What to Wear to a Black-Tie Wedding

If you’ve been invited to a black-tie wedding, you know that you’re in for a fancy celebration. The most formal of dress codes, black-tie attire requires big-day guests to dress to the nines—and typically involves floor-length gowns for women and tuxedos for men. You’ll know for sure that the celebration you’ve been asked to attend is black tie thanks to the invitation you receive in the mail (it might also be indicated on the couple’s wedding website), but you’ll likely be able to pick up on the forthcoming event’s fanciness by the suite itself, as well as the information on its cards. Look for a formal wedding invitation (think rolling script and heavy paper) with a request for guests to arrive in “black-tie attire;” it’s also most likely that the ceremony and reception will be slated for the evening, which is when black-tie parties most commonly take place. Now that you’ve established that you do, in fact, need to go all-out for the duo’s nuptials, the hard part begins: What should a wedding guest wear to a black-tie wedding? What does black-tie attire even really look like?

To help you cut through the confusion, we put together a guide to help you figure out what to wear to a wedding with a black-tie dress code. Read on below for everything you need to know, including practical tips and outfit inspiration.

What Is Black-Tie Attire?

Simply put, black-tie attire is typically reserved for formal evening events. Guests are required to choose floor-length gowns and tuxedos (and nice suits) when attending this type of celebration, as this is the most formal dress code after white-tie attire.

Black-Tie Attire for Women

• Evening floor-length gowns
• Ball gowns
• Formal cocktail dresses
• Elegant suits
• Formal shoes
• Elegant jewelry and accessories

What to Wear to a Black-Tie Wedding as a Female Guest

Evening gowns and elegant suits are the standard fare for black tie and should be the first consideration for women shopping for this type of dress code. More specifically, guests can go all out with a trumpet or ball gown silhouette, formal cocktail dresses, or keep it simple with a dressy sheath made from rich fabrics and fine details. And while the silhouette of your ensemble can vary based on the venue, season, and locale of the wedding, one aspect that can’t be compromised is the length of a dress, with floor-length looks being the recommended choice for black-tie affairs.

As for colors? All colors are fair game except for white, off-white, or anything else that’s even close to white. Apart from that, the only hue you might want to avoid is the color the bride has chosen for her bridesmaid dresses. Additionally, people often think black is a no-go for weddings, but that’s simply not the case. Your best options? A floor-length black gown is an elegant, classy choice that is perfectly appropriate for this dress code. Jewel tones are also excellent options (especially for fall fêtes), and pastel hues are lovely for summer weddings.

Lastly, when styling your black-tie wedding guest look, opt for sleek heels, gorgeous jewelry, and an elegant clutch, so the overall ensemble remains formal; and you can never go wrong with diamonds or pearls, especially if you’re wearing a more muted dress. What’s more, don’t forget about your beauty look. This is your chance to go all out, so opt for chignons, updos, or angelic cascading curls that will complement your elegant attire. Choose one feature to really play up, like eyes or lips, and try a smokey eye with a nude lip or dewy, highlighted cheeks with a red lip.

What Not to Wear to a Black-Tie Wedding as a Female Guest

If you’re questioning whether or not your outfit is too formal or inappropriate, you need only ask yourself one simple question: Are you going to upstage the bride? If there’s even a chance you might draw attention away from the guest of honor, wear something else. This isn’t the time for head-to-toe crystals, body-baring cutout gowns, or anything remotely bridal. If for any reason you’re on the fence about whether your dress is appropriate, run it by the bride or a bridesmaid.

Also, think about the time of day when selecting a look. Dramatic, ground-grazing couture doesn’t make sense for a morning ceremony—in fact, it’s considered bad form to wear evening gowns when it’s not the evening. For these earlier occasions, wear a formal tea-length dress, an elegant suit (with a skirt or trousers), or a dressed-up cocktail dress. Remember that you should never wear a short or mini dress to a black-tie wedding, no matter the time of day or venue.

Black-Tie Attire for Men

• Tuxedos
• Formal dinner suits
• White dress shirts
• Solid colored bow-ties or neckties (black is recommended)
• Black shoes
• Black socks
• Cufflinks and shirt studs

What to Wear to a Black-Tie Wedding as a Male Guest

While black-tie attire does not mandate donning a tuxedo, it’s usually the preferred option. This simplifies the process of cultivating an appropriate outfit piece by piece and automatically ensures you’ll fit in with the other guests or wedding party. If you don’t own a tuxedo, however, there are plenty of options to rent a tux for the occasion.

A formal dinner suit is also acceptable for this type of celebration. Dapper smoking jackets in velvet or textured materials can add flair to the attire, but a traditional silk-lapel dinner jacket is the standard choice. Pants should be well-tailored with a fitted silhouette that doesn’t appear too clingy, and your pants should match your dinner jacket unless you’re intentionally opting for a contrasting look. Acrisp white dress shirt is also necessary.

Your shoes should reflect the formality of the attire. Loafers, derbies, and monk straps can all fit the bill depending on the suiting, but be discerning of styles with laces. Black is the obvious choice unless your attire’s color dictates differently, and fancy textures like polished leather or velvet can be a nice touch. Accessories-wise, black socks and a bow tie are the only appropriate options. A vest or cummerbund (never to be worn together), as well as snazzy cufflinks, can also elevate your sartorial foundation.

What Not to Wear to a Black-Tie Wedding as a Male Guest

Similar to women’s attire, men should stay away from looks that might draw attention away from the guests of honor. Loud prints and boldly colored suits should be avoided, with black being the safest color choice for this dress code. If you prefer to stand out, a deep, inky navy or midnight blue makes for a handsome choice. There have also been a few cases made for deep earth tones or charcoals, but these can be tricky given the formality of the affair.

Black-Tie Attire Shopping Tips

Black-tie attire is costly, and while you might be able to find a great deal, shopping around will take you some time. But if a new ball gown or tuxedo isn’t in your budget, don’t worry—we have two ideas. First, ask around. Chances are you have a friend with an ensemble you can wear just hanging in their closet that they’ll gladly let you borrow.

Second, there are various dress and rental shops available today, which can help you find designer looks for a fraction of the cost. For example, companies like Rent the Runway, Nuuly, Generation Tux, and Men’s Wearhouse offer a huge selection of designer formalwear looks that are perfect for black-tie weddings. Rent the Runway will even let you choose a second size in the same dress, so you’re likely to find the perfect fit even without trying it on.

Black-Tie vs. Black-Tie Optional vs. Creative Black-Tie Attire: What’s the Difference?

Black-tie attire has a few (slightly less formal) iterations, including black-tie optional and creative black tie. As for how these dress codes measure up to the real thing? While guests invited to a black-tie event should heed the above advice, women headed to black-tie optional affairs have more leeway to wear cocktail-style dresses or even dressy pantsuits, while men can step out in a regular suit (a still-dark, but less formal shade, like charcoal or navy, is acceptable); attendees are also able to have a bit more fun with their accessories at black-tie optional affairs.

As for creative black-tie attire? Think fancy and formal, but more colorful and personal. This is your chance to really show off your fashion sense with maximalist, patterned gowns and impressive suits in a myriad of textures (like velvet!). Whereas black-tie attire is more serious and structured, creative black tie is festive and fancy.