Black tie woes continue

Black tie weddings are the most formal type of wedding you can have. It not only refers to the dress code (tuxedos for men and long gowns for women), but also the way in which it is hosted. The venue should be grand (Think ballroom) and the decor quite elaborate (Beautiful linens, tons of lush fresh flowers, professional lighting, etc.). The meal should be top notch and must always be a plated meal - never, ever a buffet- and the cakes are show pieces. There should also be a complementary full bar. A lot of black tie weddings have live bands instead of DJs, but that is not required. They also typically have interactive stations for guests (cigar rolling, etc.). Black-tie weddings are incredibly formal, and are definitely not cheap!

Most people choose formal or cocktail attire for their dress code. It is much less strict than black tie (or white tie) events, both in terms of dress code and hosting responsibilities, but still ensures your guests will show up in dressy attire (think nice suits and dresses).

I believe black tie optional dress code means women wear a nice cocktail dress or, if desired, a gown. Men wear a suit (preferably dark colored) and tie, or a tuxedo. Because the invitation lists black tie optional but website lists cocktail attire, I think a cocktail dress and suit and tie would be appropriate. You can always double check with the bride or groom to find out exactly what they had in mind!

I put cocktail or formal attire on our website. I agree with Chrysta's definition of black tie. This implies a super formal and grand event. When you think about your venue what attire comes to mind for you? Will be outside, inside, a combo of both? I chose cocktail or formal attire because it will be super hot on our wedding day and it's an outdoor/indoor combo. The reception is in a ballroom, but it's not some grand castle type situation lol.

Our attire was cocktail. I would have liked black tie optional, but there was no way my husband's family would've gone for that as they are super laid back. Black attire is the most formal option. Women usually were long evening gowns and men wear suits/tuxes. The type of event or your venue often dictate what attire is recommended.

Does creative black tie mean anything to you? If so, go with whatever you would wear if that was the dress code. To me it's more fun and less strict than black tie, but kind of a step up from cocktail attire.


Here are two wedding dress code articles/guides:https://www.brides.com/story/wedding-dress-code-explained

https://www.marthastewartweddings.com/228438/wedding-guest-attire?slide=54340563-d899-4786-bb06-1b17c49ac287#54340563-d899-4786-bb06-1b17c49ac287

View Quoted Comment I don't think I really want to host a black tie event now that I've thought about it. My venue would fit it, but I guess I do imagine something more like cocktail/evening dresses and suits. Also most of my guests would have to rent a tux if it were black tie and I feel like many were really stretched thin by the pandemic

View Quoted Comment Love these guides! I think I could have some fun with this, maybe even borrow a dress that normally would be too stylish for me

View Quoted Comment I think that’s a good idea. Black tie does add the pressure of guests having to rent a tux or find a formal gown. I think most people already own something that falls under cocktail/formal.

That is very confusing... I think i would reach out and ask the Bride or someone close to her. You should be able to get some idea of how to dress based on the venue itself. I do agree that most likely they want you to wear more formal clothing but not necessarily a tux and gown. I would stick with cocktail attire.

Here are some great articles I found with guides for dress code! I hope this helps.

https://www.brides.com/story/wedding-dress-code-explained

https://www.marthastewartweddings.com/228438/wedding-guest-attire

And an article from here that's really good!! https://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-ideas/black-tie-wedding-attire