What to Wear to a Black Tie Wedding

Attending a black tie wedding is a special occasion that calls for your finest attire. The dress code is formal, and you'll want to look your best to celebrate the happy couple. Here's a guide to help you choose the perfect outfit for a black tie wedding.

What to Wear to a Black Tie Optional Wedding

Black tie optional weddings are slightly less formal than traditional black tie weddings, but you'll still want to dress to impress.

• Men: Tuxedo or dark suit, white dress shirt, black bow tie, black dress shoes.
• Women: Cocktail dress or evening gown, dressy separates, heels or dressy flats.
• Accessories: Jewelry, clutch bag, scarf or wrap.
• Colors: Black, white, navy, gray, jewel tones.
• Fabrics: Silk, velvet, lace, satin.
• Avoid: Jeans, sneakers, t-shirts, shorts.
• Check with the couple: If you're unsure about what to wear, check with the couple to get their guidance.

By following these tips, you can choose the perfect outfit for a black tie optional wedding and make sure you look your best to celebrate the happy couple.

Men's Tuxedo or Dark Suit, White Dress Shirt, Black Bow Tie, Black Dress Shoes

The most common choice for a black tie optional wedding is a tuxedo. A tuxedo is a black or ivory dinner jacket with matching trousers, a white dress shirt, a black bow tie, and black dress shoes.

If you don't own a tuxedo, a dark suit is an acceptable alternative. A dark suit should be black, navy, or charcoal gray. It should be paired with a white dress shirt, a black bow tie, and black dress shoes.

• Make sure the tuxedo or suit fits you well. It should be tailored to your body so that it doesn't look too baggy or too tight.
• Choose a tuxedo or suit that is made from a high-quality fabric. Wool is a good choice for a tuxedo or suit, as it is both durable and wrinkle-resistant.
• Accessorize your tuxedo or suit with a pocket square and cufflinks. These accessories can add a personal touch to your outfit.

Women: Cocktail Dress or Evening Gown, Dressy Separates, Heels or Dressy Flats

Women have a wider range of options to choose from for a black tie optional wedding. A cocktail dress or evening gown is always a good choice. A cocktail dress is typically shorter than an evening gown, and it can be more casual or more formal, depending on the fabric and design. An evening gown is a long, formal dress that is typically worn to more formal events. For a black tie optional wedding, a cocktail dress or evening gown in a dark color, such as black, navy, or emerald green, is a good choice.

Dressy separates are another option for women attending a black tie optional wedding. Dressy separates can include a skirt or pantsuit with a dressy top. A skirt or pantsuit should be made from a high-quality fabric, such as silk or velvet, and it should be tailored to your body. A dressy top can be a blouse, a camisole, or a sweater. It should be made from a luxurious fabric, such as silk or lace, and it should be fitted to your body.

Heels or dressy flats are the perfect footwear for a black tie optional wedding. Heels can add a touch of glamour to your outfit, while dressy flats are more comfortable. If you choose to wear heels, make sure they are comfortable to walk in, as you will be doing a lot of standing and dancing.

No matter what you choose to wear, make sure that your outfit is clean, pressed, and fits you well. You want to look your best to celebrate the happy couple.

Accessories: Jewelry, Clutch Bag, Scarf or Wrap

Accessories can help to complete your outfit and add a personal touch. For a black tie optional wedding, consider adding some of the following accessories:

• **Jewelry:** Jewelry can add a touch of glamour to your outfit. Choose pieces that are simple and elegant, such as a pearl necklace or diamond earrings. Avoid wearing too much jewelry, as you don't want to look overdressed.
• **Clutch bag:** A clutch bag is a small, handheld bag that is perfect for carrying your essentials, such as your phone, keys, and lipstick. Choose a clutch bag that is made from a luxurious fabric, such as silk or velvet, and that matches your outfit.
• **Scarf or wrap:** A scarf or wrap can add a touch of warmth and style to your outfit. Choose a scarf or wrap that is made from a lightweight fabric, such as silk or cashmere, and that complements your outfit.

When choosing accessories, keep in mind the overall tone of the wedding. If the wedding is more formal, choose more classic and elegant accessories. If the wedding is more casual, you can choose more fun and trendy accessories.

Colors: Black, White, Navy, Gray, Jewel Tones

When choosing what to wear to a black tie optional wedding, it is important to consider the colors that you will be wearing. The most common colors for black tie optional weddings are black, white, navy, gray, and jewel tones.

• Black: Black is a classic and elegant color for a black tie optional wedding. It is a versatile color that can be paired with any other color.
• White: White is another popular color for black tie optional weddings. It is a clean and crisp color that can be dressed up or down.
• Navy: Navy is a dark and sophisticated color that is perfect for a black tie optional wedding. It is a versatile color that can be paired with any other color.
• Gray: Gray is a neutral color that is perfect for a black tie optional wedding. It is a versatile color that can be paired with any other color.
• Jewel tones: Jewel tones, such as emerald green, sapphire blue, and ruby red, are a great choice for a black tie optional wedding. They add a touch of glamour to your outfit.

When choosing a color for your outfit, keep in mind the overall tone of the wedding. If the wedding is more formal, choose a more classic color, such as black, white, or navy. If the wedding is more casual, you can choose a more fun and trendy color, such as a jewel tone.

Fabrics: Silk, Velvet, Lace, Satin

The fabric of your outfit can also help to create the right look for a black tie optional wedding. Some of the most popular fabrics for black tie optional weddings include silk, velvet, lace, and satin.

• Silk: Silk is a luxurious and elegant fabric that is perfect for a black tie optional wedding. It is a breathable fabric that is comfortable to wear, even in warm weather.
• Velvet: Velvet is a rich and sophisticated fabric that is perfect for a black tie optional wedding. It is a warm and cozy fabric that is perfect for winter weddings.
• Lace: Lace is a delicate and feminine fabric that is perfect for a black tie optional wedding. It can be used to create a variety of looks, from romantic to glamorous.
• Satin: Satin is a smooth and shiny fabric that is perfect for a black tie optional wedding. It is a luxurious fabric that can add a touch of glamour to your outfit.

When choosing a fabric for your outfit, keep in mind the overall tone of the wedding. If the wedding is more formal, choose a more classic fabric, such as silk or velvet. If the wedding is more casual, you can choose a more fun and trendy fabric, such as lace or satin.

Avoid: Jeans, Sneakers, T-Shirts, Shorts

While black tie optional weddings are less formal than traditional black tie weddings, there are still some items of clothing that you should avoid wearing. These items include:

• Jeans: Jeans are a casual item of clothing that is not appropriate for a black tie optional wedding.
• Sneakers: Sneakers are a casual shoe that is not appropriate for a black tie optional wedding.
• T-shirts: T-shirts are a casual item of clothing that is not appropriate for a black tie optional wedding.
• Shorts: Shorts are a casual item of clothing that is not appropriate for a black tie optional wedding.

If you are unsure about whether or not an item of clothing is appropriate for a black tie optional wedding, it is always best to err on the side of caution and choose something more formal.

Check with the Couple: If You're Unsure About What to Wear, Check with the Couple to Get Their Guidance.

If you are unsure about what to wear to a black tie optional wedding, the best thing to do is to check with the couple. They will be able to provide you with specific guidance on what to wear, based on the formality of the wedding and their personal preferences.

• Ask the couple directly: You can ask the couple directly what they would like you to wear to their wedding. This is the most direct way to get the information you need.
• Check the wedding website: Many couples create a wedding website where they provide information about the wedding, including the dress code.
• Contact the wedding planner: If the couple has hired a wedding planner, you can contact the wedding planner to get information about the dress code.

Once you have checked with the couple, you can be sure that you are wearing the appropriate attire for their wedding.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about what to wear to a black tie optional wedding:

Question 1: What is the difference between black tie and black tie optional?
Answer: Black tie is the most formal dress code, and it requires guests to wear tuxedos or evening gowns. Black tie optional is slightly less formal, and guests have the option of wearing a tuxedo or evening gown, or a dark suit or cocktail dress.

Question 2: What should men wear to a black tie optional wedding?
Answer: Men can wear a tuxedo, a dark suit, or a dinner jacket with black tie. A white dress shirt is always appropriate, and black dress shoes are a must.

Question 3: What should women wear to a black tie optional wedding?
Answer: Women can wear a cocktail dress, an evening gown, or dressy separates. Heels or dressy flats are the perfect footwear.

Question 4: What colors should I avoid wearing to a black tie optional wedding?
Answer: It is best to avoid wearing white, as this color is traditionally reserved for the bride. You should also avoid wearing very casual colors, such as denim or khaki.

Question 5: What fabrics are appropriate for a black tie optional wedding?
Answer: Silk, velvet, lace, and satin are all appropriate fabrics for a black tie optional wedding.

Question 6: Can I wear a pantsuit to a black tie optional wedding?
Answer: Yes, you can wear a pantsuit to a black tie optional wedding. Choose a pantsuit that is made from a luxurious fabric, such as silk or velvet, and pair it with a dressy top and heels.

Question 7: What if I'm not sure what to wear to a black tie optional wedding?
Answer: If you are unsure about what to wear to a black tie optional wedding, the best thing to do is to check with the couple. They will be able to provide you with specific guidance on what to wear, based on the formality of the wedding and their personal preferences.

By following these tips, you can choose the perfect outfit for a black tie optional wedding and make sure you look your best to celebrate the happy couple.

Tips

Here are a few tips to help you choose the perfect outfit for a black tie optional wedding:

1. Dress to impress. Black tie optional weddings are still formal events, so it is important to dress to impress. Choose clothing that is well-made and fits you well.

2. Consider the time of year and location of the wedding. If the wedding is taking place in the summer, you may want to choose lighter fabrics and colors. If the wedding is taking place in the winter, you may want to choose warmer fabrics and colors.

3. Accessorize appropriately. Accessories can help to complete your outfit and add a personal touch. Choose accessories that are elegant and understated.

4. Be comfortable. You will be spending several hours at the wedding, so it is important to choose an outfit that you are comfortable in. Make sure your shoes are comfortable to walk in and that your clothing is not too tight or restrictive.

By following these tips, you can choose the perfect outfit for a black tie optional wedding and make sure you look your best to celebrate the happy couple.

Conclusion

Black tie optional weddings are a great opportunity to dress up and celebrate the happy couple. By following the tips in this article, you can choose the perfect outfit that will make you look and feel your best.

Remember, the most important thing is to be comfortable and confident in your outfit. If you feel good, you will look good.

So go out there and enjoy the wedding! Dance the night away and make memories that will last a lifetime.