Wedding dress codes explained — what to wear to a black-tie wedding
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.
Definition of ‘black-tie’
A step-down from ‘white-tie’, the most formal dress code, and a step up from 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
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
Campbell off-shoulder bubble maxi dress | Shona Joy
Opal Formalwear Hire and Sales
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!
