The Classic Beauty of Black Tie

Thinking of having a black-tie wedding?  A black-tie wedding, typically held after 6:00 in the evening, is the most formal and elegant type of wedding you can have.  Years ago, when a fancy engraved invitation was received for an evening wedding, everyone knew it’d be a formal event. Nowadays, with etiquette and dress rules relaxed, it’s not uncommon for the words “black tie” to be printed on a wedding invitation to indicate the formality of the event.  If adding these words to your invitation, what style of reception should guests look forward to and what are your guests expected to wear?

The style of a black-tie reception might include a venue with architectural details and décor that provide a rich, elegant backdrop and a dinner of gourmet delicacies.  Rooms with formal style features include carved woodwork, wood floors, a marble fireplace, crystal chandeliers, or a baby grand piano. Bold and sophisticated accessories like candles, place cards, favor boxes, and a guest book in classic black and white provide added drama to this backdrop.  For the ultimate dining experience, filet mignon, lobster, caviar, and champagne may be on the menu.

Guests partying at a posh black-tie wedding must dress to impress. By definition, black tie is a dress code for formal evening events and is the most formal of dress. For men, this requires a tuxedo, and for women, a cocktail dress or long evening gown.

For men, there is much written about how to dress for a black-tie party but the proper black-tie dress consists of a dinner jacket in black or midnight blue with a single or double-breasted closure and either a shawl, peaked or notched satin collar.  Trousers should match the jacket in color and material and have a satin trim down the side of the leg.  A black silk or satin cummerbund or vest should be worn as a waist covering with a single-breasted jacket along with a black bow tie.  Double-breasted jacket styles do not require a waist covering, only a bow tie.   A white pleated or piqued formal shirt with a wing or lay down collar should be worn with black patent leather shoes to complete the look. 

Women have the option of wearing a cocktail dress or floor length gown for black-tie affairs.  Dress fabrics should be luxurious and perhaps have a bit of jeweled detailing or sequins. If a church service precedes the black-tie reception, the dress or gown shouldn’t be too revealing and the shoulders shouldn’t be exposed.  Accessories that’ll add a touch of glam include sequined purses, diamond or crystal jewelry, faux fur stoles or coats in cold weather, and perhaps even opera length gloves.

Tux by Joseph Abboud