Can I wear a cocktail dress to a "black tie" function?

[ChristmasZombie]

I've been invited, as a +1, to a rather posh wedding in May. We're just going to the evening do, but the invite has stated a "black tie dress code". I have been to a wedding at the same venue and with the same dress code, and I wore a fabulous ball gown, but that was seven years ago and the ball gown is now two sizes too big.
I have several lovely cocktail dresses, in various states of fancy-ness. I can wear a fancy cocktail dress to this wedding, right? With some jazzy shoes, and an updo for my hair?

[MrsLettuce]

As long as you're sure they actually know what "black tie dress code" is then yes, absolutely.

[Ready123]

A cocktail dress is definitely fine! I am sure lots of female guests will be in short dresses. Have a lovely time!

[Trills]

Yes, I think you can.

Pics please!

[ABetaDad1]

Yes of course. Lots of women wear fancy cocktail dresses to black tie events. Ball gowns are a bit old fashioned really.

[museumum]

Interesting to see a black tie wedding rather than morning suits! But yes, I would wear a knee length dress these days to a black tie unless at a stuffy golf club or similar.

[LadyPriggsbottom]

Yes, definitely fine IMHO.

[MrsEricBana]

Definitely!

[MrsLettuce]

Exactly museumum, makes me wonder if the bride and groom are expecting long.

[ChristmasZombie]

Hmmmm...black tie seems to be the norm (or maybe a requirement?) at this particular venue. It is a VERY posh venue. The wedding I was at seven years ago (I was actually bridesmaid) expected full length dresses for the women and black tuxedos for the men.
Oh the grooms most definitely know what black tie is! They're fairly old (60s, second marriage for one) and spend a lot of time on very fancy cruises and they're loaded.
Thanks for reassuring me regarding the dress!

[Feawen]

Strictly, black tie is an ankle or tea/ ballerina length dress, so neither a cocktail dress or a floor-length ball gown. Tbh though every "black tie" event I've been to has seen plenty of women wearing cocktail dresses. So long as it's not very short I'm sure it will be fine.