What to wear to a wedding — black-tie attire explained
Wondering about the rules of black-tie dressing? ABIA looks at the guidelines for this popular wedding dress code.
Black Jacket Suiting | Image @figtreepictures
If you’ve opened the envelope, pulled out the wedding invite and noticed the words ‘black-tie dress code’ written on the last line, here’s a quick guide to the type of attire that you'll be expected to wear, together with suggestions for men's and women's black-tie dressing.
Defining the black-tie wedding guest dress code
A step-down from ‘white-tie’, the most formal dress code, and a step up from wedding guest dress codes defined formal or cocktail, black-tie dressing conjures images of a James Bond movie set.
For male guests, black-tie generally requires a tuxedo, worn with a long-sleeved white dress shirt — ideally pleated at the front, with cufflinks securing the sleeve ends — a black bow-tie, a black vest or cummerbund and shiny black shoes.
For female guests black-tie dressing typically calls for an elegant, floor-length dress that covers the ankles, paired with heels and complementary jewellery and accessories.
Azza Bow gown| Bariano
What does ‘black-tie optional’ mean?
Occasionally — perhaps just to keep us all guessing — the fairly straightforward black-tie dress code is afforded ‘optional’ status. Essentially, ‘black-tie optional’ means men can switch the tux and bow-tie for a classic black suit and tie if preferred, and women can opt for gowns of a slightly shorter length. A look of sophistication is the general suggestion.
Tangerine Collection | Carla Zampatti
Wedding black-tie attire for women
A women’s black-tie dress code suggests that wedding attire should be formal, elegant and sophisticated.
Dresses
- Floor-grazing, full-length evening gowns are the traditional choice, though formal midi dresses with luxurious fabrics and details can be suited too.
- Luxe fabrics such as silk, satin, velvet, tulle or chiffon
- Think deep tones, jewel colours, metallics or classic black depending on the season and time of day
Shoes
- Typically heels like classic pumps or strappy stilettos
Accessories
- Elegant clutches or evening bags
- Statement jewellery, like chandelier earrings, cuffs and layered necklaces
Campbell off-shoulder bubble maxi dress | Shona Joy
Wedding black-tie attire for men
Men’s black-tie wedding attire should be timeless, polished and impeccably tailored.
Tuxedos and suits
- Classic black tuxedo or midnight blue dinner jacket with matching trousers
- Crisp white dress shirt with a pleated or textured front
Bow-ties and accessories
- A black bow-tie is traditionally expected for black-tie events
- Optional extras include a black cummerbund or formal waistcoat
Footwear
- Black patent leather dress shoes or highly polished leather Oxfords
Opal Formalwear Hire and Sales
Seasonal tips for black-tie wedding attire
Summer black-tie weddings
- Women choose lighter formal fabrics, like chiffon or silk, in soft or vibrant tones
- Men opt for lighter-weight tuxedo fabrics
Winter black-tie weddings
- Women embrace rich fabrics, like velvet or satin, in deep jewel tones, paired with a wrap or shawl
- Men stick to classic black tuxedos, paired with a formal wool coat or tailored overcoat for warmth
Pandorea layered maxi dress | Aje
Black-tie looks for weddings
To help define your search, here are some great examples of black-tie wedding outfits.
Ailie gown | Bariano
Classic dinner suit | Rundle Tailoring
Aphrodite silk jersey gown | Ginger & Smart
Vivian sky blue metallic gown | Montique Clothing
Sequin Polo gown | Carla Zampatti
La Lune ruched bodice maxi dress | Shona Joy
Sue frill shoulder gown | Bariano
La Lune high-neck ruched maxi dress | Shona Joy
Itzi ruffled ballgown | Bariano
Glitz and Glam maxi dress | Pink Dusk
Impasto Collection | Carla Zampatti
Monet and Anova gowns | Montique Clothing
Black Jacket Suiting | image @elkandfir
Red Carpet Ready maxi dress | Pink Dusk
Iceberg Collection | Shona Joy
Amina side-split maxi dress | Shona Joy
Lana gold metallic gown | Montique Clothing
Kirsten off shoulder gown | Moss & Spy
Arabella gown | Bariano
If you're planning, or helping to plan, a wedding in Australia you'll want to check out the ABIA website. Inside it you can quickly search and find wedding vendors from all over the country, like wedding venues, celebrants, photographers, caterers, decorators, planners and coordinators, transport providers, hair stylists, make-up artists, florists, videographers, cake designers, live music, dance teachers and photo booth hire. Couples, who used the services for their own wedding, rate and review each listing, so you can benefit from the experience of recent newlyweds. The ABIA website also details the latest wedding inspiration and ideas, from sustainable wedding suggestions to destination wedding venues, multi-day wedding planning, the most amazing romantic getaways and honeymoon destinations in Australia and 'how to' articles to help with every step of the planning process, from writing vows to choosing wedding flowers and wedding dresses. Plus, there's an online wedding registry!
