Wedding Attire Black Tie: Do’s and Don’ts of This Formal Dress Code
A black tie wedding is a golden opportunity to dress like royalty while celebrating a loved one’s nuptials. It’s not often you get to dress to the nines and don your most sophisticated attire — especially in the era of athleisure and casual get-ups. But even though getting ready for a black tie wedding can be exciting, it can also feel daunting. Here, we’ll show you the do’s and don’ts of wedding attire for black tie and give you fun ways to make the outfit all your own.
What Is Black Tie Wedding Attire?
Black tie wedding attire is a formal dress code, typically used for elegant evening ceremonies. It’s the type of dress code you expect at formal events like balls, galas, and operas. Second only to white tie wedding attire, black tie is among the most formal dress codes. This dress code is popular for weddings thanks to its glamorous and sophisticated style.
Floor-length gowns and tuxedos are the norm at these types of weddings. Black tie attire often comes in neutral hues, but that doesn’t mean you have to shy away from color and pizzazz. However, there are some rules to follow.
Wearing a Tuxedo
A suit alone won’t cut it at a black tie wedding. A tuxedo or smoking jacket is required — generally in black, though more modern takes allow for navy, white, and dark grey. The jacket should have contrast lapels and you can choose to add an optional cummerbund. For a touch of color, stick to gem hues like emerald, amethyst, or garnet, which are also great for fall weddings. If the wedding is for a modern couple, you may also be able to wear brighter hues like red, pink, or yellow.
One should also wear a tuxedo shirt, dark trousers, a black bowtie, and dark dress shoes. Instead of a tuxedo shirt, you can opt for a white dress shirt with a Marcella front. The shirt you choose should have a turn-down collar where you can affix the bow tie. Most black tie-appropriate dress shirts should also be paired with cufflinks.
For trousers, you’ll want a matching pair for your tuxedo jacket. Your trousers should be formal and feature a ribbon — made of satin, or faille — down the sides. The key here is to make sure your trousers are fitted and tapered for a sophisticated appearance.
Donning a Dress
If you want to wear a dress, a floor-length gown is the way to go. Any style of evening gown is acceptable, whether you prefer slinky sheath dresses or structured ball gowns. The hem of the dress should just barely graze the floor so pay attention to length and the shoes you plan on wearing.
You can also opt for a tea-length dress or a fancy cocktail dress — just make sure it hits below the knee. This type of dress is particularly common for black-tie optional events. Jumpsuits are another popular alternative, just make sure the silhouette and design is sophisticated.
In terms of color, feel free to choose a gown in any hue — well, almost any hue. You’ll want to avoid the obvious white and cream shades. It’s also not a bad idea to find out the wedding colors (particularly those of the bridesmaids dresses) to avoid accidentally looking like the wedding party. When in doubt, black is always a sophisticated option.
Wedding Attire Black Tie Ideas
The best black tie attire depends on the level of formality of the event and the couple you are celebrating. Some couples are traditional and prefer to stick to black hues and leave little room for experimentation while other couples have a more modern take on wedding attire for black tie. If you’re allowed to experiment, the wedding invitation will likely say “black tie creative.”
Now that you know the basics of wedding attire black tie dress codes, you can have some fun while getting dressed up. Here are some ideas to take your look to the next level with tips for accessories, choosing fabrics, and completing the look for your upcoming black tie event.
Go for Luxe Texture
Luxurious textures are go-tos for dressy and formal wedding attire. Soft velvets, silk, and satin add glamor and sophistication while embossed fabrics can further elevate an outfit and add visual interest. A textured or vibrantly colored vest is a great way to add some personality to a black tuxedo without breaking any dress code rules.
Supplement With Subtle Prints
Upgrade the classic black tux by choosing one with a print. Floral motifs, paisley prints, and geometric designs are a great option for making your tux seem more modern. For rigid black tie affairs, stick to subtle patterns in the same color family as the jacket color. For a modern take, play with colors and more visible patterns. While a patterned dinner jacket is an excellent choice, you can also opt for patterned prints on socks and vests for playful yet polished contrast.
Opt for Decadent Fabrics
Dressing for a black tie evening event isn’t just about choosing a floor-length dress. You also want to pay attention to fabric and design quality. Now is not the time for a floor-length cotton maxi dress. Instead, think of it as dressing for the red carpet. Rich fabrics like silk, linen, and velvet are all well-suited for a black tie wedding dress code. Chiffon is an excellent choice for a beach wedding where temperatures may be too hot for a black tie outfit made of plusher fabrics like velvet.
Color the Room
For a summer wedding, brighten up your formal wear by adding a little color in the mix. While jewel tones are perfect for fall affairs, consider brightening things up with a hint of turquoise and sunshine yellow. These colors can be accents on a black formal dress or you can incorporate them into your shoes, handbag, or jewelry. For springtime black-tie formal weddings, consider pastel hues that are always in season.
Shine in Metallics
In cases where color isn’t an option, turn to metallics to dress up your black tie wedding attire. A full-length maxi dress accented by sequins or hand-crafted beadwork is a sure-fire way to make a statement. You can also opt for metallic accents on belts and bowties for a sophisticated look.
Amp Up Your Outfit With Accessories
Accessories help complete any look, and black tie wedding attire is no exception. Diamonds and pearls are go-tos for these types of formal events, but you can also choose statement jewelry to accent your ensemble.
Jewelry, watches, embellishments, and cufflinks should be made of the same metals and match your wardrobe. For example, if you have a black pearl ring set in silver, make sure to pair it with a silver watch. Alternatively, if you have rose gold dangling earrings, you can pair them with a rose gold clutch. If your dress has gold beading, stick to gold jewelry to create a cohesive look.
When it comes to shoes, classic is always a winner. Patent leather shoes are ideal for black tie events and simple pocket squares fit the bill. For women’s shoes, pumps, heeled sandals, and sophisticated flats work well. For comfort and class, consider a glam velvet ballet flat or an edgy leather pump to complete the look.
Get Ready for Wedding Season
Whether you’re planning a black tie wedding and getting ready to help guests dress in style or are attending a black tie affair, these tips will help you pick the perfect outfit. As a guest, be sure to check out our guide to different wedding dress codes so you can sail through wedding season with ease. For those of you who are planning a swanky ceremony, browse our selection of formal wedding invitations so you can easily let guests know how to dress for your big day.
