It shows up one early morning in your post box. Beautiful, think paper with letterpress print and your name proudly designed on the envelope…. The wedding invitation!
You quickly read through the details of the invite and find the three words that every guest dreads: “black tie optional” delicately displayed at the end of the invite. Oh no! What does that even mean? Full length gowns and a tux? Standard suit and tie with below the knee dresses?
So, what is a guest to do with this aloof request? Here is a crash course in the deciphering what black tie optional really means:
What it says on the tin
If a couple have stated that it is optional then you can only assume that’s what it actually means right? If you’re worried that you will be the only guy or girl in a run of the mill suit or dress that isn’t floor length, don’t be. If you’re really very worried about how you will match up to the other guests, why not give them a friendly call and ask what they’re planning.
Couples
If you’re heading to a wedding as couple, you don’t need to match up colours, just be sure you don’t clash. More importantly, make sure you’re at the same dress code level. If you’re going all out full-length gown, make sure your partner isn’t wearing something too casual.
If in Doubt, Dress up
If you have no idea what is too casual, then just go full on formal. You may feel silly not knowing whether you’ve gone too far, but it’s always better to dress up in a situation than to dress down. These days, there are so many options between renting formal clothing and shopping in vintage shops that your budget for attire doesn’t need to be huge. For men, think of buying a tux as an investment. A well kept suit can take you through a lot of formal occasions! And at the least, you will look a movie star in the wedding photos!
Image from Flickr
