I’ll start with a confession: There are few things I love more than perusing the wedding websites of loose acquaintances or perfect strangers. It might feel like an etiquette no-no—essentially inviting yourself to a party—but when it’s all out there on the internet, password-protected or not, who am I to deny myself the pleasure of scrolling through someone’s registry and seeing which china pattern they picked?
Through this sleuthing, I’ve come across some new wedding trends—some I love (like the idea of couples asking for donations to a charity rather than traditional gifts) and some I could do without (honeymoon funds, anyone?).
The New Wedding Dress Code Trend
In recent years, a new trend has made its way into weddings: highly specific wedding dress codes, often paired with Pinterest boards for inspiration.
Many of our readers lament that wedding guests just don’t know how to dress anymore, showing up in casual attire that’s too laid-back for the occasion. While I agree that dressing appropriately for a wedding is important, I’m not sure we need a Pinterest board telling guests exactly what to wear—down to the exact color and style.
I understand that couples putting together these Pinterest boards don’t expect guests to copy the look exactly. It’s meant to provide a clear understanding of what the attire expectations are, especially when the dress code is more creative and might require some interpretation, like “Palm Beach Chic” or “Mountain Formal.”
Why Couples Should Skip the Pinterest Board
But here’s the issue: It can put a lot of pressure on guests. They’re already investing time and money into attending the wedding—purchasing a gift, booking a hotel, taking time off work, arranging childcare—and now they’re asked to wear a specific color or niche outfit? It can start to feel like one more thing to add to an expensive to-do list rather than a fun, lighthearted invitation.
So, if you’re planning a wedding, feel free to choose whatever dress code your heart desires—be as creative as you like (one recent favorite asked for “Black Tie, Bring It”)—but skip the Pinterest board. Trust your guests. You’re inviting them because you love them, and part of that love is letting them surprise you with their take on your dress code.
Let’s keep it fun. Let guests have their moment of creativity. After all, the wedding day is about celebrating love, not stressing over the perfect outfit.
