Decode the Dress Code

When the plan is set, spend two minutes scouting. Pull up the venue's photos online and look at what other guests are wearing, not the staff. Three quick reads tell you almost everything:

• Lighting and tables: candles and cloth napkins mean dress up; bright and communal means relax
• Footwear in the photos: sneakers everywhere is your green light for casual
• The website's own words: 'elevated' or 'reservations recommended' signals a step up

Now you are reading evidence, not guessing.