Black Tie Wedding Guest Dress Code: What to Wear (and What to Skip)

Krista Casto
Jan 7
2 min read

Attending a black tie wedding is an invitation to dress your absolute best—and when done right, it elevates the entire look and feel of the event. At Wonderwall Events, we see firsthand how guest attire contributes to the overall atmosphere of a wedding day. Whether you’re attending a grand ballroom celebration or an elegant evening affair, here’s your complete guide to nailing the black tie wedding guest dress code with confidence.

What “Black Tie” Really Means

A black tie wedding is formal, elevated, and timeless. It’s traditionally an evening event and calls for refined silhouettes, luxe fabrics, and intentional styling. Think classic glamour rather than trendy or casual.

This isn’t the moment for cocktail dresses or casual suits—black tie sets a higher bar, and that’s part of what makes it so special.

Black Tie Wedding Guest Dresses (Women)

For women, a black tie wedding typically means a floor-length evening gown. The goal is elegance with polish.

Best choices include:

Full-length gowns in silk, satin, chiffon, velvet, or crepe
Rich jewel tones, black, metallics, or soft neutrals
Structured silhouettes or flowing skirts with intentional design details

You can also consider:

A very elevated midi dress (only if it reads formal and refined)
A chic, tailored jumpsuit in a luxe fabric

Accessories matter: Heels or formal flats, a clutch (not a day bag), and statement jewelry that complements—rather than overwhelms—your look.

Black Tie Wedding Guest Attire (Men)

For men, black tie is classic and straightforward—but details still count.

The standard look:

Tuxedo with black bow tie
White dress shirt
Black patent leather or polished dress shoes

Optional upgrades:

Velvet or textured dinner jackets
Subtle cufflinks or a pocket square

Avoid standard business suits unless the invitation specifically allows “black tie optional.”

What Not to Wear to a Black Tie Wedding

Even with great intentions, some outfits miss the mark. Here’s what to skip:

Short cocktail dresses or casual midi dresses
Sundresses or lightweight daytime fabrics
Loud prints or overly trendy cuts
Casual shoes, wedges, or oversized bags
Anything that could compete with the couple (white, ivory, or bridal silhouettes)

When in doubt, it’s always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed.

Seasonal Black Tie Style Tips

Fall & Winter: Lean into velvet, long sleeves, darker hues, and dramatic textures.

Spring & Summer: Opt for breathable fabrics, softer colors, and lighter silhouettes—while still keeping the look formal.

Outdoor black tie weddings may call for block heels, wraps, or weather-conscious fabrics, but the dress code remains elevated.

When You’re Unsure, Here’s the Rule

If you’re questioning whether something is “too formal,” it probably isn’t. If you’re questioning whether something is “formal enough,” it probably isn’t.

Black tie weddings are meant to feel luxurious, cohesive, and intentional—and guest attire plays a big role in creating that experience.

Final Thought from Wonderwall Events

The most memorable weddings are the ones where every detail feels considered—from the timeline to the lighting to the attire filling the room. Dressing appropriately for a black tie wedding isn’t about standing out; it’s about contributing to the elegance of the moment.

If you’re planning a formal wedding and want help creating a seamless, elevated experience for your guests, that’s exactly where Wonderwall Events shines.