The ultimate in elegance and grandeur is the white tie wedding. Traditionally held only in the winter months in the evening, there is nothing like a white tie wedding in terms of style and opulence. If you have been invited to one of these very special events, one of the first questions that probably comes to mind is what type of attire is appropriate. Wonder no more; this is what to wear to a white tie wedding.
For gentlemen, white tie attire is very strictly defined. It is the same for every man there, from the groom and groomsmen right down to the male guests. There is no need for the groom to have something different about his attire to make him stand out from the crowd; the groom is easy to spot because he is the one marrying the bride! One of the most distinctive aspects of the proper regalia is the black coat with tails. It is cut shorter in the front, in a horizontal line. The tailcoat is worn with black trousers with a black satin or braid stripe down the side of each trouser leg. Suspenders should be worn, not a belt.
Under the jacket with tails, the men wear a stiff white pique shirt with a stiff winged collar. Next comes a vest in the same white color, and the finishing touch is the signature white pique bow tie which gives “white tie” its name. Black dress socks and shoes are the correct footwear. The gentleman who fancies himself Fred Astaire can also add a top hat and cane, if he wishes. Although a traditional part of the outfit, many men (especially younger men) choose to forgo the top hat and cane these days. Only wear them if you can do so without feeling like you are dressing in a costume!
The fun part about a white tie wedding is the attire for the ladies. A full length ballgown is the appropriate choice for such an elegant event. Remember that nothing is more formal than a white tie wedding, so this is your chance to pull out all the stops! While black and white are commonly seen for white tie events such as operas and balls, when you are a wedding guest, it would be nicer to choose another color. Pale pink, navy, and pewter would all make wonderful choices for the gown color.
In very conservative circles, ladies should have their shoulders covered; if your gown is strapless, add a matching wrap, at least for the wedding ceremony. Since white tie affairs are always held after dark, you may well want a wrap to ward off a chill anyway. A wrap made from material which matches your ballgown is always lovely, or you can choose to wear something more extravagant like a fur wrap. Long white gloves are a must for white tie weddings. They should be removed for dinner, but worn the rest of the evening.
A spectacular dress calls for equally fabulous accessories! As the ultimate in formality, almost nothing is too much for a guest at a white tie wedding. Glittering Swarovski crystal bracelets, necklaces, and earrings will add the perfect sparkle to your ballgown. Opt for clear or “ab” Swarovski crystals for your bracelets and other jewelry, as they will work wonderfully with any color dress. If the occasion were not a wedding, a small tiara might even be worn, but only the bride should wear a tiara at her wedding. However, other hair ornaments, such as jeweled combs are very elegant in the classic upswept hairstyles which suit the occasion.
Most of us will never get the opportunity to attend an event as grand as a white tie wedding. Should you be fortunate enough to be invited one, be sure to have fun dressing to the nines for this once-in-a-lifetime occasion!
Laura helps brides with their wedding plans by offering advice on selecting bridesmaids gifts,reception ideas and other aspects of planning a wedding. Treat yourself to fabulous Swarovski crystal bracelets, earrings, and necklaces from http://silverlandjewelry.com/ and receive free shipping on any jewelry order over $99.
JBLenoir in Chicago – 1964 – original 16mm color
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Men’s Black Striped Morning Suit- Tailcoat Wedding Suit $94.71 |
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Men’s Black Striped Morning Suit- Tailcoat Wedding Suit $94.71 |
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Men’s Black Striped Morning Suit- Tailcoat Wedding Suit $94.71 |
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Men’s Black Striped Morning Suit- Tailcoat Wedding Suit $94.71 |
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Men’s Black Striped Morning Suit- Tailcoat Wedding Suit $94.71 |
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Men’s Black Striped Morning Suit- Tailcoat Wedding Suit $94.71 |
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Men’s Black Striped Morning Suit- Tailcoat Wedding Suit $94.71 |
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