Black Tie Wedding Dress Attire: What Should You Wear?

Weddings are joyous and deeply symbolic occasions. They are designed to celebrate the unforgettable moment when two people begin their lives together as a married couple. The setting for that moment can take many forms. Some weddings are very casual, and you can enjoy dressing with a little more ease. There are others, however, that will expect more glitz and glam. A black tie wedding is one of—if not—the most formal events to attend. It’s an event that demands grace and elegance and your attire should mirror that sentiment. Fortunately, with so many dazzling options to pick from, finding the right black tie wedding dress does not have to become vexing. 

What Is a Black Tie Wedding Dress 

Black tie attire is formal evening wear that is only worn for special occasions. Men traditionally wear tuxedos while women wear floor length gowns. Black tie wedding guest dresses come in a number of creative cuts and lavish fabrics and are only humbled by the beauty of the bride’s wedding gown. 

Wedding Dress Codes: Dresses for Black Tie Weddings 

Rivaled only by white tie attire, black tie is one of the most formal dress codes. It is reserved for evening affairs such as ceremonies, milestone birthdays, and weddings, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be tethered to a stuffy dress code for an evening. Think red carpet—sleek maxi dresses that hug the body and accentuate your silhouette, or gorgeous patterns that dance around you as you move. Black tie events grant you access to the same resplendence as the celebrities you see attending star studded galas. 

Maxi Wedding Dress Black Tie 

When choosing a black tie wedding dress, there are two factors you’ll need to keep in mind. The first detail you should be aware of is the length of the dress. Your hemline should be that of a floor length maxi dress—hitting below the ankle. Black tie weddings are certainly fun, but they are still refined affairs. You can get away with a more formal midi dress, depending on the style, but black tie weddings generally call for a gown. Alternatively, consider a maxi dress with a high slit that starts above the knee. The second, but equally important, element of your dress is its fabric. Cotton is comfortable, but it is a more relaxed material that is best saved for casual events. Black tie wedding attire gives you the opportunity to exhibit some of the more stylish fabrics. Savor the natural flow of a silk gown or the billowing layers of a chiffon maxi dress. 

 Stylish Dresses to Wear to A Black-Tie Wedding 

Black tie dress code has its rules but that shouldn’t stop you from loving what you’re wearing. You’ll have plenty of fashion forward options to fit your budget and your style. With all of the different fabrics and cuts available, your only problem will be choosing just one. 

Classic Black Dress for Wedding 

As any leading lady will tell you, you cannot go wrong with a classic black dress. A subtle, yet eye-catching, floor-length maxi can serve multiple purposes as it can be dressed up or down and is perfect for a black tie wedding. There is nothing more alluring than a black gown with an hourglass shape that compliments your silhouette. Consider a classic black dress with tulle sleeves for a flair of the refined, or—if you’re hoping to drop some jaws—a criss cross neckline with exposed shoulders for that femme fatale look. 

Floor-Length Gowns Appropriate for Every Occasion 

When looking for the right dress for a black tie event, you may be looking for something that best conveys your particular palate. Although a classic black dress is acceptable, floor length gowns come in a number of styles that will fit the occasion, along with your personal taste. 

Summer Black Tie Wedding Dress Attire 

If you’re attending a black tie wedding in the summer, or maybe even a destination wedding, don’t shy away from trends that celebrate the season. Summer dresses burst with both color and flair. They are often designed with lightweight fabrics that move and breathe with you. A brilliant pallet of crepe, charmeuse, or organza awaits you. Feel free to flaunt the breezy layers and soft pigments of a banded chiffon gown. Get lost in the floral pattern of an embroidered maxi dress. Black tie attire shouldn’t stop you from showing your sunny, playful side. 

Vintage Black Tie Wedding Guest Dress 

A black tie weddings often gives off an air of timelessness. It’s a romantic and gilded moment that feels as if it’s been pulled from the silver screen. If you prefer a more classic chic, black tie affairs always roll out the red carpet for vintage gowns with dazzling fabrics. Be bold with shimmering waves of velvet or silk. Turn heads in a glossy crepe grown or savor those gasps of amazement as you glisten in an azure sequin gown. 

Black Tie Wedding Dresses Cheap 

Although we all like to dream, not all of us have the same dress budget as our favorite actresses—and that’s okay, because elegance is not exclusive. Despite the upscale nature of a black tie wedding, you don’t need to spend a fortune to find a beautiful gown. There are countless dress styles for formal events and many of them are reasonably priced. Consider the style of gown you’re looking for and how much use you’ll get out of it. Are you shopping for a single event, or are you a social butterfly that will wear your dress frequently? Are you looking for natural fabric such as silk or would you prefer satin or lace? Whatever the case, your budget will never stop you from finding that must have dress. 

Shop Elegant Dresses at Tadashi Shoji 

As the chill of winter begins to thaw, a new wedding season is on the horizon. Before you start to fret over your spring black tie wedding guest dress, remember that black tie attire isn’t difficult to dress for as long as you know what’s available to you. Fortunately, Tadashi Shoji has you covered with an amazing collection of dresses for your next black tie wedding that are sure to keep you self-assured and radiant.