What is the dress code for the company holiday retreat?

Dear Polite One,

For the first time in as long as I can remember our company has invited the spouses of our field team members to come in for our annual holiday party. It is listed as cocktail attire.

The company is paying for airfare and hotel and wants to make this a special event. I oversee planning 2 days of events for the wives, while their spouses are in meetings including a tea, a dinner with their spouses, a tour of our office, and then a morning of shopping.

I am including an agenda along with their travel itineraries and am stuck on how to list appropriate attire for the tea and dinner (the tour and shopping are casual of course!)

I’d like them to dress nice, but don’t want it to be too fancy. They should be able to wear the same outfit to both the tea and the dinner if they would like. We are having the tea and a tour at the historic Molly Brown House and dinner are at an Italian restaurant (chain) downtown. I was considering informal daytime or smart casual. I don’t want them to show up in jeans, but don’t want to say no jeans. That just sounds so uncouth. Please advise.

Thank you,

Distressed in Denver

Dear Distressed in Denver,

I must say, I am a bit jealous. This sounds like a great time.

I believe "Dressy Casual" or “Smart Casual” would be the best dress code. This implies dresses, skirts with nice tops, or pantsuits. More than likely once your guests read that they will be attending a tea they will realize that they need to dress up a bit.

Enjoy!

Sincerely,

The Polite One

More From The Polite One

Appropriate Dinner and Dancing Charity Event Attire?

What is Summer Cocktail Attire?

What is semi-formal for an evening business function?

Comments

What is California Cocktail Attire?

Dear Polite One , What is California cocktail attire? Thank you, Confused Dear Confused , There is no such thing. At times, it feels as if hosts just like to make these things up to confuse their guests. I’m sure that’s not the case. Still... Many hosts try to create a “feeling,” or more appropriately, “set the stage” for an event. So, they will incorporate a well-known attire category with a word that describes that elusive stage. This leads to the confusion we both feel since neither of us can actually see inside their minds. So, I suggest going with slightly laid-back cocktail attire, which typically is the suit for men and the little black dress or its equivalent for women. Perhaps skip the tie and accessories that appear expensive. Additionally, it is appropriate to call the host and ask for clarification. Sincerely, The Polite One More by The Polite One How to Decode ...

What is proper birthday party etiquette?

Guests Contribute to College Fund Dear Polite One , My son turns five next month and I want to inform all guests to contribute to his college fund. He has enough toys and I must consider his future. How do I list this on the invitation? Will an evite work? Wants Donations Dear Wants Donations, I’m sorry but this would be most impolite . Hosts never request cash or any type of monetary contribution for a child’s birthday. If your child is lucky enough to have all his needs met, you could inform guests not to give gifts. This would be best. Good luck! Sincerely, The Polite One Host Wants Guests to Host Dear Polite One, What should I do? My daughter’s best friend is having a birthday party. Her mother has requested all parents attend to help monitor the children while they play at a local miniature golf course. Plus, we are all expected to pay our cost and that of our child. Help! Dear Help! Yikes! This i...

How to address a divorced woman? Mrs or Ms?

Dear Polite One, Should I use "Mrs." or "Ms." when sending correspondence to a divorced woman? Wondering from Kansas Dear Wondering from Kansas, Both Mrs. and Ms. are proper when addressing a letter to a divorced woman. If you choose to use Mrs., you will use her first name and last name: Mrs. Jane Brown. However, Ms. is the most common title for women these days, because marital status does not define any of us. Sincerely, The Polite One More by The Polite One Too late to send an invitation to Bat Mitzvah? How to reschedule a retirement party? Mother-in-law added names to the guest list!

Got Etiquette Advice?

Search This Blog