{"id":257017,"date":"2026-05-11T07:00:54","date_gmt":"2026-05-11T14:00:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/?p=257017"},"modified":"2026-05-11T11:33:33","modified_gmt":"2026-05-11T18:33:33","slug":"black-tie-optional-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lulus.com\/blog\/fashion\/black-tie-optional-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Wedding Guest Guide: What to Wear When the Invite Says Black Tie Optional"},"content":{"rendered":"
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As a <\/span>guest<\/span><\/a> at a <\/span>wedding<\/span><\/a>, you want to dress your best to celebrate the day, but you also want to choose an outfit that is appropriate for the occasion. Some weddings are casual while others are more formal, and there\u2019s nothing worse than showing up to an event feeling either over- or underdressed.<\/span><\/p>\n

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So, what are you supposed to do when you get invited to a \u201cBlack Tie Optional\u201d wedding? Don\u2019t stress! We\u2019ve got the inside scoop on this dress code, and suggestions for gorgeous <\/span>dresses<\/span><\/a> to wear to the next black-tie optional wedding on your calendar.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Does Black Tie Optional Mean?<\/h2>\n
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If \u201cblack-tie optional\u201d doesn\u2019t immediately give you outfit inspiration, don\u2019t worry; it\u2019s way less complicated than it sounds. When a couple chooses a black-tie optional wedding, it usually means they and their wedding party will be wearing black-tie attire: tuxedos and evening gowns.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The \u201coptional\u201d part is for the benefit of the guests, who can choose to dress in <\/span>black tie attire<\/span><\/a>\u00a0or wear something slightly less formal, like a regular suit or a cocktail dress. Because the wedding party will be extra formal, it\u2019s polite to dress as formally as you feel comfortable doing at a black-tie optional event.<\/span><\/p>\n

Styling Black Tie Optional Wedding Guest Dresses<\/h2>\n
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The black-tie optional wedding dress code for women is formal, but it doesn\u2019t have to feel fussy! The secret is finding trendy ways to style a black tie wedding guest dress! The right accessories or aesthetic can refresh the dress code and make it feel more personalized. Here are some helpful hints for mastering this formal dress code!<\/span><\/p>\n