i got invited to a wedding and the invite says "black tie invited, but optional"?

Question

help please, a friend is getting married and i was invited to the wedding, the invite says "black tie invited, but optional" what does this mean? does it mean i have to wear a tux or is a black suit ok? if i can wear a black suit, do i have to wear a white shirt and black tie? as you can see i am pretty clueless about this ( this is the price i pay for wearing shorts and sandals my whole life, lol) so any help would be greatly appreciated. thanks a lot

Answer 1

"optional" meant that they didnt want to sound rude by saying "you MUST wear a back tie, or you aint coming".

just wear a black tie.

Answer 2

Sounds like they are aiming for a "formal" wedding at which they would like for you to wear a tux, but it is not mandatory. I would say a suit and tie with shirt of any color would be acceptable if you choose not to wear a tux.

Black Tie Invited (Optional): What Do I Wear?

"Black tie invited" formerly used as optional is not an unfamiliar term in today's party planning scene so many party invitations may read "black tie invited," "black tie preferred," "black tie optional," or simply "black tie." Although the clothing industry is trendy, there are some definite rules. If an invitation reads "black tie invited" or "black tie optional," you can expect a nice affair and there will be people attending in tuxedos. Your host is leaving it up to you to dress in a tuxedo or dark business suit. If your invitations reads "black tie preferred, " your host is suggesting that you dress formal and hoping you do, but you can make that decision and they won't be offended if you don't wear a tuxedo. However, a dark business is appropriate.

Answer 3

If the invitation specifically states, "Black Tie", then, yes, you are expected to dress accordingly and wear a tuxedo. You have the option of wearing a tux or a dark suit if the invitation states "Black Tie Optional", "Black Tie Preferred", or "Black Tie Invited".

Answer 4

"Black tie" is tuxedo black tie worthy attire.
Optional means you can stay under the radar clothes police by wearing a dark suit and tie. With black tie attire comes the whole ensemble--shoes, tux shirt, studs, slacks socks. Better to just rent one if you can. They'll know exactly the appropriate attire. Does that help? oh... and shorts and sandals sounds heaven to the gear we wear here most of the time...

Answer 5

I think they are trying to sound very 'proper' by saying this but in fact it is just plain confusing. It is not your fault you don't understand, it is not clear!
A black tie means wearing a tux. If you don't have one though (and it sounds like your not the tux type ;-)) and don't think you'll wear one again then just go with a nice dark suit. There is no sense in spending all that money on a new suit that you won''t wear again.

Good luck and have fun!

Answer 6

I would recommend going with the tux, especially if you don't know much about suits.

If it's black tie you need to be wearing a really nice, snappy suit to not look under dressed. The tux is the safest choice.

Answer 7

A black suit is perfectly ok. Your shirt does not have to be white. Just pick one that goes well with the suit (and wear a tie). This look is very nice.

Answer 8

White shirt , black tie with a black suite... and sunglasses and you have a movie.. with a few aliens around you
Try to look your own tuxedo style.. yes will be a black elegant tuxedo... because tuxedo is for sexy elegant men but choose the right one goes with your height and complexion you are not to wear a suit.. the suit must be suits you . Your shoulders and back have to look clear and firm on it as if you are seeing the horizon line when you are looking your shoulders.
You can wear a black bowtie or a cross over tie with your tuxedo but a bowtie is more sexy when it fix with you and your tuxedo all athe same time. Don't choose a short or a too much big bowtie, remember.. you are the sexy.. not the bowtie
Always stand up and smile. Your hair must be look a little wet and soft and classy or wild but always on its right place. And never forget a sexy lotion after the shower. All the girls going to get crazy with you. Don't worry
Ah! I almost forgot it !
If you only want to get crazy to the girl who cares of you.. You know.. the best friend always beside you.. all the boys have one.. well... wear a suit a tone more dark of the color of your hair with a tie goes with the tone of your eyes if you have brown eyes or making a contrarst with them with a tone more higher of your eyes if you have green,blue eyes or honey eyes, the shirt always got to be white because is a wedding.
The shoes for a tuxedo always are black
The socks are the color of the shoes
or goes with them.
And don't forget the masculine fresh lotion
Not too much
just the one who stays on you after your shower before you dress and get ready
And don't forget a fresh clean smile , standing up in a relaxing pose don't drink too much, you don't need that to have fun, do not smoke only men without illusions and dreams smoke.. because all the dreams goes away with the smoke.
You are going to look great and to be great
but for that first you always have to feel great having always a healthy life.
I don't know.. but I think the next one to get marry maybe will be you
With your special girlfriend.
Who?..
The one you're going to meet there..!
of course.
But all the girls will get crazy with you in the meanwhile..
I assure that.

Answer 9

i've never heard it put that way. usually it says-black tie optional -and thats it. is it a very formal affair? is it at a real swanky place? really, no one can tell you how to dress. it can cost a fortune if you don't already have the attire. suits and ties are kind of a thing of the past. many just wear the nicest stuff they have. but if you think you'll be to underdressed,go buy a suit. any color is fine.black,dk blue or even dk gray are always handsom.

Answer 10

"black tie invited" means that it's okay to wear a black suit, but it is best if you wear the tux.

Answer 11

We just attended an event that had the same wording. You wear that suit with any shirt and tie you want. The couple just wanted to let everyone know that it will be a formal evening event and they want a more elegant attire worn by those attending. Enjoy!