Fashion: Wedding invitation or a puzzle? 'Digital mood boards' and 'unique dress codes' are giving guests a headache..
- byShikha Srivastava
- 21 Jan, 2026
Whether it's a wedding or any other event, the first question that comes to everyone's mind is, "What should I wear?" This stress is even greater for women. From the outfit to the jewelry, everything needs to be considered. But nowadays, this dilemma has become even more complicated.

In fact, wedding invitation cards no longer just contain the date and venue; they also come with a "unique dress code." But deciphering this dress code puzzle is becoming a headache for guests.
Under a special agreement between Dainik Jagran and The New York Times, we will be discussing this very topic today. Let's find out why people are including dress codes on their wedding invitations and how this is becoming a source of trouble for guests.
The Desire for a 'Picture Perfect' Wedding Due to Themes
Nowadays, couples want their weddings to look like a movie set. They want every wedding picture to be theme-based and look perfect on social media. To achieve this picture-perfect look, the pressure on guests to wear specific types of clothing has increased.
The situation has reached a point where many people are now sending digital mood boards along with the wedding cards so that guests can get an idea of the colors and styles. You might think this is a good thing, giving guests clarity on what to wear. However, experts believe that instead of providing clarity, this has only increased the confusion among guests.
The Rise of Bizarre Dress Codes
In weddings, terms like "formal" or "casual" have become outdated. They have been replaced by new and complicated terms like "farmhouse formal" and "Western chic." Now, it's becoming quite difficult for guests to understand these terms. According to etiquette expert Lizzie Post, sometimes the word "optional" is written next to the dress code on the card, leaving guests confused about whether to wear a tuxedo or a dark suit. The real surprise comes when the dress code includes instructions like "Formal Autumnal (Circus Attire Encouraged)." Reading such unusual codes, guests are understandably left wondering whether they're attending a wedding or a circus show.
Complaints for Not Following the Dress Code
The most negative aspect of this new trend is that if a guest, for whatever reason, is unable to dress according to the theme, they become subject to criticism. Wedding content creator San Lee says that such mistakes often happen with "plus-ones," or partners who accompany a guest and may not be fully aware of the theme.

In such cases, taking a strict approach or criticizing guests can spoil the wedding atmosphere. Experts believe that if a guest is unable to follow the dress code, a good host should maintain composure and welcome the guest regardless.
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