If you were invited to a black tie wedding...

[IHaveAGreyLamp]

My sister is (hopefully) getting married in September next year and they have decided the wedding will be black tie. The venue is a small country olde worldy hotel- think dark wood paneling, chandeliers, big open fireplaces etc

Easy enough for a bloke to do black tie but what about the ladies? What would a ‘black tie’ dress look like to you for your sister’s wedding? I’ve seen some gorgeous dresses but how much is too much?

N.B- no bridesmaids or anything like that, my sister is keeping it really small and intimate so I can choose whatever I want to wear which is great

Ask her if her expectations are short (ie cocktail) dresses or long.

I'd go long for black tie

Long floaty velvet.

In this case I'd go for long too!

I do events with members of the royal family occasionally. They class black tie as cocktail length dress, white tie is floor length. The dress codes are very specific!

We had a black tie dress code at our wedding and the ladies wore both long and short dresses. For us it was just about wearing a cocktail dress, instead of a daytime dress with a hat.

I have been to loads of black tie wedding. Always long dresses. But seen people in everything from chiffon plain to full blown ball gowns (and I own both and everything in between)

Cocktail dress.

Love this! How lovely. And exciting to pick a dress - I think either cocktail or long would be OK! Hair up (depending on if you like it up) and amazing earrings!

Black tie is a cocktail dress.
White tie is a long dress.

Having been to a number of black tie events there is always a big mix between long and short dresses.

I'd go cocktail dress, but I'm a short arse so wouldn't look right in floor length.

www.debretts.com/expertise/etiquette/dress-codes/black-tie/

Debretts suggests either length is appropriate, as are black tie trousers.

Why not link some of the dresses you've seen and people can maybe help you decide?

Long. Dark sumptuous colour to compliment the wood panelling. Probably velvet. Diamonds.

Long.

Long is more formal.

Long and dramatic. I love "balls" so if I get invited to one, I go all out!

Black tie can be either short or long.
Glam is the key!

What fun to plan for.

@BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz

Why not link some of the dresses you've seen and people can maybe help you decide?

That’s a lovely idea, I will come back a little later with some links! Thank you!

Here are some of the things I’m liking at the moment. For context I’m 34, size 12 with a small-ish waist but curves, and tall enough for floor length. The only thing is that I’ll have a just-turned-two-year-old at the time of the wedding so sequins might be a no-no in case I need to pick up my DD. I’m not too fussed on colour, though I would say blacks/navy/jewel tones work better on me.

www.johnlewis.com/adrianna-papell-jersey-floral-embellished-maxi-gown-midnight/p5128075

www.johnlewis.com/adrianna-papell-beaded-embroidered-maxi-gown/rose-gold/p5179868

www.johnlewis.com/adrianna-papell-flutter-sleeve-beaded-maxi-gown-rose-gold/p5179866

www.johnlewis.com/adrianna-papell-metallic-maxi-dress-amethyst/p5231555

www.phase-eight.com/product/devita-frill-scuba-dress-220027006.html#cgid=black-tie&is=false&sz=60&start=0&isSecondPage=false&pid=220027006&pos=11

My go-to going out make up is a red lip so I’d love to wear this red dress and rock a red lip also!

www.johnlewis.com/adrianna-papell-chiffon-jersey-draped-dress-midnight/p4751243

I like this last one and it is such a bargain but worried it might look too old for me? I’d glad it up with some statement earrings and bracelet

The red dress is gorgeous.

I also love this for the shape but hate the belt! I wonder if I could swap that

www.johnlewis.com/adrianna-papell-beaded-flared-gown-navy/p4961464?size=6

The red one 100%. I wore a ted evening dress at my sister's wedding.

Or red even!