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Imagine receiving a custom hand-letter invitation suite sealed with a custom family crest wax.
Gliding your palms and fingers along the fine smooth envelope is enough to excite you about what is inside.
You see embossed details while opening the invitation. In a full nicely written script, it says, "You are invited to a Black-Tie Wedding".
The excitement slowly changes to a rush of mixed emotions: confusion, pressure, and distress.
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What Does Black-Tie Wedding Mean?
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A black-tie wedding is the most formal and traditional type of evening wedding affair.
As soon as you arrive, the valet service assists your car parking.
Entering the luxurious ornate ballroom or gentleman's hotel, massive flowers that make it look like a meadow sprout welcome you.
Ready yourself for a gastronomic adventure as a waiter serves you a five-star multi-course plated dinner on a highly decorated tablescape.
Expect a cocktail hour with a top-shelf bar filled with signature drinks
Live music, dancers and even a firework display fill the night.
If one will experience a night of luxury and royalty treatment, why do some dread seeing "black tie" in an invitation?
The answer is the dress code.
What Is a Black-Tie Event Dress Code?
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The black-tie wedding dress code dreads most party invitees, especially for someone who finds comfort in a white shirt, pair of jeans and running shoes.
A black-tie wedding means dressing up to the fullest. Men wear tuxedos, and women wear floor-length gowns.
And this dress code can mean pounding your good old piggy bank.
Is Cocktail Dress the Same as Black-Tie Dress?
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Thanks to modern weddings, black-tie weddings offer a little room for freedom.
A woman can wear a not-too-revealing cocktail dress in rich fabric and tone if she's not wearing a floor-length gown. A cocktail dress may not be as formal as a black tie, but it balances elegance and comfort. A man, on the other hand, can wear a dinner jacket and nice shoes if he is not sporting a tuxedo.
12 Black-Tie Dresses for the Practical and Extravagant Wedding Guests
Dread no more getting invited to a black-tie wedding. Here are 12 dresses you can choose to wear on a night of luxury and royalty.
Halston Clara Jersey Cascade Dress
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Shock the tradition of not wearing black at weddings with BHLDN’s Halston Clara dress. With its asymmetrical, one-shoulder with a peek-a-boo cut out at the waist, this black-tie event dress is a bold statement in a minimalist style.
BHLDN Anabela V-Neck Crepe Dress
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Sport an elegant and sultry entrance with another black-tie dress for women from BHLDN. The Freya dress has a soft wrap neckline that flows into a gracefully draped maxi skirt. Adding a subtle touch of romance to this glamorous satin dress is the side slit.
Queen Gown
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Confidently exchange sincere pleasantries with the wedding guests as you slowly walk wearing your Queen gown. This black-tie evening dress from Amanda Uprichard boasts a halter neckline that allows you to show off your toned arms and pronounced collar bones. The thigh-high slit is a detail no guest will surely miss.
Gaia Dress
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Sit comfortably on a high cocktail stool while wearing the Gaia dress from ASTR the Label. This black-tie wedding guest dress in mustard floral polyester fabric comes in pull-on styling and has adjustable shoulder straps, draped neckline and a side seam slit.
Athena Straps Sequins Dress
Image source:Cicinia
Make a daring grand entrance towards the dance floor with the Athena dress from Cicinia. Even if this is a prom dress, this piece in metallic gold very well fits the black-tie event dress code. This floor-length sequin black tie dress for women hugs the right assets of your body.
Surreal Gown
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Pose fashionably and elegantly for the wedding photos while boasting this black-tie evening dress from Katie May. The Surreal gown in sage gives a surreal fashion experience for any black-tie wedding attendee. The draped back with lace detail makes you an absolute standout for back shots.
Freya Satin Charmeuse Dress
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Exude soft sophistication with the Freya satin dress from BHLDN. The dark berry-coloured black tie wedding guest dress showcases a wrap neckline that flows into a gracefully draped maxi skirt. And, of course, enjoy a subtle touch of allure with the side slit.
Faith Spaghetti Straps Satin Long Dress
Image source:Cicinia
Blush not out of shyness but from overwhelming by adoration as you wear the blushing pink coloured Faith dress. Another prom dress from Cicinia can surely pass even the traditional black tie wedding dress code. Priding with an A-line silhouette and satin fabric, this black-tie event dress flatters any body type.
Alene Silk Dress
Image source:Thereformation
Balance formal and fun with Alene dress from The Reformation. This tarragon-coloured black-tie dress for women has a sweetheart neckline. The adjustable tie straps allow you to wear it at whatever length you prefer.
Draped One-Shoulder Silk Gown
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Feel like a Greek goddess with this yellow-coloured Draped gown with a floor-sweeping hem. The trumpet silhouette of this black-tie evening dress from Romona Keveza is made from silk and has a hidden closure.
Marixa Silk Dress
Image source:Thereformation
The verdigris-coloured Marixa dress from The Reformation is a midi-length dress. Any plus-size black tie wedding guest attendee can find extra comfort with its adjustable halter top, open-low back, and ruched neckline detail.
Olimpia Gown
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Bring the shining mythological glamour to your black-tie event dress by wearing the Olimpia gown with a super delicate sparkling diamante strap. This emerald-coloured black-tie dress for women exceeds all expectations with the figure-hugging silhouette and cowl neck.
Conclusion
Instead of allowing oneself to drown in anxiety when invited to a black-tie wedding, focus on the possibility of experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Look forward to the memories you can make instead of getting intimidated by the dress code. You have plenty of black-tie dress choices within your budget.
