You have a black-tie event coming up, specifically a black-tie wedding. You want to look your best while carefully following the black-tie dress code — but what does that even mean? If the wedding invite didn’t specify what the wedding guests should wear beyond just giving a formal dress code, you’re in the right place.
Keep reading to find out:
- What do you wear to a black-tie wedding as a guest?
- What do men wear to a black-tie wedding?
- What do women wear to a black-tie wedding?
Plus, get black-tie attire suggestions that you can pull from your closet right now.
What You Will Learn
- What to Wear for a Black-Tie Wedding: What is a Black-Tie Dress Code?
- What is Black-Tie Attire for a Man? The Black-Tie Wedding Attire Men Need
- What Does a Woman Wear to a Black-Tie Wedding?
- Black-Tie Wedding What to Wear and Black-Tie Dress Code Male vs Female FAQs
- Does Your Black-Tie Wedding Need Extra Coverage?
What to Wear for a Black-Tie Wedding: What is a Black-Tie Dress Code?
Black-tie events are evening affairs that require formal wear for all attendees. These dress codes are for fancier events, like weddings and galas. However, the black-tie wedding dress code is not the most formal out there—that honor belongs to the white-tie dress code.
Simply put, the black-tie dress code requires that attendees wear tuxedos or floor-length gowns.
Black-Tie vs White-Tie
But what’s the difference between black-tie and white-tie?
Again, in simplest terms, the white-tie dress code requires you to step things up just a notch further. In addition to a floor-length dress, for example, women would also wear gloves and fine jewelry. The men would be required to wear a more elaborate suit with tails, a waistcoat, and gloves.
The majority of people will never attend a white-tie event. This dress code is appropriate for events like a formal dinner hosted by the president or royals.
Black-Tie vs Black-Tie Optional
But what if your wedding invitation says “black-tie optional,” “black-tie invited,” or “black-tie preferred”? How does that differ from just straightforward black-tie affairs?
Black-tie optional (or one of the other similar terms) signifies a dress code fit for a formal evening occasion. However, with black-tie optional, the traditional black-tie rules are loosened.
Male guests don’t necessarily need to wear a black tux and can choose a dark suit instead. Women, meanwhile, can wear a dress other than a floor-length gown, such as a midi dress that hits mid-calf, so long as the dress is still formal. (You would not, for example, wear a dress that you would wear to the office; even if it’s a midi dress, it should still be highly formal and elegant.)
What is Black-Tie Attire for a Man? The Black-Tie Wedding Attire Men Need
If you’re attending a formal event with a black-tie dress code, you’ll need:
- A tuxedo or formal suit with a proper dinner jacket (if you go with a formal suit, stay within the realm of dark suits)
- A white dress shirt
- A black bow tie
- Black dress shoes (or brown, if you’re wearing a dark blue suit)
- Snazzy cufflinks
In general, avoid any suit that’s not a dark color. Otherwise, your accessories have some room for individuality, such as cufflinks or a pocket square. You may also choose a dinner jacket in a different color from your suit pants, but again, stick to darker hues. If you’re wondering if you shouldn’t wear a specific piece of clothing to a black-tie celebration, the best action is to ask the hosts or other guests for advice.
What Does a Woman Wear to a Black-Tie Wedding?
As a woman, what is the best attire for a black-tie wedding?
While an elegant dress — floor-length — is the go-to traditional choice, some more modern event planners and hosts have adjusted their expectations for women’s black-tie wedding attire, where a tea-length dress or cocktail dresses are permitable. However, these options are a gamble, so don’t just decide to wear that cocktail dress in the back of your closet because you don’t want to go shopping. Always ask your hosts for advice and expectations for your black-tie outfit. How rigidly are they sticking to tradition?
Whatever your dress length, opt for dark or jewel tones. Do not wear garishly bright colors or patterns. (And don’t wear white or off-white.) Pair your dress with elegant jewelry like a statement necklace, a clutch, and formal shoes.
When considering what to wear to a black-tie wedding, avoid anything that might distract from the beauty of the couple as well as the wedding party. As a black-tie wedding guest, you should add to the evening’s elegance while blending in, more or less, with the crowd.
Black-Tie Wedding What to Wear and Black-Tie Dress Code Male vs Female FAQs
Can you wear black to a black-tie wedding?
When deciding what to wear at a black-tie wedding, you might wonder if wearing a black dress is acceptable. While black dresses aren’t typically acceptable for daytime or more casual weddings, they are acceptable for black-tie weddings, as are black tuxes. In fact, for men, a black tux or suit paired with a black bow and white shirt is preferable to midnight blue.
What do I wear to a black-tie wedding?
Men can wear a tux or dark suit paired with a bow tie, while women can wear floor-length formal dresses.
How do you know if a wedding is black-tie?
The invitation should specify if a wedding is black-tie. If you’re unsure, ask the hosts.
What colors should you not wear to a black-tie wedding?
Do not wear any shade of white or overly bright colors, such as neon pink. If you want to pick a dress that’s not a dark hue, stick with jewel tones.
Can you wear a cocktail dress to a black-tie wedding?
Some believe that black-tie dresses should always be floor-length. Ask your host for their preferences.
Does Your Black-Tie Wedding Need Extra Coverage?
Now that you know what to wear to a black-tie wedding, whether you’re looking for women’s or men’s black-tie wedding attire, it’s time to think about other aspects of the wedding — like wedding insurance.
BriteCo offers the lucky couple affordable, comprehensive liability and cancellation coverage. Learn more.
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