What to Wear to a Black-Tie Wedding
While weddings of all styles and sizes are amazing, black-tie weddings are by far my favorite to attend! They’re timeless, elegant, and the perfect opportunity for guests to showcase their style. After all, how often can you show up to an event in a floor-length dress?!
However, sometimes it’s difficult for guests to decide what to wear for such an event. What’s too formal? What’s not formal enough? Do they actually have to buy a floor-length gown that they’ll never wear again? Believe it or not, these questions and more have simple answers. If your black-tie wedding guests are struggling to figure out what to wear, just show them this post and I’ll take care of the rest!
How Fancy is “Fancy?”
If there’s one thing guests tend to worry about the most when it comes to black-tie weddings, it’s how fancy they need to look. There can be a fine line between attire that is suited for such an affair and a getup that makes you look like you’re headed for the Met Gala. Conversely, you don’t want to end up looking too casual compared to your fellow guests.
For men, the answer to this conundrum is relatively straightforward. Most guys can get away with just throwing on a rented tux, perhaps in a fun seasonal shade, and then calling it a day. Women, on the other hand, have a lot more to consider, since dresses run the gamut in terms of formality. It’s my personal opinion that, when all else fails, you can never go wrong with a classic black floor-length gown. I wore one myself to a recent black-tie wedding that I attended as a guest!
Pictured: Macduggal Gown, Birdies Slides, Cult Gaia Clutch, Rendezvous Matte Lipstick by Huda Beauty, Oscar De La Renta Statement Earrings in Emerald
I absolutely loved wearing this gown. It was comfortable, flowy, and I received dozens of compliments from new friends. In fact, gowns can be great conversation-starters if you’re a social butterfly!
Dressing Thoughtfully & Seasonally
When deciding what you’ll wear to a black-tie wedding, keep the season of the wedding in mind. This will help to guide you when it comes to choosing a material for your outfit! For example, chiffon and silk are classic fabrics that look great in any season, while velvet is usually only worn in winter.
In addition, the season of the wedding can help you to decide on a color palette for your look. Warm golds and reds are best reserved for an autumn wedding, while soft pastels look fab at a spring wedding. No matter the season, the colors you choose should make you feel comfortable, yet expressive. The culture of the wedding should also be taken into account. In general, I stay away from wearing true red at an Asian wedding, as I would never want to clash with the bride! And, while this should go without saying, you should never show up to any wedding wearing white or ivory.
Don’t Forget the Accessories
A gown alone does not make an outfit! Have a bit of fun by selecting a piece of statement jewelry that will add a pop of unexpected color to your ensemble. People often associate “formal” style with looking boring or stuffy, but it doesn’t have to mean that. For example, I selected my black-tie outfit knowing that I loved ruffles and daring cut-outs and that a bit of sparkle would go a long way. I felt anything but boring!
When it comes to your hair, stick with wearing it however will make you feel the most comfortable. I kept mine down and parted it neatly in the middle. The key is to look polished and to be yourself!
Don’t Break the Bank
Let’s face it: while they’re fun to wear, formal gowns are not cheap, and taking a hit to your bank account is anything but fun. That is why, rather than purchasing my most recent black-tie gown, I rented it from Rent the Runway. I will always recommend this service as it’s so much more convenient and cost-effective to rent your black-tie gown than to buy it. I’m a minimalist at heart, and I don’t believe in cluttering my limited closet space with an item that I will only wear once or twice. Plus, the gowns from RTR are incredibly high-quality. They will always be my go-to for special events! Have a black-tie wedding coming up? Click my referral link for 50% off your first two months of membership with RTR!
And guys, don’t think I forgot about you! Your equivalent to RTR is The Black Tux. Here’s my referral link!
I hope that these tips for what to wear to a black-tie wedding have been helpful so that you can dress to the nines at your next event. Explore images from two of my favorite black-tie weddings that I’ve photographed here and here. And, get your online shopping game on with my top picks for gowns and accessories for your next black-tie wedding:
Gowns:
Fame & Partners Red Puff Sleeve Gown
Ienna for Mac Duggal Long Sleeve Cutout Gown
Ienna for Mac Duggal Sequin Embroidered Gown
C/MEO COLLECTIVE On The Level Gown
Shoes:
Miu Miu Women’s Crystal-Embellished Satin Kitten Heel Pumps
Lisa Black Ankle Strap Heel With Pearl Detail
Manolo Blahnik Maysale Crystal Buckle Pointed Toe Mule
White House Black Market Jeweled Suede Mules
Statement Earrings:
Oscar de la Renta Large Impatiens Flower Drop Earrings
Elizabeth Cole Crystal Paulette Earrings
Oscar de la Renta Crystal Octagon Clip Earrings
Lele Sadoughi Flower Gem Earrings
