Wedding Style Guide: Black Tie Wedding

Ahh the black tie wedding (not to be mistaken with the evening wedding) - a black tie affair is possibly one of the most difficult of all weddings to dress for as a guest.  While a knee length LBD would do the trick in a pinch, a black tie wedding is the only occasion where a floor length gown is acceptable.  Always during the evening, it's totally appropriate for opt for a glamorous floor skimming number - break out your grandmother's cocktail rings, and sparkly chandelier earrings, because black tie means glam all the way!


Old Hollywood Glamour:

Black Tie Wedding I by beckyc1923 featuring a yves saint laurent lipstick

Oscar de la Renta evening gowns dress, $4,890
MICHAEL Michael Kors platform sandals, $140
Pearl clutching, £60
L K Bennett multi strand necklace, £95
Jon Richard pearl clip earrings, £6
Yves saint laurent lipstick, $32
Shu uemura false eyelash, $29
Christian Dior nail lacquer, $23

Yes, this is Oscar de la Renta, so for the masses this first dress is really just a day-dream, but with this look in mind, head to Bloomindales and seek out a sparkly gold number like this one.  The trick to making gold look expensive is to watch the sparkle and the tone.  A too gold color looks gaudy, and too sparkly conjures images of a Vegas showgirl - look for a muted Champagne gold, and you'll be good to go.  Since the dress is the statement, stay away from more sparkle in the jewelry - pearls are a classic choice.  Finish the look with red lips and red nails - neutral eye makeup and simple hair will be perfect.



New Hollywood Glamour:

Black Tie Wedding II by beckyc1923 featuring platform high heels

Gestuz maxi dress, £120
Christian Dior platform high heels, $990
Alexander McQueen skull clutch, $2,480
Citrine By The Stones gold bangle, $175
Silver earrings, $55
Cocktail ring, $34
False eyelash, $15

Emerald green has been a HUGE trend in the past several years, with many a-list actresses donning substantial gemstone jewelry for red carpet events.  Jump on the bandwagon because this rich green is flattering on everyone and brings to life a simple black silhouette.  Don't be fooled by this dress' demure neckline - the back opens up to show a little skin (tastefully of course).


Midsummer Nights Dream:

Black Tie Wedding III by beckyc1923 featuring strappy high heels

Alexander McQueen evening gowns dress, £1,865
Calvin Klein Underwear strapless push up bra, $42
KORS Michael Kors strappy high heels, $250
La Regale clutch handbag, $52
Amrita Singh long earrings, $150
Anna beck jewelry, $285
Dara ettinger jewelry, $80

Yep, this next look reminds me of the Shakespeare play, because of the romance.  The floaty chiffon is romantic (and flattering), and you'll stand out from all the other navy and black dresses in this pale pink number.  There is nothing like gold and pale pink to compliment one another, so be sure that your accessories - from strappy heels to dangly earrings are gold toned and sparkly.