Received a black tie wedding invitation and feeling a bit anxious about the dress code? I totally get it! Here’s how I managed to dress to the nines without breaking the bank for a fancy wedding.
When our friend proposed to his long-time girlfriend, the wedding buzz began, and despite initial plans for a Sonoma Valley wedding being scrapped due to wildfires, they settled on San Francisco. They hired a top-notch NYC wedding planner and aimed for a lavish 200-guest event. As the date approached, we finally received our invite – a beautifully crafted card with a wax seal that hinted at the grandeur to come.
When I read “Attire: Black Tie” on the invitation, I panicked a bit. My husband thought his old suit would suffice, but knowing our friends’ penchant for luxury, I suspected it wouldn’t be that simple. Sure enough, a quick check confirmed men needed tuxedos and women, floor-length evening gowns.
Despite my usual preference for casual attire, I dove into the task of finding the right outfit. First, I considered renting a gown from Rent The Runway, but the prices were steep, and I worried about finding the right fit, especially as I’m quite petite. So, I ventured into the world of online custom dress shops. Although I was initially enchanted by the beautiful and customizable options, poor reviews warned me off.
Next, I turned to local department stores but found nothing compelling within my budget. Then, a light bulb moment: I remembered a simple black bridesmaid dress from another wedding. It was a bit snug but worked perfectly once I zipped it up, and it matched the black tie theme flawlessly. Plus, it was already tailored, saving me additional costs.
For accessories, I skipped expensive options and found a chic silver clutch on Amazon for just $12 and a stunning but affordable statement necklace for $26. My total outfit cost? Just $38, proving you don’t have to spend a fortune to look fabulous at a black tie event.
For men, renting a tux is the simplest way to go. My husband spent about $150 on his rental, and he looked sharp. Remember, even if the invite says “black tie optional,” it’s best to err on the side of formality.
Overall, if you’re invited to a black tie wedding, it’s worth exploring your wardrobe for potential outfits before shopping for new ones. You might be pleasantly surprised by what you can put together without spending much at all.
