How about "business casual"? That should definitely weed out t-shirts.

Does the country club have a written version of their dress code? Maybe Hillside Country Club's dress code is "insert whatever their dress code actually says."

If you did not specifically state 'no t-shirts,' but rather said business casual, would someone show up in a t-shirt under a jacket, then shed the jacket? I like Fori's idea.

The person who would be clueless enough to wear a tee, could be clueless or smarta@@ enough to show in LH. What is wrong w/no t/shirts? This is a grownup affair.

I might say something like, Club dress code: No T-shirts or tank tops and I would put this information right below the location details. After that, it's out of your hands and in a higher power's. I don't think you need to be apologetic about it because it's a fairly simple request and easy for people to comply with.

I can't imagine someone getting an invitation to a pre wedding evening party hosted at a country club and think that they should wear a t-shirt.

That said, I like Robo's and crl's suggestion.

"country club dress code, no t-shirts"

My DH's sister and her husband live in a gated golf community in Naples, FL. There is a dress code for the golf course. No T-shirts - the shirts must have collars. The shirts must be tucked into the shorts/trousers and a belt must be worn. You wouldn't believe the wild shirts, belts and shorts he's purchased to play golf there. Pretty soon they're going to banish certain colors and icons because of him.

My brother reserved a space for family reunion at his athletic club last Fall and simply stated the dress code....which was no shorts or athletic gear/wear outside the athletic areas (it also had three restaurants and a bar, library), and no collarless shirts for men unless worn under a sports coat.

ETA: It was a weekend afternoon and DH wore a polo (collar), khakis, sports coat and was fine ;0) No tie.

I like what Fori posted, it's funny and to the point.

Our rehearsal dinner was held at my parents' club with a pretty firm "jacket and tie" rule. But one of our guests never, ever, ever, wore a shirt and tie, always looked dashing in a turtleneck or mock, with a jacket. We brought our dilemma to the dining room manager who allowed the exception. Then, to the shock of all, the guest donned a handsome shirt and tie for the first and only time.

Fori's phrasing is perfect. Have a "wunderbar" time!

Oh darned, LH are truly welcome! Then I'd say that too

If someone showed up in a t-shirt to an evening event at a club 'known' to be upscale..I would let the management deal with it. Reality discipline has always been my main stay.

It depends...my husband's side of the family is country club, but a large portion of my side definitely is not. They would easily show up in jeans and t-shirts to any event, not out of disrespect but because that's them and that's how they're comfortable. So the warning would be appreciated.

I would not worry about softening it. Even if one is not a country club member, many adults have at least been to one and would know there are dress codes. Is it only collared shirts? Denim is ok?

If it is just that simple, I would add in "(Name) Country Club's dress code specifies collared shirts only, please". If it is more elaborate, I would add a link.

Don't sugar coat it. Be clear what the dress code is and that it is the dress code of the club. Don't embarrass your guests or future in-laws with unclear information about the dress code.

Thank you all for your thoughtful comments. We spoke with the event manager at the club and also with the woman who has been doing all of our different invitations. There isn't room on the invitation for a lengthy explanation, so we're going to include a small printed card with the club's dress code. (Their wording). It will keep it clean and simple.

Thanks again for all your help!

Jo

Perfect choice, Jojo.