Black tie wedding, just saw the wedding website has color scheme

I think you're fine. Generally dark colors refer to men with black tie because they should be wearing black.

I wouldn’t purchase a new dress. It says dark colors encouraged, not required. Plus, chartreuse is such a beautiful on-trend color right now; I wouldn’t waste the opportunity to wear it!

Did the invitation actually say “black tie” on it? If so, they don’t need to say it again for male guests, who would either wear a tux or a black or very dark suit. Dictating or “encouraging” what color dresses the women should wear is inappropriate.

View Quoted Comment It only says “black tie” on the actual invitation, only their Q&A page on the website says dark colors encouraged.

View Quoted Comment I would wear the dress you bought and ignore the website. Wedding guests are properly supposed to dress according to the formality of the event without additional direction or suggestion.

I think its up to your comfort. If others follow and nearly everyone has on dark colours, are you okay standing out by having a bolder colour? Like others said, it isnt a requirement so you definitely dont have to change dresses, its more of would you be okay standing out.

For me, I'd probably get something different and save the current dress for an upcoming event

It seems often that the invitation will overstate the dress code anyhow. And often the focus is on how the guests will look within some concept of the color theme of the wedding decor. The website seems to give a preference. So, you should be fine with the dress you already prepared to wear.

You’re fine, keep the dress you have. Remember a large percentage of the guests won’t even read the website, so you don’t need to worry about being the odd man out. I actually am literally fresh off a black tie (preferred or encouraged or something like that on the invite) and the website mentioned dark colors. There was an array of colors among party goers, including some bright and some floral. All were black tie appropriate, as is your dress. Don’t overthink it.

I guess it depends on how you'll feel if everyone else is in dark colors and you stick out in such a bright color. I'm wondering why you now decided to just look at the website.

Dictating a color scheme is inappropriate and poor hosting. The only reason I could think of is they want an aesthetic for their ceremony video. You can easily bring a dark shawl for your shoulders then ditch for the reception party. Anyway, chartreuse is a gorgeous color and on trend. Sept 2nd is LDW and the last hurrah for summer colors/ summer fun so you're not in the wrong for being festive. By the way, few guests read the wedding website and rarely twice so you will not be an anomaly. I'm in NY and black is our uniform. Yet, still I'm wearing a pale yellow ladies tux to a 9/9 blacktie wedding in NJ. It's a Chinese wedding and our hosts wouldn't want cookie cutter drab. Be you.

View Quoted Comment An invitation is supposed to speak for itself. Websites are just for added information and convenience.


My guess is that the “dark colors” request is about not competing with the bride whether in person or in photos. Perhaps she’s wearing a blush or pastel dress. Regardless, it’s inappropriate. Guests are not props and if the bride chooses to wear a non- traditional color, then that’s on her.

They can say it’s black tie if it is true black tie with all the trimmings. They don’t have a right to even advise colors except for bridesmaids and groomsmen. Do not buy a separate dress.

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I agree with Cece!

You already spent the money on the dress and it doesn't say required. Go with what you have, I'm sure it looks amazing!

I was not familiar with the color until just searching on it now. Now I'm thinking it is better to go in a more subdued color. It sort of depends on what others are wearing too.