With an emphasis on formality and sophistication, black-tie weddings are an increasingly popular option that requires men to wear tuxedos and appropriate accessories. While black-tie may seem intimidating, it is, in fact, quite simple to decode.
What to Wear to a Black-Tie Wedding
While black-tie attire does not mandate donning a tuxedo, it’s usually the preferred option. This simplifies the process of putting together an appropriate outfit, piece by piece. If you don’t own a tuxedo, however, there are plenty of options to rent a tux for the occasion. A formal dinner suit is also acceptable for this type of celebration.
Dapper smoking jackets in velvet or textured materials can add flair to the attire, but a traditional silk-lapel dinner jacket is the standard choice. Trousers should be well-tailored with a fitted silhouette that doesn’t appear too clingy, and your trousers should match your dinner jacket unless you’re intentionally opting for a contrasting look.
Your shoes should reflect the formality of the attire. Loafers, derbies, and monk straps can all fit the bill, depending on the suiting, but be discerning of styles with laces. Black is the obvious choice, unless your attire’s colour dictates differently. Accessories-wise, black socks and a bow tie are the only appropriate options. A waistcoat or cummerbund (never to be worn together), along with chic cufflinks, will elevate your sartorial foundation.
Jade OsborneWhat Not to Wear to a Black-Tie Wedding as a Male Guest
Men should stay away from looks that might draw attention away from the groom and groomsmen. Loud prints and boldly coloured suits should be avoided; black is the safest colour choice for this dress code.
P.JohnsonIf you prefer to stand out, a deep, inky navy or midnight blue makes for a handsome choice. There have also been a few cases made for deep earth tones or charcoals, but these can be tricky given the formality of the affair.
Black-Tie Attire Shopping Tips
Black-tie attire is costly, and while you might be able to find a great deal, shopping around will take you some time. But if a new tuxedo isn’t in your budget, don’t worry — we have two ideas.
First, ask around you; you'll be pleasantly surprised by the number of boutiques that offer fully customisable tuxedo designs (a few examples include Benetti Menswear and Louis Copeland & Sons), meaning you won't be stuck with a pricey garment you won't want to wear again. Second, there are various rental shops (like Protocol For Men in Dublin or Freddie Hackett in Belfast) that can help you find designer looks at a fraction of the cost. These shops offer a wide selection of designer formalwear that is perfect for black-tie weddings.
Black-Tie vs. Black-Tie Optional: What’s the Difference?
Black-tie attire has a few (slightly less formal) iterations, including black-tie optional and creative black-tie. While guests invited to a black-tie event should heed the above advice, women attending black-tie-optional affairs have more leeway to wear cocktail-style dresses or even dressy pantsuits.
While men can step out in a regular suit (a still-dark but less formal shade, like charcoal or navy, is acceptable), attendees can also have a bit more fun with their accessories at black-tie-optional affairs. As for creative black- tie attire, think fancy and formal, but more colourful and personal. While black-tie attire is more serious and structured, creative black-tie attire is festive and fancy.
Black-Tie Attire for Men
Shirt: This should be a white dress shirt, preferably in a style known as Marcella or piqué, meaning the fabric has a naturally stiff cotton weave. Choose a shirt with a classic turn-down collar and white or black buttons. Your shirt should also have a double cuff (also called a French cuff), and you’ll need a smart pair of cufflinks to go with it.
Jacket and trousers: Wear a black dinner jacket or tuxedo jacket (the design must include buttons, pockets and satin lapels. Wear matching tuxedo trousers, which are high-waisted trousers that don’t have belt loops or cuffs. They should also have a satin stripe down the outer seam of each leg.
Pocket square: A flat-fold pocket square in your tux jacket will add a little colour and tie the look together. Choose a silk or linen pocket square in a colour that complements your tie without matching it.
Tie: Always wear a black bow tie at a black-tie event. The bow tie should be silk, hand-tied, or pre-tied, but never a clip-on.
Shoes: Patent black shoes are the ideal pairing for a tuxedo suit.
Waistcoat: Waistcoats are optional, but if you want to add one to your outfit, make sure it matches your suit. You could also wear a cummerbund instead of a waistcoat, but never wear the two together.
Suspenders: Tuxedo trousers aren’t designed to be worn with a belt, so if you’re worried about a wardrobe malfunction or just looking to style your tuxedo with a finishing detail, suspenders are the way to go. Choose a high-quality fabric and a colour that complements your suit, such as black, white, or a dark neutral like navy or charcoal.