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You <\/span>open<\/span> a beautiful invitation and are filled with joy at the thought of attending the nuptials of someone you love. As you continue <\/span>reading<\/span> the invite, you see the words \u201cblack tie optional,\u201d and like many others, you\u2019re a little confused. The words \u201cblack tie\u201d suggest highly formal attire, but \u201coptional\u201d is a bit vague.<\/span><\/p>\n Fortunately, we\u2019re here to help you navigate the nuances of a <\/span>black tie optional wedding<\/span> dress code with<\/span> ideas for the perfect outfit. Plus, if you\u2019re planning your wedding as a <\/span>black tie optional event<\/span>, we\u2019re also sharing etiquette and decor tips to ensure your dream day goes off without a hitch.<\/span> A <\/span>black tie optional wedding<\/span> is a relatively new <\/span>trend<\/span>. It\u2019s born out of couples wanting a highly sophisticated celebration but also understanding that not all guests can splurge on the required attire.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n To understand this<\/span> wedding dress code<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, let\u2019s quickly address what <\/span>black tie wedding<\/span> attire means. A<\/span>\u00a0black-tie wedding<\/strong><\/span><\/a> is a formal evening event where guests are expected to wear <\/span>tuxedos<\/span> and <\/span>floor-length gowns<\/span>. It\u2019s one step below the uber-fancy <\/span>white tie<\/span> attire and a step above <\/span>formal dress codes<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n A <\/span>black tie <\/span>optional<\/span> wedding<\/span> allows for some flexibility. For example, guests can wear long, elegant<\/span> cocktail dresses<\/strong><\/span><\/a> instead of ballgowns or a nice, tailored suit instead of a <\/span>classic black tuxedo<\/span>. If guests can adhere to the black tie attire, great. If not, something a little less fancy but still elegant and evening-appropriate is acceptable.<\/span><\/p>\n The idea is that the couple wants a <\/span>formal event<\/span>, ideally with black tie attire. However, they also know that this attire can be expensive and harder to obtain \u2014 especially when you consider the cost of tailors and specialty stores. With a black tie optional wedding, guests can go all-in with <\/span>formal wear<\/span> or keep it simpler with <\/span>formal wedding guest dresses<\/span>, a <\/span>dark suit<\/span>, or a <\/span>dressy<\/span> pantsuit<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n While a <\/span>black tie optional dress code<\/span> allows for greater flexibility than a strictly black tie affair, it\u2019s still a very <\/span>formal event<\/span>. With this <\/span>wedding dress code<\/span>, think about the location and timing of the event when choosing<\/span> what to wear to a wedding<\/a><\/strong>. An evening wedding in a church will be more formal than an afternoon ceremony on the beach. Do your best to match the formality of your attire to the event.<\/span><\/p>\n As a <\/span>wedding guest<\/span> at a black tie optional ceremony, you could wear an <\/span>evening gown<\/span>, a sleek <\/span>pantsuit<\/span>, or a <\/span>full-length<\/span> dress. Avoid wearing short dresses, <\/span>midi dresses<\/span>, <\/span>sundresses<\/span>, and mini dresses, which can be too casual for this <\/span>formal affair<\/span>. It\u2019s also a good idea to avoid any clothing that is too revealing or might take attention away from the bride \u2014 like fully-sequined gowns.<\/span><\/p>\n For colors, skip the eye-catching neon and softer pastel hues as these simply don’t meet the <\/span>level of formality<\/span> needed for a <\/span>black tie optional wedding<\/span>. Instead, choose <\/span>luxe<\/span> jewel tones<\/span> (emerald, ruby, amethyst, onyx, sapphire), intricate patterns, and rich textures \u2014 including <\/span>pleats<\/span> and fabrics like chiffon or velvet. Also, consider the season of the wedding and choose colors to match. For instance, navy blue and magenta are great for a<\/span>\u00a0summer wedding<\/strong><\/span><\/a> while deep shades of yellow, red, or hunter green are perfect for winter fetes.<\/span><\/p>\n For a black tie optional wedding, if you are opting for a suit go with a <\/span>classic black tux<\/span> and <\/span>black bow tie<\/span> or a dark-colored suit with a <\/span>white dress shirt<\/span> and a <\/span>dinner jacket<\/span>. Stick to darker colors like <\/span>navy blue<\/span>, black, or charcoal and look for elegant accents like grosgrain-faced <\/span>lapels<\/span>, satin <\/span>lapels<\/span>, or jetted pockets. If you want, you can include an accent color with a tie or <\/span>pocket square<\/span>. Dress up the look with accessories such as a watch and <\/span>cufflinks<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n For footwear, pair a suit with your preferred <\/span>dress shoes<\/span>. Consider wearing a nice pair of <\/span>leather shoes<\/span> to elevate your <\/span>black tie optional attire<\/span>. <\/span>Loafers<\/span> are too casual for this event, and <\/span>lace-up<\/span> sneakers are an absolute no-no, so stick with elegant <\/span>oxfords<\/span>. To compliment a dress or pantsuit, heels or <\/span>dressy<\/span> flats are ideal footwear.<\/span><\/p>\n Dreaming of planning a <\/span>black tie optional wedding<\/span>? This <\/span>formal affair<\/span> is sure to be a beautiful event with memories you\u2019ll cherish for a lifetime. Here are some tips for planning your dreamy black tie optional nuptials.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Design: Claudia Owen<\/p><\/div>\n Set the scene with sophisticated decor and beautiful blooms. Drape velvet, faux fur, or satin throws on guest chairs. Alternatively, you can use these <\/span>luxe<\/span> fabrics as drapery throughout the event space.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Adorn tables and the wedding aisle with gorgeous floral bouquets. Choose flowers to coordinate with your <\/span>wedding color palette<\/a><\/strong>, or stick to neutral shades with white or soft pink roses. Use tall vases to add drama and height to your guest tables.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Add metallic accents \u2014 like gold silverware or diamond-encrusted nameplates \u2014 to create a magical effect. Incorporate soft lighting that makes these elements shimmer and shine.<\/span><\/p>\n Design: Stacey Meacham Design, LLC<\/p><\/div>\n Set the foundation for fancy <\/span>vibes<\/span> when choosing your wedding stationery. From the moment guests <\/span>open<\/span> their save the dates, they\u2019ll know they\u2019re invited to a glamorous celebration.<\/span><\/p>\n Select<\/span> wedding invitations<\/a><\/strong> with a formal look. Elements like calligraphy, monograms, and elegant color palettes can help impart this aesthetic. You can also choose <\/span>formal wedding invitations<\/strong><\/span><\/a> with matching accents you plan to incorporate into your ceremony.<\/span><\/p>\n In your invitation, be sure to use<\/span> formal wedding invitation<\/strong> wording<\/strong><\/span><\/a> and ask guests to wear <\/span>black tie optional wedding attire<\/span>. To make it easier for your <\/span>wedding party<\/span> and guests, you can include a link to your wedding website where they can find a brief section on preferred attire.<\/span><\/p>\n Design: Eric Clegg Design<\/p><\/div>\n Certain rules of etiquette apply to <\/span>black tie optional weddings<\/span>. Always use formal wording in your wedding stationery, including spelling out the full names and titles of guests. Dates and times should also be written out completely to meet <\/span>etiquette standards<\/a><\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n When planning the event, keep formality in mind. That means choosing event-appropriate music, decor, and <\/span>readings<\/span> for the ceremony that suit the tone you want to maintain from beginning to end.<\/span><\/p>\n When writing your vows and wedding stationery, your words should also reflect the formality of the moment. Use formal language to ask guests to attend your wedding \u2014 such as \u201cWe request the honor of your presence\u201d\u2014 and use full names and titles on place cards and seating charts.<\/span><\/p>\n Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life, and a <\/span>black tie optional wedding<\/span> offers you the chance to have an elegant event while still offering some flexibility for you and your guests.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
\n<\/p>\nWhat Does <\/b>Black Tie Optional Mean<\/b>?<\/b><\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nBlack Tie Optional Wedding Dress Code<\/b> Ideas<\/b><\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nDresses<\/b><\/h3>\n
Colors<\/b><\/h3>\n
Suits<\/b><\/h3>\n
Shoes<\/b><\/h3>\n
Tips for Planning a <\/b>Black Tie Optional Wedding<\/b>\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n
Focus on Elegant Decor\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n
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Select Stunning <\/b>Wedding Invitations<\/b><\/h3>\n
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Adhere to Etiquette Guidelines<\/b><\/h3>\n
![\"Chic](\"https:\/\/www.greenvelope.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Chic-Shimmer-Invitation.jpg\")
Plan the <\/b>Black Tie Optional Wedding<\/b> of Your Dreams<\/b><\/h2>\n