"black tie preferred" - wedding

DH and I are going to a wedding in a few weeks and the invite is "black tie preferred." I had initially planned on wearing an electric blue dress that has black in it and DH has a dark gray suit that's very nice with an electric blue shirt and tie that has the same blue and gray in it. Is that not good enough for "black tie preferred?" Or will it be fine?

Re: "black tie preferred" - wedding

personally, i would go with something a little more "classic".. black suit and white shirt with a black silk tie for DH and a black dress for you.

Re: "black tie preferred" - wedding

I would have DH wear a black suit, but otherwise I think it's ok. A cocktail dress is ok in any dark color, but a man's suit should be black IMO.

(I had a black tie optional wedding)

Re: "black tie preferred" - wedding

For women, if it were me, I'd go with something to the floor - I don't think you have to worry too much about color as long as it is a gown. I mean, I wouldn't do anything too loud, but something navy blue, gunmetal, black, even deep red, or eggplant, etc. would be nice if it were floor-length. I think, when talking about women and black tie, the people hosting are trying to avoid cocktail length dresses -- they are looking for more gown length. At least, I think so, I could be wrong - and I've been to a few black tie events and I did see people wearing shorter length but they were always black with lace - something really dressy. So, I guess you could do that too if you wanted shorter.

For men, I would say the color matters more so I'd have my DH wear a black suit with a black tie, no worries about a tux or anything - just jet black suit with a jet black simple and really nice tie will make him look and fit in perfectly!

Message edited 6/5/2012 8:25:09 PM.

Re: "black tie preferred" - wedding

For black tie weddings I'd go with a floor length gown in a dark color (black, eggplant, midnight blue). For the guys, black suit with a crisp white shirt and dark tie.

Re: "black tie preferred" - wedding

I had a black tie preferred wedding and most of the weddings I go to are black tie preferred or black tie optional. I would say it's really more dress code for the men. If your DH doesn't own a tux then a black suit, I'd stay away from a loud shirt. As far as for you, anything goes. Just make sure it's dressier.

Most of the people that I know that throw these weddings (myself included) mostly want to avoid men under dressing, i.e. khaki suits, tie but no jacket, etc, but don't want men to feel like they have to go out and rent a tux for the night. IMO it has little or nothing to do with what women wear, gown or not.