Black Tie Wedding Dress Code

Dont: Overlook Your Outerwear

All that time and effort you put into creating a perfect look can be instantly ruined by throwing on the nearest jacket as you run out the door, says Padilla. Depending on the season, women can consider a beautiful faux fur stole, shawl or tailored blazer to stay warm, and men should complement their look with a cashmere scarf, leather gloves, and/or a dark colored overcoat knee length or longer.

Keep The Venue In Mind

Black tie can mean different things at different places. For example, a black tie affair at an art museum may lend itself to a drastically different look than a black tie optional church wedding. While the church ceremony may call for something classic and relatively conservative, the event at the museum may provide room for something elegant with a little bit of personal flair. Generally, black tie events take place in fairly upscale, sophisticated locations, but that isnt always the case, so just make sure that your formal attire coincides with the venue as much as the event itself.

Topman Skinny Tuxedo Jacket And Skinny Tuxedo Pants In Black

This tuxedo for men’s black-tie attire will show the happy couple you really understood the assignment. The single-breasted style is completed with notch lapels, single button fastening and chest and side pockets. Finish the look with Topman’s matching skinny tuxedo pants for a put-together ensemble.

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Is A Sparkly Dress Appropriate For A Wedding

There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the specific dress in question as well as the overall tone of the wedding. If the dress is more subdued and understated, then it may be appropriate for a wedding. However, if the dress is flashy and over-the-top, it may not be appropriate. Ultimately, it is up to the bride to decide what she feels comfortable wearing on her big day.

You can go for a formal, black-tie gown if youre going to a wedding in one of the following categories. If the wedding is not as formal as it usually is, it is best to use a more muted color scheme. How does it look if the bride takes the spotlight from the groom if the groom is dressed in bright colors?

Do Wear Comfortable Shoes

If you know youre a dancing fool and will be on the dance floor for hours, comfortable shoes are a must-have. Flats or wedges are always good options. If you want to wear heels, consider a shorter heel or a chunky style. If you think your heels will get uncomfortable, you can always pack a pair of flats or sandals for later on in the night.

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For A Beach Wedding: Mac Duggal Leena Floral Chiffon Gown

Saks Fifth Avenue

Wondering what to wear to a black-tie wedding on or by the beach? Opt for this breezy floor-length gown with a show-stopping lace-up back. Wear yours with a pair of wedges and your hair in loose waves for the ultimate seaside look.

Price at time of publish: $598

If you’re headed to a summer or destination wedding, this Reformation dress is a no-brainer. Dressy enough to adhere to a black-tie dress code and playful enough to complement a destination wedding venuethis dress is the best of both worlds.

Price at time of publish: $298

What To Wear To A Wedding If Youre A Guest

When determining what you should wear to the wedding as a guest, you need to consider the wedding location, the month in which it is being held and note any relevant information the invitation has stated. If it is a summer beach wedding, for example, you dont want to wear a ballgown and stilettos, whereas if it is a formal event, you do not want to attend underdressed. There are many options for wedding guests, including pretty dresses and pantsuits. A dark-colored suit and bowtie will look great for men, but if the wedding is casual, you could wear a button-down and chinos.

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Mens Black Tie Attire For Normals

Time was when guys just wore tuxedos all the timethey were called dinner jackets then, and personally, I have dinner like every single day. Meanwhile, I do not wear a tuxedo every day. We obviously live in more casual times, and unless youre a celebrity or dignitary , you probably dont have a tux you can just pull out and throw on every time an important event comes upyou probably arent getting that many black tie attire wedding invites, or party invites.

But when you do get one of those invitations, you want to do it right. You want the tux to fit you well, for it to be a modern, fashionable style, and maybepossiblyyou want to stand out and snag a few compliments. That has typically been a difficult combo to find in a tux rental, and renting is really the best option for so many of us.

Thats why we changed it.

Because wearing a tux should be something you look forward to, something to celebrate. These are important days, and we want to help you step up. Thats why we make high quality tuxedos with a better fit, and deliver them to you for your biggest events.

Ready to arrive in a better tux? Get started here.

Faqs About Black Tie Dress Code

Still not 100% clear on what the black tie dress code isand how to ensure your wedding attire fits that dress code? Let’s take a look at some frequently asked questions about black tie wedding attire to give some additional perspective:

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Its Better To Overdress Than Underdress

Aside from the rare white tie affair, black tie events are about as fancy as it gets. While comfort is always important, this isnt the time to try to bend the rules, no matter how much you love a nice pair of flats or casual loafers.

When in doubt, simply opt for the fanciest dress or suit you own. Unless the invitation calls for a casual dress code, its unlikely for someone to notice if youre slightly overdressed at a black tie event. However, remember that this isnt an opportunity to upstage the bride . By adhering to the dress code, youre demonstrating your respect to the couple and their wishes on their big day.

Is Black Sequin Dress Appropriate For A Wedding

No, black sequin dress is not appropriate for a wedding.

Summer is the ideal time to wear sequins to add a splash of color to any outfit. If you want to add a touch of glamour without going overboard, sequins are the way to go. Prints and patterns can be a great way to add interest to your outfit while also looking great at any event.

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Avoid Anything Too Revealing

A weddinga black tie wedding, for that matteris simply not the occasion to whip out your most scandalous dresseven if its a floor-length gown. Sure, weddings in the modern age are, by nature, less rigid when it comes to dress rules, but you still dont want to push the limit and wear something that could pose as offensive or distracting. If youre not sure if something is appropriate, ask a friend for their honest opinion. Still not convinced? You should probably save it for a wedding or event that doesnt come with the black tie label.

What Colors Are Appropriate For A Black

All colors are fair game except white, off-white, or anything else that’s even close to white. Apart from that, the only color you might want to avoid is the color the bridesmaids are wearing, as you might end up looking like a wannabe ‘maid if you accidentally wear the same color.

Other than that, you’re good to go. Often, people think black is a no-go for weddings, but that’s simply not the case. A floor-length black gown or a fancy little black dress are elegant, classy options that are perfectly appropriate. Red is another color that gets called into question for wedding attire, but wearing red is acceptable so long as it doesn’t call attention away from the bride. For weddings of all dress codes, jewel tones are excellent options and pastel hues are lovely for summer weddings.

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Where To Include The Dress Code

“Invitations are one of the first things guests formally receive about your wedding, so it’s the perfect opportunity to set the stage for the look and feel of the celebration you’re planning,” Wechtaluk says. “Use your invitations as an opportunity to communicate what to expect, from attire to the overall vibe you seek to create for your guests.”

Indochino Hampton Tuxedo In Navy Tartan

If the couple requested “creative black tie,” the wedding is taking place during the day or the venue isn’t super formal, you’re more than welcome to play around with different prints and colors. This plaid tuxedo still feels stylish and elevated, but it allows you to show a little more personality. Pair it with a black bow tie and dress shirt for a contemporary twist.

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Do: Keep Footwear Elegant

“When it comes to footwear, have some fun, but keep it classy and chic. If you’re wearing a gown, this is an opportunity to wear your highest heel, but make sure they are comfortable and offer you plenty of support. You’ll be socializing and standing a good amount of the night, so comfort is key to help you enjoy your night. Regardless of the length of your dress, a black-tie event isn’t the ideal setting for anything of crazy color or overly sexy straps. It’s important to choose the perfect shoes that best accentuate your outfit. Crazy platform pumps or lace-up-to-the-knee sandals should be left at home.”

Black Tie Wedding Guest Dresses That Bring On The Ritz And Glitz

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Save this story for later.

When the dress code calls for black tie wedding guest dresses, theres no need to have formalwear anxiety. In fact, your look will be quite easy to achieve if you keep a few things in mind: First, the words black tie are synonymous with floor-length hemlines in the fashion dictionary. Think ankle-skimming gowns and maxis. In some cases, you can get away with a show-stopping shorter hemlineas long as it comes equipped with a few bells and whistleslike the sparkly three-dimensional florals on Oscar de la Rentas glorious mini or the twisted ruching and sophisticated florals on Katie Mays designs.

In addition to the length of the dress, fabrics are of the utmost importance, too. This is your moment to go all out with sumptuous, flowy silks, luxurious chiffon, and dreamy layers of tulle. A few embellishments here and there wont hurt either. The sequined details on Tory Burchs dress or the breathtaking puffed sleeves on Khaites column number are divine add-ons that could set you up to win best-dressed guest.

So save the cotton minis for less formal cocktail events, and prepare to bring on the ritz and glitz with 22 Vogue-approved black tie wedding guest dresses, below.

All products featured on Vogue are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

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What To Wear To A Black Tie Wedding + 8 Outfit Ideas

Dont know what to wear to a black tie formal wedding? Weve got you covered. Read on to find out now.

Dont know what to wear to a black tie formal wedding? Weve got you covered. Read on to find out now.

Even today dress codes continue to be an enigma for many. Though less common than cocktail dress and dressy casual, black tie formal is one of the most important dress codes for a wedding to understand. But, even if youve attended a black tie affair in the past, what exactly does this specific dress code mean for weddings?

History Of Black Tie Attire

The Black Tie dress code became popular during the 19th Century. Black tie was the easier, more comfortable version of the White Tie dress code. White Tie, which was the standard for formal events, required a long tailcoat and ceremonial accessories. Black Tie asked for shorter dinner jackets and less accessories making outfits easier to put together. Black Tie is used today for formal events such as gala balls, premieres, awards nights and of course, weddings.

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What Is The Dress Code For A Day Wedding

During daytime hours, women wear daytime wedding attire. You should dress in dressy or semi-formal attire for a daytime wedding. If youre going out this week, you should dress up in a colorful dress or suit. dressy shoes or pumps are appropriate. If this is a summer or late spring wedding, you may wear nice sandals, but you should avoid wearing flip flops unless the wedding is on the beach.

Best Mini: Reformation Marlowe Dress

Courtesy of Reformation

Size Range: XS-XL | Length: Mini| Shipping: Free | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

Stand out from the crowd in this fun and feminine mini dress from Reformation. It will have people asking where did you get that? all night long. The simple silhouette featuring a small slit and bold red color is the perfect combination of sexy and classy. Go all out and pair it with a bright red lip.

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Black Tie Dress Etiquette

Apart from white tie attire, black tie is the most formal of all dress codes. As such, it requires a sophisticated level of dressing. For women, the code typically calls for a floor-length dress or gown. While cocktail dresses can be an appropriate option for black tie, long dresses tend to be a more elevated choice. Selecting a refined dress that features a simple and feminine silhouette and an elegant color, such as black, will help you nail the etiquette of this dress code.

A Wedding Gift List To Match The Occasion

When it came to their gift list choices, Jessica and Tom didn’t compromise on style either. Their wedding gift list was the perfect opportunity to add homewares to match their personality, which is one of the reasons Jessica and Tom chose The Wedding Shop for their gift list. Having renovated their kitchen, Jessica and Tom took the opportunity to fill their wedding registry with homewares to complete their dream kitchen look.

Some of their favourite gifts were also those which created tangible memories. Jessica and Tom adored their stay at The Pig at Bridge Place in Kent. And their pizza board from Nkuku was the perfect gift for hosting and entertaining.

And there you have it: The black-tie wedding in all its glamorous glory. If you loved Jess and Tom’s wedding and elegant style, then we think you’ll love our Modern Glam gift collection. Or, if you’re planning your very own black-tie wedding, take a look at our ultimate wedding planning checklist.

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Best Jewel Tone: Lulus Constantine Burgundy Satin Maxi Dress

Lulus

Nothing exudes more effortless elegance than a flowing maxi dress. This satin style in a rich burgundy is as chic as ever for fall or winter nuptials. And at an affordable price, it makes for a budget-friendly option you can wear again for any other formal occasions to come.

Price at time of publish: $70

Attending a wedding is an investment, so invest in a dress that you’ll wear again and again. This elegant strapless gown would make a timeless addition to any formal wardrobe. Plus, the structured shape and textured detail make it an oh-so-flattering frock.

Price at time of publish: $540

Any Other Type Of Formalwear

A final and significant faux pas for a Black-Tie Optional event is wearing a different type of formal ensemble, such as White Tie or Morning Dress. Morning Dress would simply be inappropriate for an event taking place in the evening, and because you should never exceed the level of dress of a partys host, showing up to a Black-Tie or Black-Tie Optional event in White Tie is also incorrect.

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