Formality, Black Tie

Usually indicated on the wedding invitation, due to the special attire expected, a Black Tie wedding requests that the male guests wear tuxedos and the female guests wear long gowns or dressy evening or cocktail dresses. A black tie wedding often takes place in a cathedral or luxury venue, includes a formal served meal and has a fairly large number of guests. The bride wears a very formal gown with a train and long cathedral veil and the bridesmaids wear similarly formal gowns. The groom and groomsmen also wear white shirts, black accessories, and tuxedos, most often with tailcoats. There is usually a rather large bridal party.