When you’re planning a formal event, you want to make sure your guests know what to expect. If you’re opting for a black-tie optional dress code, it’s important to word your invitation carefully so that guests understand the level of formality expected.
Black tie optional is a less formal version of black tie, which means that guests have more flexibility in their attire. Men can wear a tuxedo or a dark suit, while women can wear a floor-length gown, a cocktail dress, or a dressy pantsuit.
To indicate that your event is black-tie optional, you can use the following wording on your invitation: “Black-tie optional: Gentlemen are requested to wear a tuxedo or dark suit. Ladies are requested to wear a floor-length gown, a cocktail dress, or a dressy pantsuit.”
What Does Black Tie Optional Mean?
Black tie optional is a dress code that falls somewhere between formal and semi-formal. It’s a good choice for events that are formal but not overly so, such as weddings, galas, and awards ceremonies.
The key to dressing black tie optional is to strike a balance between formality and comfort. Men should wear a tuxedo or a dark suit, and women can wear a floor-length gown, a cocktail dress, or a dressy pantsuit.
Here are some tips for dressing black tie optional:
- Men: Wear a tuxedo or a dark suit. A black or navy suit is always a good choice. If you’re wearing a tuxedo, you can choose between a single-breasted or double-breasted jacket. You can also choose between a bow tie or a necktie.
- Women: Wear a floor-length gown, a cocktail dress, or a dressy pantsuit. If you’re wearing a gown, it should be floor-length and relatively formal. If you’re wearing a cocktail dress, it should be knee-length or shorter.
- Accessories: You can add accessories to your outfit to dress it up or down. For example, women can wear jewelry, gloves, and a clutch bag. Men can wear cufflinks, a pocket square, and a watch.
Black Tie Optional Invitation Wording Samples
Here are some examples of black tie optional invitation wording:
- “Black tie optional: Gentlemen are requested to wear a tuxedo or dark suit. Ladies are requested to wear a floor-length gown, a cocktail dress, or a dressy pantsuit.”
- “Black tie optional: Please dress in your finest attire.”
- “Black tie optional: Formal attire is requested, but not required.”
- “Black tie optional: Dress to impress!”
- “Black tie optional: Gentlemen are welcome to wear a tuxedo or a dark suit. Ladies are welcome to wear a floor-length gown, a cocktail dress, or a dressy pantsuit.”
- “Black tie optional: Please wear formal attire, such as a tuxedo, a dark suit, a floor-length gown, or a cocktail dress.”
- “Black tie optional: We kindly request that our guests dress in formal attire. However, we understand that not everyone has a tuxedo or a floor-length gown, so please feel comfortable wearing the most formal attire that you have.”
- “Black tie optional: We would love for our guests to dress in their finest attire, but we also understand that not everyone has formal attire. Please wear whatever you feel comfortable in, but we ask that you dress respectfully.”
When choosing the wording for your black tie optional invitation, keep your guests in mind. If you’re inviting guests who are likely to have formal attire, you can use a more formal wording. If you’re inviting guests who may not have formal attire, you can use a more relaxed wording.
No matter what wording you choose, make sure that it is clear and concise. Your guests should be able to easily understand what is expected of them.
