What’s appropriate to wear to a black tie marriage and what’s not?

By editor
March 29, 2024

Although it seems like dress codes are becoming more formal, there are still some strict guidelines for wearing black connect to marriages, particularly if you’re attending.

On, persons were divided about what a black tie dress code entails after marriage articles father, based in New York, shared a picture with her 42, 000 fans about what’s appropriate.

According to Lauren, her “biggest wedding hot take is that people don’t understand dress code,” and her commenters concurred that this was a challenging concept. FEMAIL spoke with the content creator, etiquette expert Myka Meier, and wedding guest dress designers to find out what to wear.

On TikTok, people are divided about what a black tie dress code entails after wedding content creator Lauren Ladouceur shared a video about what's appropriate
Lauren explained that her 'biggest wedding hot take is that people don't understand dress code,' and her commenters agreed that it was a difficult concept
FEMAIL also spoke to etiquette expert Myka Meier and wedding guest dress designers to find out what to wear
Lauren's commenters weighed in - and some were still confused by what black tie attire required

She explained what to wear to a black tie wedding, including cocktail dresses and affectionate frocks that resembled sundresses, as well as what is acceptable: more, more formal gowns with a little character in rich hues.

I do n’t! Black link marriage no- no’s

Avoid bright details that could overwhelm the bride. Nothing overly revealing.

No dresses to the ankles or cocktail dresses, but no ground lengths.

No cloth or cotton-like fabrics for sundresses like

Just say no to light garments, even if they have a display

Steer clear of plunging collars

Some of the commenters on Lauren weighed in, and some were still perplexed by the amount of black link clothing required.

One commenter claimed,” My warm consider is that clothing codes should be included with Pinterest inspo planks to ensure that everyone is aligned.”

Woman, please explain to me how I was the only person in a floor-length outfit to attend a black tie marriage a few months ago, where everyone else was dressed in SUNDRESSES. Like?? ‘ another asked.

Lauren, who is hired by brides and grooms to consider social media footage at their weddings, told Daily Mail.com that’ before becoming a wedding content creator and attending weddings every weekend, I thought dark tie merely meant fancy, or to dress your best.’

She now realizes that dark tie wedding attendees may consider walking down the red carpet or attending a dinner, and that they must also be required to wear a floor-length dress.

‘ Etiquette even dictates that you should have an shoulder or back covering,’ the glad creator advised, before adding,’ But it’s also not the 1950s again.’

Lauren constantly receives DMs from followers asking if dresses are wedding appropriate, and she says:’ The biggest disqualifying factors are length- to the ankle instead of floor length, neckline, and material.’

And while Lauren says 'there are old tales and customs about not wearing red or black to a wedding,' many people opt for those hues now
Her 'rule of thumb is to wear darker, jewel-toned colors,' and to never, ever wear white
While there are plenty of ways to be playful with a gown, the biggest mistake Lauren sees guests make is wearing a shorter hemline
The content creator also advises against relaxed fabrics like the sundress above

However, there are specific exceptions to the rule, like creative black tie.

‘ This is where the rules begin to relax a little- not on hemline, but a dress with feathers or lace embellishments,’ she explained.

To avoid miscommunication, Lauren tells the couples she works with to create an inspiration style guide on their wedding website.

While Lauren asserts that there are customs and old sayings against attending a wedding in red or black, many people still choose those hues today.

Her ‘rule of thumb is to wear darker, jewel- toned colors,’ and to never wear white.

The biggest error she sees is making a shorter hemline, despite the numerous ways to play with a gown.

The couple felt disrespected that their guests didn’t follow the dress code at several weddings where I worked as a wedding content creator, Lauren said.

It’s more about being a good wedding guest than it is about making an individual fashion choice.

‘If you’re really struggling with a dress code decision, ask the couple getting married.’

Etiquette expert Myka Meier, based in New York City and pictured above, told DailyMail.com: 'A black tie dress code specifically means floor-length gowns'
'Anything cocktail or tea length (mid calf) is not considered black tie,' Myka, who's a pro at black tie dressing in her personal life, explained to FEMAIL

Dress to impress! What’s black tie?

Starts at 6 p. m.

Tuxes required

Floor length gowns for women

Open or closed- toe heels

Small evening bags or clutches

Experiment with texture and silhouette

‘Anything cocktail or tea length ( mid calf ) is not considered black tie.’

‘A black tie dress code is 6 p. m. onward- anything before 6 p. m. would simply be formal attire, with no tux or gown required,’ Myka clarified, adding that the biggest sparkles and boldest jewelry also comes out after the sun goes down.

When it comes to footwear, it’s a bit more relaxed, and guests can rock open or closed toe heels.

‘Small evening bags or clutches are recommended, as the more formal the event, the smaller the bag,’ Myka said.

As for material, opt for silks, tulles, sparkles, and sequins, and stay away from linen or cotton.

‘ In terms of silhouette, as long as it’s floor- length, it’s likely appropriate,’ Myka said, adding,’ from ball gown to fishtail, anything goes.’

All sorts of tops are acceptable, from strapless to cap sleeves, but she advised:’ Keep in mind it may be a religious event and you want to be cautious about the amount of skin shown to come across respectful.’

‘ You also never want to upstage the bride with anything too revealing,’ Myka warned.

Dana Towsey, head of product development at Petal & Pup, suggested 'floor-length dresses in luxe fabrics with special details like bold draping, pleats, and shoulder-baring silhouettes'
Dana Towsey, head of product development at Petal & Pup, suggested 'floor-length dresses in luxe fabrics with special details like bold draping, pleats, and shoulder-baring silhouettes'
'Typically black tie is the fanciest of wedding types and it's a great time to make a statement,' Dana said
'Typically black tie is the fanciest of wedding types and it's a great time to make a statement,' Dana said
Dana advised guests to opt for rich tones like navy, olive, and black, while 'saving mini dresses and more casual dresses in cotton and linens'
Dana advised guests to opt for rich tones like navy, olive, and black, while 'saving mini dresses and more casual dresses in cotton and linens'

Dana Towsey, based in San Francisco, California, is the head of product development at, which has an on the site devoted to black tie gowns for wedding guest dresses.

‘ Typically black tie is the fanciest of wedding types and it’s a great time to make a statement,’ she said, suggesting’ floor- length dresses in luxe fabrics with special details like bold draping, pleats, and shoulder- baring silhouettes.’

Dana advised guests to opt for navy, olive, and black, while’ saving mini dresses and more casual dresses in cotton and linens.’

Creative director Daniel Sanchez is behind the brand’s wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses, and wedding guest dresses.

Daniel explained that’ the only rule is to make sure the dress is floor length,’ and otherwise, guests can express themselves with full glam and ‘ experiment with texture, silhouette and rich color.’

‘ Keep your dress’s embellishment tasteful and avoid flashy details,’ Daniel advised.

‘ Black- tie dressing looks best when viewed by candlelight.’

‘ If making a color statement with your dress, opt for jewel- tones hues in satin or velvet,’ Daniel continued, advising against prints and ivory or pastel dresses, and instead suggesting couture details like draping or bias cuts.

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