Are you looking for the perfect dress or evening gown for a black tie wedding? Weddings can be so much fun. However, knowing what to wear to a black tie wedding and finding that perfect wedding guest dress can be a daunting task. But, glamorous evening gowns shouldn’t be hard to find. Whether you need something luxurious, affordable, or somewhere in between, Liz in Los Angeles has you covered. With a wide selection of wedding guest dresses, you won’t have to worry about looking fabulously fashionable. Read to find the perfect black tie wedding guest dress for your next!

We selected glamorous evening gowns that fit every budget and evening gown options that you will receive non-stop compliments on, as well as evening gowns with long sleeves that are modest attire.

What is a Black Tie Wedding

A black tie wedding is a formal event that requires the guests to wear evening gowns or tuxedos. The bride and groom typically wear formal wedding attire such as a wedding gown and a tuxedo.  Flowers, candles, and decorations are usually used to decorate the reception hall, while classical music is often played. A sit-down dinner is traditionally served and guests can expect several courses. This type of wedding is usually more expensive than other types, as there are more significant costs related to the attire, decorations, and food.

What is the Dress Code for Black Tie Evening Weddings?

 A wedding is one of the most important moments in a person’s life, and the wedding guest is just as important as the bride and groom. Attire for a black tie wedding guest typically includes a black tuxedo, a white dress shirt, a black bow tie, black dress shoes, and optionally a black vest, cummerbund, or black tie accessory. For women, black tie attire includes an evening gown dress or pantsuit in a formal fabric such as silk, velvet, or satin, in dark colors like black, navy, jewel tones, or dark red (depending on the season and color scheme of the wedding – during the summer you can choose pastel colors). Accessories include a shawl or evening wrap, a fancy clutch, and jewelry such as pearl or diamond earrings or a necklace.

How to Choose A Black Tie Wedding Guest Dress?

For an evening wedding, it’s best to choose an elegant formal gown that fits your style and the dress code for the event. Think luxe fabrics like silk, chiffon, and lace that make the outfit shine. Choose from a range of silhouettes like long, full, and figure-hugging sheaths. But select timeless details like beading, sequins, and pearls for a chic look. To further complete the look, accessorize with statement earrings, a beaded clutch, and strappy heels.

Finally, we love a black lace evening gown for an evening wedding styled with a classic Chanel handbag. Black is the perfect color to wear to an evening wedding. The dress code in Los Angeles tends to be more casual, but black tie is black tie anywhere; it’s a universal dress code.

When it comes to choosing an evening gown, it’s important to focus on what makes you feel confident and beautiful. Avoid comparing yourself to anyone else and pick a dress that accentuates your unique body type and dress size. When shopping for an evening gown, try on a few different styles and find something that fits you comfortably and reflects your personality. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different necklines, cuts, silhouettes, and fabrics. If a dress isn’t fitting the way you’d like, find the same style in a larger or smaller size. Above all, remember that you are beautiful and can look and feel great in any dress you choose.

Key Differences Between Cocktail and Black Tie Attire

Cocktail attire is a step down from formal or black tie attire. Cocktail attire usually incorporates slacks, a collared shirt for men, and a dress for women. It does not include a full tuxedo for men or an evening gown for women. Instead, men often wear a suit and women wear something more festive and semi-formal, like a dressy blouse and skirt or a cocktail dress. In contrast, black tie attire is a very formal dress code and usually requires a tuxedo for men and an evening gown or other formal dress for women.

Top 5 Black-Tie Wedding Guest Dresses

Once you find that perfect evening gown, you will want to wear it over and over. You wouldn’t be able to guess how many times I have worn the above evening gown to fun black tie weddings!

01. Lace Black Tie Wedding Guest Dresses

Our favorite and a great option for an evening gown for a black tie wedding is a feminine floor-length lace design. For a black tie event, it could be an elegant evening gown with a lace overlay. Typically you would want to go with a full-length gown that features a lace bodice, lace sleeves, and a delicate, yet sophisticated train. It could be a mermaid-style dress with a lace skirt paired with a sweetheart bodice. Or it could be a ball gown-style dress with a lace bodice and beaded accents, along with a tulle skirt for a classic look. Other options include an A-line dress with lace appliques and a layered skirt, or a sheath dress with lace detailing and a tulle hem for a modern, sleek look.

02. Romantic Black Tie Evening Gowns

These gorgeous romantic black tie evening gowns are guaranteed to make heads turn. The floor-length silhouettes are an alluring combination of understated elegance and glamorous appeal. These are perfect gowns to make you look and feel fabulous when attending a special occasion.

03. Long Sleeve (Modest) Black Tie Wedding Guest Gowns

These long sleeve wedding guest gowns are a great way to stay stylish and modest at a wedding. From modern silhouettes with lace or sequin sleeve detailing to more traditional cuts, the possibilities are endless to choose a timeless evening gown for a black tie wedding.

04. Wedding Guest Dresses Under $500

While most wedding attire is expensive, there are plenty of stylish wedding guest dresses under $500 that will help you look your best on the big day. For a timeless look, try a knee-length chiffon dress with a delicate lace bodice, beaded embellishments, or cap sleeves. Indeed, these stylish wedding guest dresses under $500 will help you look your best.

05. Wedding Guest Dresses Under $100

If you’re looking for an inexpensive and stylish wedding guest dress that won’t break the bank, you can find an affordable option for less than $100. There are many elegant and timeless dresses that you can shop for You can find the perfect dress for under $100 that will make you look amazing.

The Best Shapewear for Black Tie Evening Gowns

When looking for the best shapewear for evening gowns, you want something that will provide a slimming effect while still allowing you to feel comfortable and look great. The best shapewear for evening gowns should be made of a soft, comfortable fabric that is both breathable and moisture-wicking. Look for features such as light control panels, wide straps, and internal boning to help you create the perfect silhouette. Nothing should pinch, squeeze, or feel uncomfortable in any way. Additionally, consider shapewear pieces with a low-profile design to ensure your evening gown doesn’t look bulky.

Black Tie Wedding Guest Dress Rule

Just don’t break the biggest rule of black tie wedding guests’ dresses! That rule is don’t wear white, since that color is reserved for the bride. This rule applies to all weddings, not just what to wear to a black tie wedding!

So which gown is your answer to what to wear to a black tie wedding? Let me know in a comment below! Also, check out these petite dress inspirations for a wedding guest.