Dress Code: what it is, importance and how to determine it 

Dress Code is a subject that often raises concerns, especially for those receiving invitations to larger events for the first time.

In general, doubts involve understanding what a dress code is, followed by difficulty in finding the style described by the host.

And, if you are going through this right now, don't worry, because in today's material we will talk everything about the subject.

So, if you want to prepare for a wedding, graduation or even create an invitation for your event, come with us!

Dress Code: what is it?

You have just received an invitation to an event and are super excited to check out the details of the much talked about party.

Everything goes well, until you arrive at a simple piece of information that seems quite complicated, which is the famous dress code.

Especially for those who have never heard of this subject, dress code may seem like that type of technical information that we just ignore.

But, if you do this, know that you will have a great chance of making that faux pas of going to an outdoor wedding during the day wearing a sequin dress and 15 cm platform heels.

This is because, dress code is nothing more than the Dress Code, that is, an indication of the type of attire that should be worn at an event.

The idea of the dress code is to help guests decide on their attire, so that they have guidance when choosing.

So, if you received an invitation with this information, know that the host expects you to follow the recommendation, in order to promote harmony with the style of the party.

Why define a dress code for your event

There are those who say that dress code is for stuck-up people, and those who say that generally believe that each person wears what they want and can.

This view of things is understandable, but, when the intention of this concept is understood, the application and compliance with the dress code starts to make sense.

For example, who has never seen a guest wearing shorts and a football team t-shirt at a wedding? It seems extreme, but it happens.

Or maybe you've already been in the situation of arriving at an event and realizing that the outfit you chose had nothing to do with it. A simple dress code in the event announcement would have saved you from this.

These situations are quite explanatory, but, if you are the host, know that the dress code is as important for you as it is for the guest.

A classic example is when a wedding guest ends up wearing the bridesmaids' colors. Complicated, right?

Therefore, defining a dress code will help you avoid unpleasant situations, as well as bringing more harmony to your event.

How to decide a dress code for your event 

At this point we already understand the importance of the dress code, so if before you thought it was unnecessary, now you know that this is what will save you from having someone wearing a mesh shirt and gym shorts at your 20s party.

But this is still not enough to solve an obvious problem, which is: how to define an outfit for your event?

In addition to the difficulty of choosing the outfit itself, it is also important to worry about communication, so that guests can easily understand and adhere to the hosts' request.

Therefore, here are some practical tips that will help you in this mission:

1. Evaluate the type of event 

Assessing the type of event is the first thing to do when determining the dress code.

This is because each type of event requires specific attire requirements, some with greater formality, others with less.

For example, if you intend to have a costume party with 10 friends, the situation is the same, whereas if the idea is a golden wedding party, everything changes.

If the idea is a costume party, you should think about some points, such as: is the theme free? Should it be elaborate or can it be improvised?

If the idea is something more specific, you can say, for example: dress code: come to Hogwarts. The best “Harry Potter” themed costume will win a prize.

Do you realize that you made it clear that you want commitment from your guests, without having to ask for it?

If it's something more unpretentious, a simple: “Dress code: fantasy (use your imagination)” is enough.

In the case of the Golden Wedding, which is a bigger event, it will require you to think a little more, because:

• What time will the party take place? 
• Is it a simple lunch, or will there be a ceremony? 
• How finesse is the event?

Thinking about these things will help you understand what type of attire you expect for your event.

2. Consider “what you can’t have”

Believe it or not, one of the factors that favors determining a dress code is precisely thinking about what you “can't have”, that is, what you don't want guests to wear.

At a wedding, for example, it is common for brides to specify “please do not wear white, off white and similar tones, as well as avoid bridesmaids' tones”.

But at a Black and White party, you certainly don't want anyone dressed in sky blue, do you?

So, thinking about what you don't want to find will help you define the dress code.

For example, if the idea is to avoid someone wearing flashy clothes at your daytime wedding, how about saying: “dress code: come in light, elegant clothes”?

3. Choose something viable that suits each guest’s style 

A big problem is defining a dress code thinking only about your preferences and styles that flatter your body.

After all, no guest deserves to suffer or feel bad about wearing something they don't like, right?

For example, defining period clothing with a corset as attire, for example, is not at all comfortable for those who face any postural deviation or even feel uncomfortable wearing this piece.

Therefore, think of a dress code that allows each guest to choose something that feels good. 

For this, a good idea is not to “close” the dress code too much, as in the case of a “black tube dress”, for example.

4. Be careful with little-known terms 

If you want to avoid someone wearing red at your All White party, you'd better be careful with how you describe the dress code on the invitation.

This is because we must remember that absolutely no one is obliged to know specific terms.

And, if you're thinking “it doesn't hurt to do a Google search”, remember that great aunt of yours who doesn't use the internet.

So, instead of “Dress Code: All White”, how about “Dress Code: white clothes”? You will certainly avoid confusion, as everything is well explained.

It may seem less chic, but, believe it or not, having someone in a pink and green flowered dress among the guests all in white will be much more complicated.

Dress code control: learn how to do it elegantly 

When defining a costume, you must consider an important topic, which is: how will this rule be controlled?

For example, if you defined the formal attire and someone arrives wearing sportswear, how will you handle the situation?

At first, you have a choice to make: be flexible, or never give up the dress code.

If you choose the second option, be aware that you will have to deal with the above situation in a more “uncomfortable” way, as you will need to inform the guest about non-compliance with the dress code. To do this, you have two options:

1. Be bold and courageous: you inform the guest yourself, and ask them to change their clothes and return to the event.
2. Outsource the service: hire a control team, so you won't have to deal directly with the situation.

In the case of the control team, ask them to inform the guest of the importance of the attire, and invite them to return after changing their attire.

You don't need to feel guilty about doing this, after all, you warned in advance, and you won't be expelling anyone from the party, but just reiterating the request to comply with one of the event's rules.

Did you like the tips? Take the opportunity to put them into practice and make your events even more special!

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