Black tie weddings: what male guests wear

A black-tie invitation means the hosts expect male guests in a tuxedo. A black tuxedo with a white shirt and black bow tie is the safe choice: correct, and hard to misjudge. The rest is a handful of small points that let you walk in with confidence.

What black tie asks of male guests

Black tie is the evening level of dress that goes with a tuxedo. A proper outfit has:

• A black or midnight blue tuxedo jacket with a shawl or peak lapel faced in satin or grosgrain.
• Trousers in the same cloth with a satin braid down each leg.
• A white shirt with a piqué or pleated front, turn-down or wing collar.
• A black bow tie, preferably self-tied.
• A black cummerbund or waistcoat, patent shoes or opera pumps, and black socks.

To understand each dress code level, read what black tie means.

Black is the safe choice

At a wedding the groom is usually the one who stands out. Male guests commonly choose:

• Black tuxedo: right for any black-tie occasion, and never out of place next to groomsmen or other guests.
• Midnight blue: shows some personality; under party lights it reads nearly black but deeper. A good option if you already own a black tuxedo and want variety.
• Keep the lapel simple: a soft shawl or slim peak is fine. Avoid velvet lapels or bold patterns unless you know the mood of the evening.

Check whether the invitation adds wording such as "creative black tie" (more personality allowed) or "black tie optional" (a choice), because the level changes. Models to look at: TUX-060, classic black peak lapel or TUX-067, solid black shawl lapel.

Why not wear white

The groom may choose an ivory tuxedo, and if guests also wear white or ivory, photographs make it hard to tell who the groom is, and you will have taken the spotlight from him without meaning to.

Unwritten rules:

1. Do not wear a white or ivory dinner jacket unless you know what the groom wears.
2. Do not copy the groomsmen's main colour if the invitation or a message mentions it. Ask friends or the organisers if in doubt.
3. Avoid very loud colours: bright red, glaring yellow, or large patterns.

If the wedding is in a warm place and the hosts allow white dinner jackets, ask before deciding. Ivory models for grooms can be seen in the ivory collection.

Rent if you do not own one

Not everyone needs to buy a tuxedo for a single wedding. Renting is sensible if you rarely attend black-tie events.

• Mon Amie offers tuxedo rental through thuevest.vn: fitting in the showroom, adjustment to fit, cleaning included. Rental price depends on the model, so ask a consultant.
• Reserve early in busy wedding season, so sizes and models are still available.
• Buy or have one made if you expect to attend more black-tie events, gala dinners or award nights. See what to wear to a gala dinner.

Gifts and etiquette

Clothing is only part of it. A black-tie wedding also calls for matching manners.

• Arrive on time: formal receptions usually open with a ritual, and late arrivals disturb it.
• The gift envelope: prepare it as custom dictates, with your name clearly written, and hand it over at the guest reception table. The amount depends on your relationship and the region.
• Photographs: do not push to the front while the photographer works; pose with the couple only when invited.
• Keep the jacket neat: button when standing, unbutton when seated; do not hang it on someone else's chair.
• Drink in moderation: a well-dressed tuxedo loses its point if the behaviour slips.

Book a fitting at Mon Amie

If you would like your own suit made for occasions like this, tell the consultant the date; making time depends on the model and the fitting schedule, so order early. If you only need a rental, come for a fitting to find the one that fits. Book a fitting at a showroom.