Royalty-worthy Wedding: White-Tie Wedding Dress Code and Choosing What to Wear

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Important events usually revolve around four important elements: the date, the venue, the theme, and of course, the dress code. Much is known about casual affairs, with their laid-back nature, more versatile fashion options, and less imposing air. But if there’s one type of event that requires full formality and following etiquette down to a T, it’s a white-tie event.

What is a White-Tie wedding?

A white-tie wedding is an extremely formal affair where opulence and luxury take center stage. Although not as popular as its less formal counterparts, a white-tie wedding takes grandeur and sophistication to the next level, a celebration fit for royalty. It puts emphasis on privacy and exclusivity, where an invitation is a must. 

What is the White-Tie wedding dress code?

No one is exempt from the dress code of a white-tie wedding. From the bride’s wedding gown, the groom’s ensemble, and the mother of the bride dress, down to a guest’s garb, each must be aligned to the theme with formality given the utmost importance.

Women are expected to wear a ball gown or a floor-length evening dress at the minimum. Complementing gloves, stunning jewelry, and dressy shoes must also be worn. Classic hairstyles must also be followed, like an elegant updo or a sleek bun. As for the make-up, women are encouraged to go for subtle elegance, like the classic combo of red lipstick and smoky eyes. 

The male guests, on the other hand, are required to don a black tailcoat, and coordinating trousers, along with a wing collar shirt, vest, and bow tie, all in pristine white. The look should be completed with patent leather shoes and tasteful cufflinks. Hair must be sleek and in place, while beards must be trimmed and well-styled.

What is the attire for a White-Tie wedding?

One rule: casual and semi-formal attire is a big no. Selecting the perfect long dress must follow some sort of rule, where only luxurious fabrics like lace, silk, velvet, and chiffon are to be considered. The cut, silhouette, and embellishments must also be extremely tasteful, as well as the accompanying shoes and accessories. 

We have gathered some of the most beautiful ensembles you can consider when attending a white-tie wedding. 

White-Tie Wedding Attire for the Bride’s Mom

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If you’re the bride’s mother, a stunning floor-length lace creation will do the trick. An A-line designer mother of the bride gown in a sophisticated color will flawlessly fit into the grand and romantic celebration. Complete the look with a pair of delicate lace gloves and brilliant jewelry to stand out.

 

For a wide range of trendy mother of the bride dresses, visit Mondressy.

White-Tie Wedding Attire for the Bridesmaids

 

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Fun yet flattering, bridesmaids should exude elegant youthfulness in their attire. Instead of choosing a flat and boring fabric, they may explore embellishment for their gown, like sequins that improve a look from classically stylish to fashion-forward yet polished. 

White-Tie Wedding Attire for the Female Guests

 

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A velvet wedding guest dress is always a safe choice when attending a white-tie wedding. This fabric oozes opulence and feminine aura. The rich fabric complements the luxurious theme.

White-Tie Wedding Attire for the Male Guests

 

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Like the groom, all male guests, including those in the bridal party should also wear a formal two-piece tuxedo with the classic tailcoat. It should be worn with a proper white tuxedo shirt, a white form-fitting vest, and a white bow tie. 

White tie weddings, although not the most popular wedding theme choice these days, are still one of the most timeless events there is. It is the ultimate celebration of tradition, grandeur, social graces, and luxury, and is reserved for couples who want only the best for their big day.

When choosing your attire for a white-tie wedding, always remember that respect for rules (such as the dress code) and protocol is of utmost importance. For this, ditch the casual dresses and men’s suits and vests. Dress right to feel right, as the worst part of coming to an event as special as a wedding is feeling out of place and looking underdressed.

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