Dress for Success at Your Next Party with These Dress Code Tips
While getting to know our clients, it is important for our team at Innovative Party Planners to learn what makes them feel comfortable, their priorities, what their vision for their event is, and most importantly, what adjectives they would use to describe the overall experience that they want to create both as a host and for their guests.
One of the major aspects that is often overlooked is the dress code for the party. When you stop to take a moment to think about the dress code, there are so many things to consider. Of course, you must keep in mind the logistics of the venue, weather, and activities you have planned for the evening. For example, if your event is being held on a grassy farm in the spring, you may want to consider a more casual “farm chic” dress code, keywords like “farm”, help indicate that it is acceptable to wear practical shoes and to leave the stilettoes at home. If you are planning your child’s coming-of-age celebration at a trampoline park, you want to indicate that sneakers and pants are best.
In addition, the dress code could add to your guests' experience and even become a part of the celebration. More and more, we have seen themes like PJ parties and decade-theme parties, requesting people dress up in fun apparel.
Once the logistics are figured out, it is time to get creative! Although traditionally we follow the standard dress codes listed below:
Black Tie – Less formal than white tie, but still more formal than business attire. A common selection for weddings and formal dinner celebrations.
Formal/ Black Tie Optional – Slightly less formal than black tie, making suits (instead of tuxedos) and dresses above the ankles more common choices.
Cocktail Attire – A semi-formal option that is perfect for more festive gatherings. Sports coats with ties or open collars and party dresses are among the most common choices.
Casual – More informal and comfortable clothing that naturally is still more formal than a typical day at home.
Beach – A casual option that invites comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that pops in the sunlight!
We often personalize the dress code to make it uniquely yours and give the guest some insight into what is to come at the party.
Initials – We were planning a party for a client with the initials, “SD”, and we listed “Sneakers, Dress to Impress” as the dress code.
Jackets and Jeans – For an outdoor camping-themed Bar Mitzvah, we wanted to clearly outline what guests should wear for a fun, comfortable evening. We used alliteration to help the dress code stick in our guests’ memory!
Luxe- No Tux – A more fun way of conveying a formal, but not quite black-tie event.
Par-Tee Chic – Fun idea for a golf-themed event.
Leave it to the experts to help guide you through, but in the end, no matter what kind of dress code you choose for your guests, remember as the host, it is your party! Focus on choosing something that you feel comfortable and confident in. Here are some additional things to keep in mind as you shop and make your selections:
Balance Comfort and Confidence. – Whether your gathering is casual or black-tie, make sure you’re taking the time to select something you’ll feel both comfortable and confident in. Don’t compromise your evening with an uncomfortable outfit!
Think Seasonally – Unsure which colors to sport? You can always look to the seasons for inspiration! Be sure to look ahead and strategize your shopping trips with this in mind. For example, right now is a great time to beef up your fall wardrobe!
Create a Family Color Palette – If you expect to capture the highlights of your event with a photographer, consider creating a family color palette when choosing your outfits.
Plan Out Multiple Outfits if Needed – Not all parties require only one outfit! Remember to plan out outfits for dinners, receptions, brunches, and even driving if necessary.
Plan Your Upcoming Event with Innovative Party Planners
Innovative Party Planners is your resource for event design and planning in Maryland, Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania and Virginia. To learn more about our event planning services and how we can help make your corporate event one of a kind, contact us by clicking here or call (410) 998 9999.