What to Wear to a Black Tie Wedding

A black tie wedding invitation is one of the few that tells you almost exactly what to wear, and it is still the one guests worry about most. The rule is simple: a floor length gown, in a fabric with some weight and some shine, in any colour that is not white. Everything else is detail. This guide covers what black tie means for a wedding guest, the gown and the alternatives that also work, what to wear by season, and the pieces from LaPointe we would choose. For more choice, browse our full edit of women’s designer clothing.

What does black tie mean at a wedding?

For women, black tie means a floor length evening gown. It is the second most formal dress code after white tie, and a step above black tie optional and cocktail. In practice that means a long hem, an evening fabric such as satin, crepe, silk, sequin and velvet, and a finish that looks deliberate in candlelight and in photographs.

A few alternatives sit comfortably inside the code: an elegant evening trouser with a dressed top, a long skirt with a matching top, and a satin tuxedo. A cocktail length dress does not, however beautiful it is. If the invitation says black tie optional, a dressy midi becomes acceptable; our guide to the black tie dress code for women sets out the differences.

What is the best thing to wear to a black tie wedding?

A long gown in a deep colour, cut simply, in a fabric that moves. It is the safest answer and the most elegant one. A bias satin gown skims the body and photographs evenly; a sequin column catches the light on the dance floor; a jersey gown packs without creasing for a destination wedding.

From LaPointe, the gowns we would wear:

• Satin Halter Gown in Chocolate: a long bias satin halter. Chocolate is rare at weddings, so you will not match anyone.
• Satin Tab Gown in Indigo: fuller in the skirt, with a tab at the neck. The most formal plain gown in the range.
• Satin Halter Gown With Feathers in Marine: the house signature, with feathers at the slit that move as you walk.
• Mesh Sequin Sleeveless Gown With Sash in Black: a sequin column with a sash at the waist, for a couple who welcomes black.
• Jersey Halter Ruched Gown in Dark Brown: ruched stretch jersey that survives a suitcase.

For more on how these gowns are made and how they fit, read the LaPointe evening gowns guide.

Can you wear trousers to a black tie wedding?

Yes, if they are evening trousers worn as a complete evening outfit. A wide satin trouser with a matching satin top reads as a column of one colour, which is as formal as a gown. The Satin Relaxed Pleated Pant in Black with the satin caftan top is the LaPointe version. A satin tuxedo also works: see the LaPointe satin suit. Keep the shoe high and the jewellery serious, so the outfit reads as evening rather than office.

What colours can you wear to a black tie wedding?

Deep jewel tones are the classic choice: navy, emerald, sapphire, burgundy, chocolate. Black is now widely accepted at evening weddings, but check with the couple first; some still consider it funereal. Metallics suit a winter evening.

Never wear white, ivory and cream. Pale colours such as champagne and pale gold are risky in photographs, where they can read as white. If you love a pale shade, choose one with obvious colour, such as LaPointe’s Cloud, a soft blue.

What to wear to a black tie wedding by season

Autumn and winter. Heavier satin, sequin and velvet, in deep colours. Bring a coat that covers a long hem; the Satin Double Breasted Coat With Fur in Black is long enough. Read our winter wedding guest dresses edit.

Spring and summer. Lighter satin and jersey, in brighter colours. A halter neck keeps you cool through the reception. For an outdoor ceremony, choose a heel you can walk on grass in, and carry a wrap for the evening.

What should you wear with a black tie gown?

Shoes: a heeled sandal, a pump. Have the gown hemmed to the shoe you will wear; most evening gowns are cut long.

Bag: a small evening clutch. Leave a day bag in the car.

Jewellery: earrings that catch light, and less at the neck when the gown has a halter. With a sleeveless gown, LaPointe feather cuffs and opera gloves add a finish without a necklace.

Hair and make up: polished. Black tie is a night to look done.

What should you avoid at a black tie wedding?

Short dresses, daytime florals, casual fabrics such as cotton and linen, and anything white. Avoid outfits that compete with the bride: a full bridal style tulle skirt and a cream sequin gown both do. Avoid a hem you have not tried with your shoes: tripping on a gown at the first dance is the most common black tie mistake.

For the full edit of gowns across every designer we stock, browse our black tie wedding guest dresses. If you are dressing for the family side of the aisle, read the LaPointe mother of the bride guide.

Frequently asked questions

What should a woman wear to a black tie wedding?

A floor length evening gown in an evening fabric such as satin, crepe, silk, sequin and velvet, in any colour except white, ivory and cream. Elegant evening trousers with a matching dressed top are an accepted alternative.

Can you wear a cocktail dress to a black tie wedding?

No. Black tie calls for a floor length gown. A cocktail dress is acceptable when the invitation says black tie optional, cocktail and formal, but not for strict black tie.

Can you wear black to a black tie wedding?

Black is widely accepted at evening weddings, especially black tie, but some couples still prefer guests avoid it. Check with the couple first, and choose a deep jewel tone when in doubt.

Are trousers acceptable at a black tie wedding?

Yes, when they are evening trousers worn as a complete evening outfit, such as a wide satin trouser with a matching satin top and a satin tuxedo. Pair them with a heel and statement earrings.

What is the difference between black tie and black tie optional?

Black tie means a floor length gown for women. Black tie optional means a gown is welcome but an elegant midi, a dressy cocktail dress and smart evening separates are also acceptable.

What colours are best for a black tie wedding?

Deep jewel tones such as navy, emerald, sapphire, burgundy and chocolate are the classic choices. Metallics work in winter. Avoid white, ivory, cream and pale shades that read as white in photographs.

Do black tie gowns need to be hemmed?

Usually. Most evening gowns, including LaPointe, are cut long to be worn with a heel, so have the gown hemmed to the exact shoe you will wear and allow a few weeks before the wedding.

Read next

• LaPointe wedding guest dresses
• What to wear to a gala
• LaPointe evening gowns

Written by Gemma Deeks, Fashion Editor at Coveti.