White TieWeddingUltra Formal

White Tie Wedding Dress Code

The most formal dress code for exceptionally prestigious and traditional wedding celebrations.

Overview

White tie is the most formal dress code in existence, reserved for the most prestigious occasions. A white tie wedding signals an extraordinarily formal celebration, often associated with royal events, diplomatic functions, or weddings at the most elite venues. This dress code has strict requirements and leaves little room for interpretation, emphasizing tradition, elegance, and impeccable attention to detail.

Men's Attire

Essential Items

  • Black dress tailcoat (morning coat for daytime)
  • White marcella (piqué) formal shirt with wing collar
  • White marcella bow tie (hand-tied only)
  • White marcella waistcoat
  • Black high-waisted trousers with double satin stripe

Recommended

  • Shirt with single cuffs and cufflink holes
  • Braces (suspenders) worn under waistcoat
  • High-waisted trousers cut for braces
  • Quality tailoring is essential

Accessories

  • White dress gloves (optional, traditional)
  • Mother-of-pearl or white gold studs and cufflinks
  • White silk pocket square
  • Formal pocket watch (optional)

Shoes & Grooming

Footwear

  • • Black patent leather court shoes (pumps)
  • • Black patent oxford shoes
  • • Black silk dress socks
  • • Highly polished formal footwear only

Grooming

  • • Impeccable grooming required
  • • Clean-shaven preferred (or immaculate beard)
  • • Fresh haircut
  • • Subtle or no fragrance

Women's Attire

Essential Items

  • Full-length formal ball gown
  • Elegant floor-length evening dress
  • Opera-length gloves (optional, traditional)
  • Formal wrap or evening coat

Recommended

  • Classic, timeless silhouettes
  • Finest fabrics: silk, satin, taffeta
  • Elegant colors, often including white for non-brides
  • Conservative but elegant necklines

Accessories

  • Fine jewelry (real gems preferred)
  • Tiara or formal hair ornament (if appropriate)
  • Small formal clutch
  • Opera-length gloves for ultimate formality

Shoes & Beauty

Footwear

  • • Elegant closed-toe formal heels
  • • Classic pumps in formal colors
  • • Satin or silk evening shoes
  • • Shoes should complement, not distract

Beauty

  • • Sophisticated, timeless makeup
  • • Elegant updo
  • • Classic red lip or natural tones
  • • Understated, refined beauty

What NOT to Wear

  • Never wear a standard tuxedo to white tie
  • Avoid colored bow ties or waistcoats
  • Don't wear clip-on bow ties
  • Skip trendy or fashion-forward looks
  • Avoid short dresses under any circumstances
  • Don't wear excessive or costume jewelry
  • Never underdress for white tie
  • Avoid modern or casual elements

Seasonal Tips

Summer

White tie is challenging in summer heat. Ensure venue is well air-conditioned. Lightweight formal fabrics help. Consider the comfort of traditional layers.

Winter

A formal black overcoat is essential. White silk scarf adds elegance. This formality suits winter venues well.

Pro Tips

  • 1Practice tying a white bow tie well in advance
  • 2Ensure your tailcoat fits perfectly - no shortcuts here
  • 3Women should practice walking and sitting in a ball gown
  • 4Arrive in immaculate condition - use garment bags
  • 5Understand the event protocol for this level of formality

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between white tie and black tie?

White tie is more formal: tailcoats instead of dinner jackets, white bow ties instead of black, and stricter rules overall. Ball gowns are required for women, not just formal dresses.

Where can I find white tie attire?

High-end formalwear rental services offer white tie. Some are available for purchase at luxury menswear retailers. Ensure proper fit through professional tailoring.

Are opera gloves required for women?

While traditional, opera gloves are optional today. If worn, they should be removed before eating but can remain on for dancing.

Can women wear a tiara?

Tiaras are traditionally worn only by married women in the evening. For weddings, they're best reserved for the bride unless it's a royal or very traditional event.

Related Dress Code Guides

Black Tie

Wedding

The most formal evening wedding dress code, requiring tuxedos for men and floor-length gowns for women.

White Tie

Gala

The pinnacle of formal dress for state dinners, royal events, and the most prestigious galas.

Black Tie

Gala

Elegant formal attire for charity galas, award ceremonies, and prestigious evening events.

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