Black Tie Optional: Wedding Invitation Wording Guide

When it comes to wedding attire, black-tie optional is a relatively new concept that can be confusing for guests. It means that the couple wants their wedding to be formal, but they understand that this implies fancier and more expensive attire for guests. So, while they hope guests will dress in black tie, they're also giving them the option to wear something slightly less formal, like a regular suit or a cocktail dress. This allows guests to avoid the stress or burden of having to wear a tuxedo or evening gown. Ultimately, it's polite to dress as formally as you feel comfortable doing at a black-tie-optional event.

Women's attire: floor-length dresses are preferred, but midi or knee-length cocktail dresses are also acceptable

When it comes to black-tie optional attire for women, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, pay attention to the season and venue of the event. Black-tie-optional weddings typically take place in the evening, after 6 pm, so it's best to avoid anything you would typically wear during the daytime.

Regarding dress length, floor-length dresses are preferred for adult women. However, midi or knee-length cocktail dresses are also acceptable, especially for teens or younger guests. If you opt for a shorter dress, you can dress it up with the right accessories and dressy shoes. Embellished flats or sharp lace-up oxfords can be a good alternative to heels. Jumpsuits and dressy pantsuits are also an option, but avoid anything too casual or laid-back.

When it comes to colour, any hue is appropriate, except whites, pastels, and neon colours. Lighter shades, such as champagne, should also be avoided as they may photograph white. Instead, embrace luxe-looking fabrics, patterns, and textures. For summer weddings, look for blue, pink, orange, or yellow gowns. For winter weddings, black, navy, and jewel tones are perfect.

Men's attire: a tuxedo is ideal, but a black or navy suit with a tie is also appropriate

When it comes to black-tie-optional weddings, men have a few different options that are considered appropriate. While a tuxedo is ideal, a black or navy suit with a tie is also a suitable option for men. This gives men the flexibility to opt for a more relaxed look while still adhering to the formal dress code.

For men, a black-tie-optional wedding is a great opportunity to don a sleek and sophisticated suit. When choosing a suit, it is best to opt for dark colours such as black, navy, or charcoal. These colours exude elegance and sophistication while still allowing for some flexibility. Dark suits are versatile and can be dressed up or down, depending on the specific wedding theme and venue.

If men do decide to wear a suit, it is important to style it appropriately to match the formality of the event. A well-tailored suit, paired with a crisp white shirt and a conservative tie, can be just as dashing as a tuxedo. The key is to ensure that the suit fits perfectly and complements the overall aesthetic of the wedding.

While a tuxedo is the traditional choice for a black-tie event, the "optional" designation provides guests with the flexibility to make a choice that suits their comfort and style. A tuxedo is a classic and elegant option, but a well-put-together suit can also make a strong impression.

It is worth noting that black-tie-optional weddings are typically more formal affairs, and guests should aim to reflect this level of formality in their attire. While a suit is acceptable, it should be paired with a tie and dressed up with accessories to match the occasion.

What not to wear: avoid casual attire such as sandals, raffia wedges, day dresses, khaki slacks, polos, t-shirts, and sneakers

When it comes to black-tie optional attire, it's important to remember that certain casual attire is not considered appropriate. Here are some guidelines on what not to wear to achieve a polished and elegant look:

For Women:

• Sandals: It's best to avoid casual footwear like sandals, especially those designed for daytime or beach wear. Opt for dressier shoes that complement your outfit.
• Raffia Wedges: Similar to sandals, raffia wedges are too informal for black-tie optional events. Choose shoes made from more elegant materials such as leather, suede, or satin.
• Day Dresses: The length of your dress is crucial. Avoid anything above the knee as it may appear too casual. Opt for midi or full-length dresses to ensure a more formal look.
• Khaki Slacks: While slacks can be appropriate, stay away from khaki or other light-coloured slacks as they lean towards casual attire. Instead, choose darker colours such as black, navy, or charcoal.

For Men:

• Polos: Polos are considered too casual for black-tie optional events. A dress shirt or a formal shirt with a collar is a more suitable option.
• T-shirts: T-shirts are not appropriate for this level of formality. Opt for a dress shirt, preferably in a plain, dark colour.
• Sneakers: Sneakers are too informal for black-tie optional attire. Instead, opt for dress shoes such as oxfords or derby shoes in dark colours like black or dark brown.

Remember, black-tie optional attire is about achieving a balance between elegance and flexibility. While you have some freedom to choose your outfit, it's important to avoid overly casual pieces to respect the formality of the event.

Dress code placement: opinions vary on whether to include the dress code on the invitation or wedding website

When it comes to dress code placement, opinions vary. Some sources suggest including the dress code on the invitation itself, in the lower left or right-hand corner, or at the bottom centre of the design. This ensures guests have the information readily available when deciding what to wear.

However, others recommend including the dress code on a separate information or details card, especially if you want to keep your invitation simple and uncluttered. This way, you can provide guests with other important information in one place.

Another option is to include the dress code on your wedding website, especially if you are already providing other details and important information for guests in this space. This can be added to the homepage along with the welcome message and other essential details, or on a dedicated FAQ page where you can provide a more detailed explanation of the dress code.

Ultimately, the decision of where to include the dress code is up to you and may depend on factors such as the amount of space available on your invitation or the number of other details you need to include.

Dress code meaning: black tie optional means the couple wants a formal affair but understands that this implies fancier and more expensive attire for guests

When a couple chooses a "black tie optional" dress code for their wedding, it means they want the event to be formal but understand that this implies fancier and pricier outfits for their guests. By choosing this dress code, the couple is giving their guests more flexibility while still requesting a certain level of formality.

"Black tie optional" typically means the couple and wedding party will be wearing black-tie attire—tuxedos and evening gowns. The "optional" part is for the benefit of the guests, who can choose to wear something slightly less formal, like a regular suit or a cocktail dress.

For women, a floor-length dress is preferred, but a cocktail dress that is midi or knee-length is also acceptable. If you're wearing a shorter dress, dress up your look with the right accessories and dressy shoes—this doesn't necessarily mean heels; an embellished flat or sharp lace-up oxford could also work.

For men, a tuxedo is the preferred option. If they don't have one, a black or navy suit with a tie is appropriate.

When choosing an outfit for a "black tie optional" wedding, it's best to stick with dark or rich colours like black, grey, navy, or jewel tones. When in doubt, choose solid colours over patterns, as they can sometimes feel too casual.

Frequently asked questions