Emma's answers to Dress code

Question

The groom and ushers at our wedding will be wearing morning suits but we are thinking of asking the guests to wear black tie. We are having a winter wedding and wanted the day to be more dressy than formal. Would we be breaking a cardinal rule in combining the two styles?

Answer

While of course it is your day and you can choose whatever you want, it should be remembered that even when the dress code is morning dress, many of your guests will still wear lounge suits so by introducing yet another dress style into the day, you are likely to end up with an assortment of outfits. Remember too, that the wedding photographs may include the men in your wedding party who will be in morning dress standing shoulder to shoulder with other guests in black tie.

Dress for weddings should never be stipulated on the invitation but passed by word of mouth. Usually guests follow the lead of the bride's parents, so you need to be sure that everyone will get the message. Also, if you are asking guests to wear black tie, it's worth bearing in mind that they may have to hire a suit for your wedding which will therefore cost them money.

Do think carefully if you intend to mix your styles and only do so if you are confident that your guests will all turn up in the right outfits, otherwise I think it could be something you may regret.

Emma x