Black Tie Wedding?

I agree with Alyssa that it’s probably a know-your-crowd thing. Personally I’d have no problem with it, but that’s because I’m totally that person who has saved 1 or 2 formal dresses from the past because I don’t want to be caught unprepared 🤣🤣🤣


One of the black-tie-worthy floor-length dresses I have is actually second hand from Mercari, so I believe it’s a thing that’s possible to do without breaking the bank if you’re willing to scour the second hand sites like that one or Poshmark. Sometimes even thrift stores will have something that’s totally a steal.

I also understand though that not everyone views it this way and sees it has a hassle. Second hand shopping can also be a gamble (there’s not always someone selling something in your size)

If you know most of your crowd is cool with it, I’d say go for it 🙂

So
I have preformed and attended weddings where it was black tie or formal and the guest list originally was over 500 people and only 100 people show up because they others can’t afford it or they’re not gonna put on airs for one night for nothing. It’s a nice thing if you’re having a society wedding because everyone already has it anyway but if you’re not then is it worth it to lose guests because of the affordability or is there another reason you want this. We are doing a Wedding do over and I specifically put on the back that people should wear their Sunday best because it’s a spring wedding and it’s slightly 1940s and it’s slightly cottage core but in no way do I want my guests to not come because they can’t afford to dress for it, every bride makes a choice on the air and theme of their wedding

My thoughts are what’s the purpose of that Are you celebrating your nuptials and your life together or was this wedding for show? So ask yourself what your purpose is

So, etiquette-wise, it's not considered polite to put any dress code on an invitation. The exception is for black tie or white tie events. 'Black tie optional" and "black tie invited" are not exceptions. So technically if it's a true black tie event, then you can put "black tie" on the invitation.

Do you have a wedding website? That's the place for people to advise on dress.

Just do it! It’s your day, do whatever you want! Personally I love seeing tik toks of people doing black tie. I think it looks so fun but elegant! Definitely not rude to request black tie. At the end of the day it’s a wedding, most people expect to dress up and a lot of guests enjoy it!! 🥰

The formality and fanciness of your invites is supposed to hint at the dress code


It's generous that you're willing to help people rent attire, but many guests may not feel comfortable accepting such help