What Is White Tie Formal?

When Ashley and I were discussing our wedding dress code, neither of us could think of a time we attended a black-tie wedding (let alone a white-tie event!). In researching formal attire, we fell in love with white-tie formal, and decided to give our friends and family the opportunity to get ultra fancy with us.

The white-tie dress code is the most formal dress code. It calls for garments like floor-length gowns and evening tailcoats. I’ve outlined the details of white-tie below (by Western standards), and have included additional links. While we highly encourage a white-tie dress code, black-tie dress code will also be acceptable. Our dress code is also fully inclusive of traditional Indian formal wear.

Note that of course basic rules like only the bride(s) should wear white still apply (white tuxedo pieces exempt), but for the winter season darker colored gowns are perfect. Black is perfectly appropriate for guests. If you need further inspiration, the formal dining scenes in Titanic are all white-tie, as is the Met Gala.

Click for guide: White Tie For Tuxedos
Tuxedo white-tie attire should include the following elements:

• An evening tailcoat (or a dress coat) with peaked lapels

• Full-dress trousers

• A full-dress white shirt

• A full-dress white bow tie

• A waistcoat

• Patent leather shoes or Oxfords

• Full-dress jewelry (shirt and waistcoat studs and cufflinks)

• Optional accessories (a pocket watch, a boutonniere, gloves, and a top hat)

Click for guide: White Tie For Gowns

Gown white-tie attire can include:

• A floor-length evening gown

• A clutch bag

• Formal accessories

• Elbow-length gloves
  

Where to shop?

Shopping for the items to complete your white-tie formal look can take some time. We discovered the chain store Friar Tux offers the items needed for white-tie formal, if you’d like to try on in person: Friar Tux

Otherwise, a Google search for “white tie formal tuxedo” will return plenty of online shopping results. Dobell.com seemed to be a good one.

If you’re of the dress-wearing variety, Googling “gala gowns” might help get you started. If you’re unsure, please feel free to text Chelsea!