Should You Have a Black Tie Wedding?

Should You Have a Black Tie Wedding?

A black-tie wedding is the most formal type of wedding of all. It indicates that your guests should dress to the nines. This means tuxedoes for the men and evening gowns for the women. Many couples love the thrill and glamour of having a black-tie wedding, while others prefer a more casual approach. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide the wedding dress code, but you should carefully review the positives and negatives of going for a black-tie event.

The Benefits

There are a lot of valid reasons that couples love black-tie weddings. For one thing, it can make their event feel more formal and special. Plus, everyone will look their best, which means you should get some great photos and videos. Furthermore, something about being very dressed up tends to put guests on their best behavior, which can reduce the risk of drunken toasts, stumbles, and other bad wedding behavior.

The Drawbacks

With all of that said, there definitely are some drawbacks to a black-tie wedding. For example, your guests may be uncomfortable in their formal clothing, which cuts down on the fun of your event.

You also run the risk of ostracizing guests who don’t own or who can’t afford to rent formal wedding attire. Plus, if your guests are splurging on their wardrobe, there’s a chance they’ll go frugal when it comes to your gifts. Many people also find that their weddings feel less comfortable, relaxed, and joyful when everyone is required to dress up.

A Happy Medium

Since black-tie dress comes with both positives and negatives, many couples opt for more of a “happy medium,” such as cocktail attire. This semiformal option is more common at modern weddings and can be an easier choice for everyone.

Ultimately, though your big day is your big day. Thus, you get to decide how people dress and how formal the event is. Do consider your guests, but make your ultimate decision based on what you truly want.