Do you have to wear black to a black tie wedding?

Black tie refers to the level of formality, not the colour of your outfit. For men, a dinner jacket is usually black or midnight blue, but a dark suit in navy or charcoal is also acceptable. For women, you have plenty of colour choices. Deep jewel tones, rich neutrals and even pastel shades can work if the fabric and cut are formal. The key is to avoid bright, casual or daytime colours that clash with the evening feel.

Some couples include a colour theme on the invitation, such as all black or a specific palette. If they do, follow that. Otherwise, choose a colour that suits your skin tone and the season. A winter wedding might call for burgundy or emerald, while a summer wedding could allow a softer blush or sage. The most important thing is that your outfit looks deliberate and polished. If you feel confident in a colour, you will carry it well. Avoid wearing white or ivory, as that is usually reserved for the couple. And if you are unsure, a classic black outfit is always a safe and elegant fallback.