Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Dallas | John Cain

Dressy casual. Festive. Semi-formal. Tropical. White tie. Black tie. Black tie optional.

With so many wedding dress codes out there, it’s no wonder many of us have difficulty remembering what they all mean!

Don’t worry! We’re not about to overload your brain with the details of what every wedding dress code means.  

Today, we’re talking about one, in particular, that appears on a lot of wedding invitations:

Black tie.

This is our ultimate guide to black tie wedding attire DOs and DON’Ts, plus some gorgeous outfit options for wedding guests searching for the perfect look!  

What Is a Black Tie Wedding?

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Charleston | Chantilly Lace LLC 

The black tie dress code is a formal dress code. Traditionally, it means tuxedos and full-length gowns for an evening event — like you’re ready to walk the red carpet.

Black tie is: 

Black tie is all of the things that most of us don’t have a reason to wear on a day-to-day basis. So, to sum it up in one word, black tie means FANCY.

If the invitation says white tie, you must step it up even more. White tie is the most formal dress code (think top hats and tails). If it’s a black tie optional wedding, you have some more flexibility.

Black tie optional means the couple wants you to wear a tux or an evening gown. But you’ll still look appropriate if you wear a black, navy, or gray suit or choose a tea-length or midi dress instead of a floor-length gown.

Have you decided on a black tie wedding? Check out our collection of bridesmaid dresses available online to fit that classic black tie theme!

The DOs and DON’Ts of Black Tie Wedding Attire

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Charlotte | Alex & Mallory 

Fashion rules aren’t set in stone, and we champion the idea of embracing your own style and wearing what makes you look and feel your best. (That’s exactly why we’re so obsessed with burnt orange bridesmaid dresses!) 

But for a black tie event, there are some overarching guidelines to keep in mind: 

DO: Choose a Black Tux

When a wedding invite says “black tie,” it usually means that the wedding party will wear black tuxedos with white dress shirts, cummerbunds, and a bow tie. It also means the couple-to-be wants you to follow suit (pun intended).

Invitations include dress codes so that you know the level of formality of the event. Choose a classic black tux for a black tie wedding, and you can’t go wrong! 

DO: Choose a Long Dress

For a formal event, a full-length gown is the standard. Anything that hits above the knee would be a cocktail dress better worn to a slightly less formal event.

With that said, you can get away with a dress that doesn’t graze the floor, but to look appropriate for the formal occasion, go for calf-length or longer.  

Social 8223 Dress

The Social 8223 dress offers timeless sophistication. Yet, it also has a modern sensibility, making it a gorgeous option for any black tie wedding. In lux charmeuse with a halter tie at the back of the neck, it’s classy from every angle. 

Amsale P437S Evening Dress 

If you prefer a soft, romantic look, the Amsale P437S Evening Dress is black tie perfection. In a flattering A-line silhouette, this evening gown features rich texture with a side slit and a draped off the shoulder bodice. 

DO: Opt for Embellishments

Black tie weddings are your chance to (literally) shine!

Sequins, beading, metallic brocades, sparkling jewels … go for it with all-out glitz and glamour! 

Sachin & Babi Ines Gown

 

With a shoulder sash adorned with crystals, the Sachin & Babi Ines Gown is perfect for a black tie event. The column silhouette, the embellishments, and the slight sheen of the Mikado fabric make it glamorous from head to toe.    

Mac Duggal 12231 Dress

Another fabulous embellished option is the Mac Duggal 12231 dress. This long-sleeve draped shoulder gown offers elegant beaded cuffs at each wrist. 

DO: Consider the Time of the Event

Black tie events are usually held at night (hence the phrase “evening gown”). But it’s not unusual for couples to have a ceremony earlier in the day and host a black tie reception later at night.

If it’s feasible, wear two different looks.  

Choose a ceremony look that’s appropriate for a formal daytime event, then do a costume change into your black tie attire for the reception.  

There are alternatives if changing looks between the ceremony and reception isn’t an option.  

Opt for a suit instead of a tux, a tailored/modern pantsuit instead of a gown, or a tea-length dress that works for day or night. A one-piece jumpsuit is also a stylish option! 

DO: Accessorize With Jewelry

Accessorize and elevate your black tie outfit with your best jewelry. Whether that’s cufflinks on a dress shirt or a diamond statement necklace, this is the time to flaunt your best baubles and gems! 

DO: Pay Attention to Your Hair and Makeup

There’s more to meeting the black tie dress code than wearing formal wedding attire on your body. It also requires a polished hair and makeup look.

This rule holds true for all wedding attendees.  

From trimming your beard to getting a pedicure, the trick is to look polished and poised from head to toe. Like Jack Dawson when he joins Cal Hockley and the DeWitt Bukaters for that first dinner on Titanic.  

(Make it count, meet me at the clock.)

DON’T: Wear a Short Dress (Unless It’s Really Fancy!) 

A black tie wedding might be the one occasion where a basic LBD won’t cut it. A dressy little black dress, however, is appropriate.  

If you want to wear a short dress, opt for a fancy one with an elegant look and feel. Make it even more special by adding your best jewelry and an incredible pair of shoes!  

At most black tie affairs, the bride is the only person who wears a short dress. And that’s only if she does a mid-reception outfit change or changes into a less formal “getaway” dress to head to an after party.  

Check out our Little White Dress collection to shop dozens of all-white bridal looks appropriate for after-parties, late-night receptions, rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, and more!  

DON’T: Wear Casual Shoes

Dress shoes are a must for a black tie wedding. While pairing sneakers with a suit can be a cool, contemporary look, it’s best to stick to tradition in this department. 

DON’T: Wear a Casual Watch

It’s better to skip the wristwatch altogether than wear the casual one you wear daily. Does your favorite watch have a silicone band or a canvas strap? Sorry, you’re better off leaving it at home. 

DON’T: Skip the Tie

Whether you wear a tux or a suit, don’t skip the tie. Also, don't forget to button your dress shirt all the way up and affix your tie properly, whether in a bowtie, Windsor knot, or Pratt knot form.

DON’T: Wear Bright Colors

Traditionally, darker colors are more formal. Dark suits and tuxes — such as black, gray, navy, and burgundy — are classic choices, regardless of the season.

For fall wedding dresses, jewel tones are a sophisticated choice. Chiffon gowns in neutral tones are an elegant option for summer wedding dresses. 

Amsale P520S Evening Dress

The Amsale P520S Evening Dress is black-tie-ready and available in over 30 colors. Choose from rich jewel tones, timeless neutrals, and classic autumnal hues. 

Sachin & Babi Paulina Gown

Another gorgeous option is the Sachin & Babi Paulina gown in stretch crepe with a slight cowl neckline and a wrap skirt with a chic front split. 

DON’T: Upstage the Bride or Groom

Regardless of the dress code, the main rule of dressing for any wedding is not to upstage the bride or groom. From the colors you choose to the silhouettes you wear, it’s important not to steal any attention away from the happy couple! 

Dress your best, but don’t overdo it.  

There’s no need to wear a ball gown that might rival the bride’s wedding dress or show up in a top hat and tails if the groom is wearing a classic tux. These options are appropriate for a white tie celebration but a bit too over the top for a black tie event. 

Related: What to Wear to a Wedding Welcome Party (For Brides, Grooms, and Guests)

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Everyone at a black tie wedding should be donning formal wear, from the couple-to-be to the wedding party to the guests. How you put your own spin on it or add your own sense of style to the look is entirely up to you! 

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