute to your guests comfort and thus overall experience.

Omg beautiful venue! You can add a little something on your wedding website to suggest proper shoes.

Please don't tell aduts how to dress. The tone of your invites and where you are holding your wedding will indicate the formality of the event.

I have been to many, many, many weddings and it has never crossed my mind, even when it was a casual wedding, to wear shorts and a tank top.

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Absolutely, don’t tell guests or even “strongly recommend “ what guests should wear to a wedding. Our niece is getting married in July and wants all guests to wear black and/or white! Really?! Who’s the bride and groom, after all? We won’t be told what to wear and simply will not attend... Even the bride’s grandmother is considering not attending. She purchased a brand new dress for the event and it’s NOT black/white, so what’s she supposed to do? ! I think this bride is in for a disappointing turnout...

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LOL! Those heel protectors look like the bottom of a cane! Leave the stilettos at home and be sensible!

Seems like your concern is mainly with people wearing safe footwear. So you can provide an attire suggestion by making a simple statement like, “Due to the venue’s terrain, heels and open toe shoes are discouraged”. I feel like footwear choices dictate the dressiness. So knowing about the terrain will inform people that it’s not formal. But, they know it’s still a wedding and I don’t think your guests will wear T-shirts and shorts.

I just made sure to add something along the lines of “you’re invited to our outdoor wedding”. They should get the jist! I’m also DIY a shelf to be used for anyone to remove their shoes if they choose to! I know I will be!

Don’t say anything unless guests ask. Unless the venue requires a specific dress code for entry, trust your guests to be adults who have been dressing themselves for years.

If the name of the venue includes or implies ranch/farm, I would automatically assume to wear flats.