What to wear to a black tie wedding?

[kenny]

What to wear to a "black tie" wedding?

I recommend going all maverickie, and wearing more than just a black tie.
Hope this helps.

 

[oncrutchesrightnow]

Agree to ask the bride. But come back and post the whole outfit!

 

[AllAboardTheBlingTrain]

In that case I think it's reasonable to ask her what she prefers and then just go with that. I'd look at the weather and whether the venu is outside, or inside and airconed. Europe can be scorching hot in the summer.

I still think the reality of wearing the maroon dress will have draw backs -- you have to haul it to europe, keep others from stepping on it, wonder if you're over dressed (usually I'm pretty insensitive to other people's opinions on my clothes, but a ball gown esq dress with a train isn't normal black tie wedding attire and people will be likely to notice and remark on it), accept that it could have stuff spilt on it or be ripped by someone else standing on the train or accidentally catching it in their chair legs (and maybe that isnt even their fault as weddings can be pretty tightly packed).

Good point on the weather! I used to live in Europe and I remember how miserable the weather could be

I think the wine dress is ruled out by now. I don’t want to try and draw attention to myself unnecessarily. I aim to usually be at the midpoint of formality of a group and it would be really embarrassing IMO if I ended up heavier dressed than the bride’s mother for example!

Thanks for weighing in!

 

[missy]

Black tie depends on what region the affair is located. In NYC black tie means tuxedo for the man and formal dress (long) for the woman. Some women will wear less than floor length even for black tie. I think over the decades the definition as loosened. But to me this is what black tie means. Long and formal. I always prefer simple and elegant over all else. And if it is a wedding I certainly wouldn't want to upstage the bride and would never wear white to a wedding (unless it was my wedding lol). But black is always an acceptable (in NYC) black tie color. The last black tie affair we went to was before the pandemic. We wore simple but formal attire. It was at the Museum of Natural History in NYC.

 

[missy]

Hi all! I am not very comfortable with western dress codes and have recently received an invite to a black tie wedding. It will be in the summer next year so I have plenty of time to find clothing! The wedding starts around 4pm though so it’s like evening going into night.

What exactly does black tie entail? I have three long western gowns that I think can work but they are all significantly different in formality. They are all dark colours and very slim fitting. Can I wear dark/black colours for the early evening going into night wedding?

What is considered “too much”? One of the gowns has an illusion back and a train (the gown is in a dark wine colour). The other two are black. I thought black is off limits at a wedding, but I don’t want to wear the gown with a train if that would be inappropriate. One of the black seems a bit too casual/plain to me (it’s got full sleeves and is plain black, v neck and a small slit) but perhaps guests shouldn’t be too fancy? I have worn that black one to a birthday party before though.

I am also open to buying something if none of these work but would strongly prefer to wear something from my own closet. Is there a silhouette to stay away from? I know the bride likes the whole idea of being a “princess” and is likely to wear a ball gown so I thought it best to steer clear of that silhouette, but i don’t know if that is actually the preferred silhouette for everyone or my instincts to stay away were correct.

Thanks for the help!!

And I wanted to add one thing. When in doubt ask the bride. You can never go wrong asking the hosts what is appropriate. And I would prefer to err on the side of understated than overdone but definitely never want to under dress for an occasion. Enjoy the celebration and whatever you decide to wear remember comfort is queen!

 

[dk168]

Accessorise a black outfit with something colourful, like a shawl/scarf/colourful brooch/etc...

DK

 

[AllAboardTheBlingTrain]

Black tie depends on what region the affair is located. In NYC black tie means tuxedo for the man and formal dress (long) for the woman. Some women will wear less than floor length even for black tie. I think over the decades the definition as loosened. But to me this is what black tie means. Long and formal. I always prefer simple and elegant over all else. And if it is a wedding I certainly wouldn't want to upstage the bride and would never wear white to a wedding (unless it was my wedding lol). But black is always an acceptable (in NYC) black tie color. The last black tie affair we went to was before the pandemic. We wore simple but formal attire. It was at the Museum of Natural History in NYC.

You look great! It's funny I look at your dress and it seems formal to me even though its quite simple/elegant. Whereas my plain black one reads casual. I think material also has a lot to do with it.

Upstaging the bride is a no go for me too! That's why I was asking because in India the wine gown would be totally appropriate at someone else's wedding/reception but I think its not cool outside the country.

I think I will def ask the bride what is acceptable

 

[AllAboardTheBlingTrain]

Accessorise a black outfit with something colourful, like a shawl/scarf/colourful brooch/etc...

DK

Oh good idea! My go to black bag has some red on it, perhaps I'll carry a shawl that matches the shade of red?

 

[dk168]

I’ve recently gotten into suits made from brocades and silks as a style, btw, if that’s something you want to explore for yourself! A bit of a tangent but anyway. I feel like they look über chic and haute couture-y.

I have oriental brocade tops made for me back in 2009, to be worn with whatever that is black waist down such as trousers, long or short skirt.

However, my shape/size has changed and doubt if I would fit them anymore.

May need to get some new ones made. The difficulty is to find a good dressmaker/tailor locally.

DK

 

[dk168]

Oh good idea! My go to black bag has some red on it, perhaps I'll carry a shawl that matches the shade of red?

A tutti fruitti brooch will be added to my bling wish list, so that I could wear it with my black dresses.

Got a set of 6 small Ruby cabochons from my mum waiting to be set, can't think of a ring that I like, or bracelet, so they are likely to be set as a brooch pendant.

DK

 

[AllAboardTheBlingTrain]

I have oriental brocade tops made for me back in 2009, to be worn with whatever that is black waist down such as trousers, long or short skirt.

However, my shape/size has changed and doubt if I would fit them anymore.

May need to get some new ones made. The difficulty is to find a good dressmaker/tailor locally.

DK

A trend that I’ve been seeing lately in india which I actually really like is traditional silks or brocades turned into suits. I really love the look.

Here’s a pic from the internet for inspiration:

 

[dk168]

A trend that I’ve been seeing lately in india which I actually really like is traditional silks or brocades turned into suits. I really love the look.

Here’s a pic from the internet for inspiration:

Hmmmmm, that's too much pattern for my liking - I only wear black waist down, or grey as in cargo shorts in the summer.

DK

 

[jaysonsmom]

I have only been to a handful of black tie weddings where I was a guest and not a bridesmaid, but here is one of my dresses…beaded navy blue Adrianna Papell gown. It was a simple shape and still subdued despite the beading. Didn’t break the bank either, Adrianna Papell gowns are in the $200-300 USD ball park. Due to the beading, I didn't wear too much bling. Kept jewelry small and subtle.