Are wedding mood boards cringe? Plus other dress code conundrums.

Picture this: The postie arrives, and as you sift through the usual bills and junk mail, your eye catches a beautifully calligraphed envelope addressed just to you. Excitement builds as you open it to reveal a wedding invitation. All the details are perfectly laid out – until you hit the dress code: ‘French Riviera Formal.’ Wait, what the heck does that even mean!?

At Easy Weddings, we absolutely love an excuse to dress up! Weddings are the perfect opportunity to slip into some party heels, rock a cute outfit, and maybe even treat yourself to a professional makeup session – all in the name of love, of course.

But let’s be honest: figuring out what to wear can be a bit stressful. Who hasn’t fired off a slightly frantic message to a fellow guest asking, “What are you wearing?” Surely, we’re not the only ones!

As a nearly-wed, it’s tempting to provide as much detail as possible—wedding guest outfit mood boards are practically the norm these days. But is more information always helpful?

We’ve surveyed our followers to spill the tea on all things dress code. How much guidance is too much? How crucial is the dress code, really? And, most importantly, how far would you go to enforce it at your wedding? For example, would you really send that second cousin in the white dress packing?

How Much Does Dress Code Really Matter?

When it comes to weddings, dress codes can be a bit of a mixed bag. According to our survey, only 21% of couples say it’s not that important for guests to follow the dress code, and 18% didn’t even bother assigning one in the first place. For these couples, the vibe seems to be more about celebrating with loved ones than stressing over outfits.

However, for nearly half of the couples (48%), sticking to the dress code is pretty important, with 12% saying it’s absolutely crucial! Whether it’s to maintain a certain aesthetic or to create a cohesive look for photos, these couples clearly have a vision in mind – and they expect their guests to be on board.

Do Guests Find Wedding Dress Codes Helpful or Annoying?

When it comes to wedding dress codes, the overwhelming majority of guests (86%) are all for it, finding the guidance super helpful. Let’s face it, knowing what to wear takes the guesswork out of outfit planning, and no one wants to feel underdressed or out of place at such a special event. “I don’t want to feel over or underdressed,” expressed one respondent.

However, not everyone is thrilled with the idea—14% of guests find dress codes downright annoying. For them, it can feel like unnecessary pressure or restriction, especially if it means buying something they wouldn’t normally wear. “I’m indifferent, to be honest,” offered one respondent. “Unless the event is black tie or unusually casual, weddings have a universal dress code.”

How Far Would Couples Go to Enforce Their Wedding Dress Code?

When it comes to enforcing the dress code, the majority of couples (75%) take a relaxed approach, preferring not to make a fuss if guests don’t quite follow the guidelines. For these couples, it seems the focus is more on enjoying the day than policing outfits.

A quarter of couples (25%), however, would make an effort to enforce the dress code but are willing to let it slide if necessary. Interestingly, none of the couples surveyed would go as far as asking a guest to leave for not dressing according to the code.

 Mood Boards for Wedding Dress Codes: Yay or Nay?

When it comes to helping guests dress for the occasion, only 7% of couples think a dress code mood board is essential. The majority (62%) trust their guests to figure it out on their own, while 17% hadn’t thought of using one but are now considering it. Meanwhile, 14% of couples opt for no dress code at all, letting their guests decide how to dress without any guidance.

On the other side, guests have mixed feelings about receiving a mood board. While 29% find it super helpful, a larger group (54%) think it’s a bit much and wish couples would take a more relaxed approach. These guests see mood boards as unnecessary and a bit too controlling.

Interestingly, 17% of guests wouldn’t mind either way. They’re happy to roll with whatever the couple provides, whether that’s a mood board or just a simple dress code.

In short, while mood boards may offer clarity for some, the majority of guests prefer a bit more freedom in their outfit choices without the added pressure of following a specific style guide.

In the end, while mood boards and dress codes can offer helpful guidance, most guests seem comfortable with just the basics. Finding the right balance between helpful and over-the-top is key, so couples can set the tone without overwhelming their guests. The main thing: dress up, show up, and have a phenomenal time.