Black Tie Wedding Attire: What's Appropriate For Guests?

Black-tie is the most formal of wedding dress codes (excluding the rare white-tie), and it's often seen as a chore by guests who spot it on an invitation. But the fun of dressing up in your most formal attire can make the event even more memorable. For men, this means a tuxedo, and for women, a floor-length gown. But what if you want to break the mould a little? Are there any alternatives that won't see you sticking out like a sore thumb? Read on to find out.

Women's attire: long formal gowns, jumpsuits, or trouser suits

For women, a black-tie wedding is a chance to embrace formality and glamour. The dress code calls for floor-length gowns, formal cocktail dresses, or elegant trouser suits.

If you opt for a gown, you can choose from a variety of silhouettes, including trumpet, ball, or sheath. Rich fabrics and fine details are key, and the length should be floor-length to maintain the formality of the occasion. As for colours, you're free to choose any shade except white or anything similar, such as off-white or beige. Black is an elegant and appropriate choice, and jewel tones or pastels are also excellent options, depending on the season.

For those who prefer a trouser suit, the key is to keep it formal and elegant. A well-tailored suit, crafted from luxurious textiles, will ensure you look the part. You can opt for a contemporary twist on traditional menswear tailoring, choosing from a range of silhouettes and fabrics such as satin, silk, or lace. To elevate your look, consider adding some celebratory touches, such as tassels, sequins, rosettes, or feather trims.

When it comes to accessories, opt for sleek heels, elegant jewellery, and a clutch. This is your opportunity to shine, so don't be afraid to go for diamonds or pearls, especially if your dress is more muted. As for your beauty look, you can choose to focus on either your eyes or lips, perhaps trying a smokey eye with a nude lip or dewy, highlighted cheeks with a red lip.

Overall, when dressing for a black-tie wedding, remember to keep the focus on the happy couple and avoid anything that might upstage the bride.

Men's attire: tuxedos, dinner jackets, and accessories

For men attending a black-tie wedding, it's time to bring out the tuxedo. This means the full look: a proper dinner jacket, tuxedo trousers, appropriate shoes, and the necessary accessories. Tuxedos are available in a variety of colours, including black, blue, green, burgundy, and grey.

A formal dinner suit is also acceptable. Dinner jackets are typically made from silk-lapel or velvet, and can be textured. Pants should be well-tailored with a fitted silhouette. Underneath, a crisp white dress shirt is a must. When it comes to shoes, loafers, derbies, and monk straps are all good choices, depending on the suiting. Black is the obvious choice, but you can also experiment with fancy textures like polished leather or velvet.

As for accessories, black socks and a bow tie are the standard choices. To elevate your look further, consider adding a vest or cummerbund (but never wear them together), as well as cufflinks.

Modern twists: creative colours, cuts, and silhouettes

Modern twists on black-tie wedding attire allow for more creative colours, cuts, and silhouettes, while maintaining the level of formality of traditional black-tie dress codes.

Colours

While black is always a safe choice, modern black-tie dress codes allow for more creative colours. Women can opt for bolder colours such as hot pink, yellow, and metallics, while men can experiment with colours like navy, maroon, green, and burgundy. Just remember to avoid white, ivory, and any shade of white that might be too close to the bride's dress.

Cuts and Silhouettes

For women, modern black-tie attire calls for taking fashion risks. Instead of conservative black gowns, try bolder colours, high slits, low backs, and plunging V-necklines. Gowns with cutouts along the bodice may be too revealing and not respectful of the formality of the event. For men, while a tuxedo is still the preferred option, you can get creative by opting for a coloured tuxedo or mixing and matching jacket and pant colours and patterns.

Etiquette: what not to wear to a black-tie wedding

Black-tie weddings are the perfect opportunity to dress up in your most formal attire. However, there are certain things you should avoid wearing to ensure you don't upstage the happy couple or breach any etiquette rules. Here are some guidelines on what not to wear:

• White or anything in that colour spectrum, such as off-white, cream, ivory, or vanilla, is off-limits. The only exception is if the bride has requested that her bridesmaids also wear white.
• Anything too revealing. While modern weddings are less rigid when it comes to dress rules, you don't want to wear something that could be considered offensive or distracting.
• Short or mini dresses are not suitable for black-tie weddings. Even if the wedding is during the day, opt for a tea-length or midi-length dress instead.
• Evening gowns are not appropriate for morning or afternoon ceremonies.
• Anything that could be considered too casual, such as jeans, shorts, t-shirts, or sneakers, is not suitable, even for a casual black-tie wedding.
• Bright or neon colours should be avoided. Stick to darker, more subdued colours like navy, emerald, or burgundy.
• Anything that could upstage the bride. This includes outfits with head-to-toe crystals or other very attention-grabbing details.
• Body-baring cut-out gowns are not appropriate.
• Crystals, while glamorous, should be used sparingly.
• Regular suits are not formal enough for black-tie weddings. Men should wear a tuxedo.
• Loud prints and boldly coloured suits are not suitable for men. Stick to darker, more subdued colours.
• White shirts are not appropriate unless paired with a tuxedo or formal dinner jacket.
• Belts are not necessary when wearing a tuxedo. Suspenders are a more appropriate accessory.

Black-tie-optional: when the dress code is relaxed

Black-tie-optional is a dress code that sits between formal black-tie weddings and semi-formal affairs. It gives guests the option to wear their most formal attire, such as an evening gown or tuxedo, or to opt for something slightly more relaxed, like a formal suit or cocktail dress.

Women have a little more flexibility with this dress code. While a floor-length gown is still preferable, a midi or knee-length cocktail dress is also acceptable. If you do opt for a shorter dress, ensure it's not too casual by pairing it with dressy shoes—this could be heels, embellished flats, or sharp lace-up oxfords. If you're petite, look for a floor-length gown with a slit to elongate your body. Avoid anything too short, as well as mini and short dresses, which are considered too casual.

When it comes to colours, stay away from white, pastels, neon hues, and the colour the bridesmaids are wearing. For a summer wedding, opt for blue, pink, orange, or yellow. For a winter wedding, black, navy, and jewel tones are ideal.

Men should wear a tuxedo if they have one. If not, a black or navy suit with a tie is a good alternative. A dark suit is preferable, in colours such as black, navy, charcoal, emerald, or burgundy. Avoid anything too light or bright, and remember that white is reserved for the couple.

Frequently asked questions