Black tie weddings - what dress length should I wear?

lighterthought

Hiya,

Husband's best friend is getting married at the end of August. Just found out it will be black tie. Nowadays, does this really only apply to the men to wear tuxes or does it also mean women should be in floor-length gowns? I hadn't planned on buying a gown for their wedding, since it will likely never get worn again and want to go cocktail length (just below the knee).

The wedding is in a very fancy venue and the family might have ... expectations. But I did go to a black tie event with the bride to be before, and she wore knee-length dress herself.

I've also been told black tie means women wear black dresses too, or dark colours. Other friends say you wear whatever colour you want (except white, obviously).

Thoughts? Help!

miezekatze

I've been to a black tie wedding before and I don't think anyone except the bride and bridesmaids wore floor length gowns. I think you'd be fine with a cocktail-length dress, and I think you can wear whatever colour you want.

lighterthought

lighterthought wrote: »

I've also been told black tie means women wear black dresses too, or dark colours.

What, no it doesn't
Knee/below knee and whatever colour you want

dudara

It means that the dress should be appropriate for the occasion - but I wouldn't interpret it to mean floor-length or dark colours only.

The dress should look appropriate when lined up against a tux - elegant.

jadie

any black tie weddings I've been at the women are dressed the same as they would be at any other wedding.