Planning a Black Tie wedding
Black tie has made a huge splash at weddings these days in the UK and across Europe, with 50% of my weddings last year having a black tie theme!
There’s no denying that a well-tailored dinner jacket and bow tie ensemble can set even the slowest of pulses racing; think James Bond, think Hollywood stars at the Oscars, think Prince Harry (even if you’re slightly annoyed with him). Seeing those crisp, monotone lines obviously does something to us because you lot have gone bananas for black tie, preferring your men folk in this get up more than ever before. Let’s get into the inspo!
© Getty Images. Prince Harry looking suave in a black velvet dinner jacket. Even if you're annoyed with him.
What is ‘black tie’?
Black tie is just that - etiquette dictates it’s a black bow tie accompanied by black trousers and usually a black dinner jacket, though this can be swapped out for a white DJ if you’re feeling a bit boujie. Also, the clue is in the name…. dinner jacket suggests these weddings are held later in the day. Black tie weddings have skyrocketed in popularity in the UK in the last few years, it has been very on-trend. They’ve taken a lead from the US, where weddings are often held later in the day (think late afternoon/early evening) and so a ‘dinner jacket’ doesn’t sound so crazy now, does it. So just bear in mind whether your 12noon ceremony at a pub really suits a sophisticated black tie aesthetic. No shade here whatever you decide, but it’s always advisable to run with a relevant theme.
Now here’s the rub. Do I love black tie? Well, yes and no. I totally appreciate the aesthetic, a well-fitted dinner jacket / tuxedo undoubtedly looks fab on just about anybody, whether it’s a tall dark handsome fella to a drop dead androgynous look for females or those who identify otherwise.
However, when I take photos of black tie weddings I am always struck by how much a sea of black suits absolutely sucks the colour out of an image. Y’see, kitting your bridal party out in good old classic black can create quite a stark image - black isn’t even technically recognised as a colour on the colour chart. Black hole anyone?
Fail to plan, plan to fail
If you’re planning a black tie wedding, where all attendees are required to dress in black tie / evening wear, give your guests enough time to source their outfits! Invites a few weeks in advance of your day won’t cut it. Also please tell your suppliers in advance! I don’t want to stick out like a sore thumb wearing something that doesn’t fit the theme.
An accompanying conundrum is the popular tendency to pair black tie with crisp, clean white. White flowers, white accessories, black white black white black white. Don’t forget that someone dresses in black tie for a wedding will be standing next to someone likely in a big white dress, so there’s an immediate contrast. Give some thought to your surroundings!
But Sally, what does this all mean, I hear you ask? Well, as ever, I would encourage you tuxedo lovers to invest in some colour for your wedding day. By all means, keep the crisp whites, but also consider injecting even just a teeny weeny bit of colour to bring your photos to life. I can’t overstate how much some colour will *transform* your wedding photos, lifting the image as a whole and ensuring your images don’t look like just a whole bunch of black.
See below - just a smidge of colour in the flowers helps lift these images:
So now I’ve spoken about a bit of colour, let’s chat about the different styles of black tie you can have at your wedding. Do you want only the bridal party in black tie, or do you want all guests to adhere to the black tie dress code? If so, be sure to give them plenty of time to source an appropriate outfit by specifying black tie on your wedding invites six months in advance.
What are the options?
Well, the classic look is a black jacket and trousers, accompanied by smart black shoes, a crisp white shirt and black bow tie. Shirts can be regular or wing collar. White dinner jackets are popular for destination weddings and warmer temperatures, but don’t be afraid to get a little adventurous with colours! A velvet dinner jacket can look beaut whether its black, petrol blue, maroon or otherwise. Traditionally a black tie outfit can be accompanied by black patent shoes, a dress shirt (think black shirt studs), a waistcoat, braces, or even a cummerband - but you don’t need all of them at the same time!
Dinner jackets these days come in a variety of styles particularly focusing on the lapel, so whether you’re going for single breasted, double breasted, shawl collar, horseshoe or otherwise, it can really jazz up your formal suit. Why not go for a different fabric like velvet, a different colour, or both?
Keeping things casual
And of course, in the evening, throwing off the shackles of your dinner jacket and loosening your bow tie makes for some super cool photos. When doing your couple portraits after dinner, I like to ask you to leave the jacket behind, to give your photos a different vibe:
Here’s some more examples to get your teeth into! Grrrrr:
I hope that’s give you some inspo. If you’re considering a black tie wedding, I capture all types of couples around the UK and beyond. So if you’re planning a black tie wedding at Ashridge House, or the south of France, or somewhere in between, I want to photograph it! Enquire if I’m available HERE