White Tie Weddings: The Ultimate Guide To Formal Nuptial Elegance

White tie is the most formal dress code, also known as full evening dress or a dress suit. It is typically reserved for very special occasions or extremely formal events such as weddings, banquets, state dinners, award ceremonies, and galas. The dress code can be traced back to the 18th century when it was worn by aristocrats and royalty as a symbol of opulence. Today, it is still worn at royal and state ceremonies, balls, and banquets.

History of white tie

The history of white tie as formal attire can be traced back to the 19th century. It is considered the most formal dress code and is usually interpreted as floor-length gowns for women and a black jacket or coat with tails and matching pants for men.

Origins and Development

The origins of the white tie can be traced back to the end of the 18th century. During this period, high society began adopting more austere clothing inspired by the dark hues and simpler designs favoured by country gentlemen. By the early 19th century, dark dress tailcoats with light trousers became standard daywear, while black and white became the standard colours for evening wear.

19th Century

In the 19th century, the monotone colour scheme of black and white became a codified standard for evening events after 6 pm in upper-class circles. By the 1870s, evening dress consisted of a black dress coat and trousers, a white or black waistcoat, and a bow tie.

Post-19th Century

The dinner jacket (or tuxedo) emerged as a less formal and more comfortable alternative to full evening dress in the 1880s. However, full evening dress tailcoats remained popular. Towards the end of the Victorian era, white bow ties and waistcoats became the standard for full evening dress, distinguishing it from black tie attire.

Post-World War I

Following World War I, social changes and the counterculture of the 1960s led to a decline in the prevalence of white tie attire. It was increasingly replaced by black tie as the default evening wear for more formal events. Today, white tie is reserved for the most formal occasions, such as state dinners, balls, and traditional weddings.

White tie vs black tie

White tie and black tie are both formal dress codes, but there are some key differences. White tie is the most formal option and is typically reserved for very special occasions or extremely formal events. It requires a tuxedo, white shirt with a white piqué wing collar, and a white bow tie. The dress code dictates a very specific set of clothing, with minimal margin for flexibility.

On the other hand, black-tie attire is slightly less formal and does not require anything too spectacular. Men can wear a standard tuxedo or a regular dark suit with a dress shirt and a black bow tie. Women can wear an evening dress and some simple accessories.

If an invitation says "black tie preferred", the event is somewhat formal, and guests are encouraged to wear a tuxedo or a dark suit. "Black tie only" means that guests are required to wear a tuxedo or a dark suit.

White tie events are typically reserved for events with titled individuals or those with high social standing, such as presidential events, royal affairs, or events with diplomats in attendance. Black-tie events tend to occur at night and have a celebratory atmosphere. They include award and recognition ceremonies, galas, and some weddings.

In terms of accessories, white tie allows for a bit more flair. Men can wear a top hat, white dinner gloves, a pocket watch, and a dress cane. Women can wear a fur mantle, pashmina, bolero vest, or a tiara. For black-tie events, accessories are less common, but men can wear cufflinks and pocket squares, and women can wear simple earrings.

What to wear to a white tie wedding

White-tie weddings are the most formal type of wedding attire, even more so than black-tie weddings. This type of wedding attire has been in practice since the 18th or 19th century, when it was used to indicate social status and position in society.

What to Wear to a White-Tie Wedding as a Man:

If you're a man, you'll want to wear a black tailcoat, a white waistcoat, and a white bow tie. The tailcoat should be single-breasted with silk lapels and always worn unbuttoned. The waistcoat should be low-cut so that the shirt is visible, and the hem shouldn't stick out from under the jacket. Trousers should be high-waisted with two lines of braid down the outside of the trouser legs. They should match the colour of the tailcoat and have no turn-ups or breaks above the shoes. As for shoes, go for patent leather black shoes with matching black laces.

When it comes to accessories, consider adding a top hat, white gloves, a dress cane, a pocket watch, and a pocket square. Cufflinks are a must, and instead of buttons, consider wearing studs made of mother-of-pearl or something similar.

What to Wear to a White-Tie Wedding as a Woman:

For women, a white-tie wedding is a chance to dress up in a full-length ball gown or a floor-length evening dress. The goal is to accentuate elegance and grandeur while matching the ambiance of the event. As for accessories, simple earrings and necklaces that match the woman's gown and overall look are best. Shoes should be simple yet elegant, with closed toes and heels, and preferably in white or silver. A small, elegant clutch is also a nice touch. Although not essential, white gloves that go past the elbows or a tiara can also be worn.

Accessories for men

White tie weddings are the most formal type of wedding attire. If you're a man attending a white tie wedding, you'll need to wear a number of specific accessories to complete your outfit.

Firstly, a white bow tie is a must. This should be hand-tied and not pre-tied, and some sources suggest that it should be plain white, while others say a touch of colour or a pattern is acceptable. You'll also need cufflinks, and these should be worn with single cuffs—you should avoid a shirt with buttons on the sleeves. A pocket square is another accessory to consider, and this can be white to match your bow tie. You could also add a pocket watch, and if you want to go all out, a top hat is another accessory to consider. If you want to embrace the full, traditional look, you could even add a pair of white dinner gloves and a dress cane.

When it comes to shoes, you should opt for patent leather black shoes with matching black laces. Trousers should be low on the outside of the legs with no turn-ups or breaks above the shoes, and you should wear these with plain long, black socks.

Accessories for women

A white-tie wedding is the most formal dress code, so accessories for women should be chosen with this in mind. The key to accessorising for a white-tie wedding is to keep it simple and elegant, letting the grandeur of the occasion shine through.

For shoes, simple closed-toe heels in white or silver are the best option. These should be paired with a white or skin-coloured hose. High stiletto heels are a must, and a small, elegant clutch is the perfect finishing touch.

When it comes to jewellery, less is more. A simple pair of earrings is best, as anything too long or flashy may detract from your beauty rather than enhance it. A necklace that matches the gown and overall look is a good choice, and of course, this is the time to bring out your most stunning jewellery. A tiara is also an option, especially if you are a married woman or the bride.

White full-length gloves are also an option for women, as are fur mantles, pashminas, or bolero vests to complete the look and add a touch of warmth.

Remember, the most important thing is to dress to impress and follow the white-tie dress code as closely as possible.

Frequently asked questions