WHAT TO WEAR TO A WEDDING THAT REQUIRES A BLACK TIE

[Andy Stephen]

There aren't many occasions that call for as much glitz and glamour as a wedding in a black tie. Even before you open the invitation and see the words "Black Tie Required," you have a pretty good idea that the wedding will be a formal event if it is as fancy as the invitation suggests it will be. You just need to hear just three words, and you'll know that you need to dress to the nines.
What Does It Mean to Dress In Black Tie?
Formal evening events typically have a dress code that requires attendees to wear black-tie clothes. When attending an event that requires guests to wear black ties, guests typically wear floor-length gowns along with suits or tuxedos.
However, what exactly ought you to put on? These responses should clear up any uncertainty you may have had regarding the clothes required for a wedding that requires a black tie.
Dress in a Necktie Required for Ladies
Should I Prepare to Appear in a Gown?
Black-tie weddings typically require guests to wear evening dresses; however, you may get away with wearing a formal cocktail dress (of the longer variety) or even an attractive suit instead. You are free to wear a gown in any silhouette that strikes your fancy. You can make a grand entrance in a trumpet or ball gown, or you can keep things simple in a beautiful sheath. Make sure that you can move comfortably in the style that you decide to go with. When you wear a dress that is meant to reach the floor, the hem should only touch the ground at the very most. If the hem slips higher than it should, it will give the impression that the dress is not correctly fitting.
If the dress is longer, you run the risk of tripping and falling since you will foot on the cloth.
What is the Proper Way to Accessorize a Cocktail Dress?
You are only allowed to wear a cocktail dress if it has an extremely elegant cut. For a wedding with Black Tie dresses , the maximum length it should be cut to is just above the knee; any shorter than that is inappropriate. Because of the nature of this event, exposing an excessive amount of skin is not encouraged. Instead, maintain a modest hemline and avoid showing too much skin in the cleavage area. Avoid wearing anything that can give the impression that you are headed to a club. Instead, choose for elegant cocktail dresses that are crafted from luxurious fabric and feature intricate detailing. If you want to create a more formal look with your cocktail dress, accessorise it with some sleek heels, some exquisite jewellery, and an attractive clutch. Diamonds and pearls are two investments that will never let you down. You might also go for jewellery that makes a strong statement, especially if the dress you're wearing is on the subdued side.

Which Colours Should Be Avoided When Attending a Wedding With a Black Tie Dress Code?
Every colour can be used, with the exception of white, off-white, and any other shade that is even remotely related to white. Aside from that, the only colour you might want to avoid wearing is the colour that the bridesmaids are wearing. If you unintentionally wear the same colour as the bridesmaids, you will end up appearing like a want tobe bridesmaid, which is not a good look.

Aside from that, you should be all set to go. People frequently believe that black is inappropriate for weddings, however the reality is that this is not the case at all. A floor-length black gown or a gorgeous little black dress are both options that are attractive, sophisticated, and very appropriate for the occasion. The colour red is another one that causes controversy when it comes to what guests should wear to weddings; nonetheless, donning red to a wedding is okay as long as it does not steal the spotlight from the bride. Both jewel tones and pastel tones are beautiful for summer weddings, although pastel tones are especially stunning for those held in the summer. Jewel tones are appropriate for weddings with any dress code.

Is It Even Possible to Appear to Have Too Much Class?
A quick response? Yes. There is only one question you need to ask yourself to determine whether or not the attire you are wearing is appropriate for a less formal occasion: Are you going to steal the spotlight away from the bride? If there is even the slightest possibility, you should change into something else. This is not the time for gowns with body-baring cutouts, head-to-toe crystals, or anything else that might even be considered bridal. Check with the bride or one of her attendants if you are unsure as to whether or not the dress you want to wear is appropriate for the occasion.

It is considered poor manner to wear evening dresses when it is not, in fact, the evening. Because of this, it can be difficult to decide what to wear to a black-tie wedding that takes place in the morning or early afternoon because evening gowns are not appropriate for daytime events. Dress appropriately for these events by donning a formal dress with a tea-length skirt, an exquisite suit (with either trousers or a skirt), or a cocktail dress.
How Can I Achieve a Fabulous Appearance Without Spending a Fortune?
Black-tie apparel is without a doubt expensive, and despite the fact that you might be able to locate a good price on it, shopping around will require a significant investment of your time. We have two suggestions for you in the event that purchasing a new ballgown is not in your price range. To begin, make some inquiries. There is a good chance that you have a friend who has a dress that you could wear just hanging in their closet and who would be happy to lend it to you if you asked.

The second option is Rent the Runway, which is undoubtedly a fashionista on a tight budget's best friend. You can choose from a vast range of designer gowns (such as those designed by Diane Von Furstenberg, Zac Posen, Tory Burch, and others like them) and rent them for a far lower price than you would pay to purchase them. Even if you don't try the dress on, Rent the Runway will allow you choose between two sizes of the same dress, increasing the likelihood that you'll find the one that's the right fit.

What Kind Of Hairstyle And Makeup Should I Do?
This is your opportunity to give it your all, so do it. Maintain your focus on sophisticated hairstyles such as chignons, updos, or angelic curls that cascade down the back of the head. Pick one feature, such as your eyes or your lips, and really emphasise it. Experiment with a red lip and a dewy highlight on your cheeks, or a smokey eye with a neutral lip.