Wedding Photo Fun from GC Photo Booth

Do you know what makes me happy? Fun times at weddings. Do you know what I love even more? Photo Booths! I live for them. It brings me back to a time when I would go to a carnival or amusement park and take silly and fun photos with my friends. We would all try to squeeze in the tiny little booth, and be totally ourselves. Then, in a matter of minutes that moment is captured forever as a keepsake. How about when you combine a photo booth with a fabulous wedding event? Total bliss. I mean, I just want to drop everything, pick out my props, and strike a pose. Always a happy time. Yep, if all I had was a photo booth and some friends to be silly with, I would be pretty content. THAT is how much I love them. So,  you can imagine how excited I am for today’s feature, introducing GC Photo Booth. They can help you and your guests have a amazing and memorable time at your wedding. Smiles and laughter all the way around.

2D0B7287 IMG 1 IMG 2 IMG 3 IMG 5 IMG_1501 layout 5 photobooth-for-rent-01

 

IMG_5401

About GC Photo Booth

GC Photo Booth was founded in August of 2012 and has quickly become the choice of hundreds of brides as well as Nylon Magazine, Bebe, Forever 21, REI, Google, Mendocino Farms, and more. It may sound cliche, but what makes them truly stand out is their focus on customer service and attention to the details of your day.

It begins with your very own design team to create the custom footer to match the look and feel of your day. Each footer is completely custom designed and made to wow your guests.

On the day of, they arrive more than 2 hours early dressed sharp and professional with tons of props on hand, ready to produce the experience of a lifetime. A 2nd host is even there to work on and ensure that your very own included 12×12 Scrapbook is a finished masterpiece. Guests are asked and encouraged to put the 2nd print in the book and utilize all the pens, stickers, and arts and crafts galore that come with. By the end of the night, you will receive a beautifully created scrapbook created by your friends and family. You will laugh and cry upon looking at all the photos and reading the messages.

Best of all, GC offers every available Photo Booth on the market today including the Classical set up, Red Carpet Set up, and Green Screen set up. They are innovative and keeping up with the times with a feature that allows your guests to upload their photos to Facebook, twitter, and email.

As GC always says, just smile and let them handle the rest.

Mother’s Day Chocolate Bars from Michelle Haut Chocolat

It is a sweet Monday today!  When we thought our Monday could not get any better, it just did. Our friends at Michelle haut Chocolat  have delighted our inbox with something extra sweet and special. Oh, our sweet loving hearts could not be any happier. With Mother’s Day approaching, we wanted to share some lovely and delicious treats with you all.  For all the beautiful mothers out there, Michelle Haut Chocolat is offering three gorgeous and delicious crystallized flower bars. Each bar is wrapped in the most pretty way. The bars are placed in a french style black wire basket, and then wrapped in a clear cello wrap, all tied with a double satin luxurious french ribbon. So, if your mother has a sweet tooth like we do, then consider ordering one these beautiful chocolate bars for her. I think she will be very content.
So order your Mother’s Day M bar Basket by May 3rd  to ensure arrival before Mother’s Day! (which is Sunday, May 12th).
  • The Crystallized Rose M bar:  A crystallized whole rose that is hand layered into 73% pure Belgium chocolate and sprinkled with crystallized rose petals.

Screen Shot 2013-04-27 at 8.23.50 AM

  • The Crystallized Violet M bar: Two crystallized violet flowers are layered in white chocolate surrounded by beautiful crystallized violet pieces.
Screen Shot 2013-04-27 at 8.24.00 AM
  • The Crystallized Pansy Bar: The beautiful pansy is layered in 73% pure Belgium chocolate and surrounded by delicate french lavender.
Screen Shot 2013-04-27 at 8.24.12 AM

Designer Bridal Gowns Featured at the Sareh Nouri Trunk Show

Good morning lovelies! I hope you have your morning coffee in hand, because I have some serious gorgeousness coming your way. I been kind of obsessing over a stunning bridal collection for the last few months, and when the day finally arrived to see these beautiful gowns in person, I was super excited.  I was so excited, that the morning of, I was like a little child getting ready for their first trip to Disneyland! Yep, THAT is how excited I was. This weekend, the fabulous and super talented designer, Sareh Nouri stopped by at the Mon Amie Bridal Salon and showed off her amazing and jaw-dropping gorgeous bridal gowns. Remember the Sareh Nouri post we did? And the trunk show we kept telling you all about? Well it happened this weekend.  I had the honor of being one of other admirers, to watch these romantic and beautiful gowns walk down the fashion show runway. As each gown passed my eyes,   I was in total awe…the movement, the style, and lovely details simply took my breath away.

IMG_4680

IMG_4678

The cherry on top? Meeting the lovely designer, Sareh Nouri and all her fabulousness! Oh, it was a great day indeed.

IMG_4607

Let the show begin! This was such a lovely treat to be this close to these stunning gowns!

IMG_4611

IMG_4614

IMG_4617

IMG_4622

IMG_4628

IMG_4630

IMG_4637

IMG_4641

IMG_4631

IMG_4650

The fashion show was amazing and loved every second of it. SWOON!

IMG_4651

IMG_4655

This gown is perfect for that vintage bride who adores lace. Simply timeless! What a lovely gown with the most beautiful details.

IMG_4654

My favorite gown? As hard as it is to choose, it has to be this romantic and whimsical gown. A total show stopper, and just breathtaking.  I am in love. IMG_4661

The Sareh Nouri Collection can be found at Mon Amie Bridal Salon. A romantic and lovely collection of bridal gowns.

All photos are from Bridal Hot List

 

Destination Wedding: Southern Orange County

One of the most beautiful destination spots for tourists in the United States is Orange County, California. Thanks to mega resorts anchored by the Disney properties, Orange County sees millions of visitors every single year. Tourists and locals alike know that thanks to the amazing amenities, Southern California is a great destination spot for a vacation or for a destination wedding. In this article, we’ll take a look at some great spots to check out in Orange County.

North Orange County Beach Cities

Specifically the cities of Newport Beach and Huntington Beach, the northern beach cities in Orange County are home to some of the wealthiest people in the country. The beaches are world famous and the various amenities ranging from four-star restaurants to five-star resorts makes this an ideal place to visit. I’ve personally attended some mega-weddings at two different resorts in Huntington Beach that were nothing short of phenomenal. At one wedding, which was held as a traditional Indian ceremony, saw over 500 guests with the groom coming into the ceremony with a parade, riding a gorgeous white stallion! I asked the venue if that was normal and they said it was, with the last Indian ceremony having the groom coming in on an elephant!

There’s so much to do and see in these two cities that you’d be remiss to experience Orange County and miss out on either of these two spots. Newport Beach is a great spot if you like to do any sailing or enjoy a calm and romantic dinner cruise. There are also some excellent restaurants here that are often visited by stars. In fact, Bridal Hot List Chief Editor Niloufar Gibson and I once ate at a popular Italian spot and happened to sit next to Michael Buble! You never know what you might experience or who you might run into, but either way, North Orange County has two terrific beach cities to see.

South Orange County Beach Cities

Equally famous are two amazing spots in southern Orange County, specifically Laguna Beach and San Clemente. Both are world famous and frankly have better beaches than the previous two cities mentioned. If you are looking for a beach spot in a traditional “small beach city” then look no further than either of these two spots. While you won’t find quite the level of the resorts or fine dining experiences than you would up north, both of these cities have extremely charming spots to hang out and eat in. There are some magnificent views that make the whole trip worth it. I’ve attended several wedding here in Southern Orange County, all of which were on the beach right next to the waves and totally unforgettable. If you are looking for an amazing on-the-beach destination wedding experience, look no further than Laguna Beach or San Clemente.

Disneyland

If we didn’t mention “The Happiest Place on Earth” as one of the best destination wedding spots in Orange County we would have failed miserably in mentioning the hottest spots! Disney weddings are more popular now more than ever thanks to the recently remodeled California Adventure and the amazing new hotels on the Disney property. There’s four-star hotels, amazing places to eat and endless staff on hand to make sure your entire family has an amazing experience. Ever dream of being a prince or princess and getting married in a magic castle? This is *literally* where that actually happens! While the bill might also be out-of-this-world, maybe you can save a few extra bucks and have the wedding experience of a lifetime that would make all your friends jealous… forever!

Retro and Vintage Invitations from Peaches and Queen

Before you rush off to start your lovely weekend, I thought to give you a little inspiration fix.  Do you know what I love? Weddings of course. But, I am totally obsessed with all things vintage…the gorgeous florals, the pretty colors, and all the charming details.   So, when you mesh the two together, it makes for a pretty sweet combo. My heart is beaming with joy! What I am really excited about today, is when vintage meets the paper goods. I am talking about the romantic and adorable invitations brought to you by Peaches and Queen. I want to dazzle your Friday morning with a dose of vintage inspired and retro fun, combined with a creative edge, which will make your pretty eyes oh so happy.
JOSIEACTUALSIZE
Rebeccainvite
violetorangeversion3
alice
amelieinvite
Hello, my name is Mandy and I design retro and vintage inspired wedding stationery. I love to create quirky, colourful invites for brides and grooms looking for something a bit different to the norm. I have many types of stationary, however I love working closely with brides and grooms to create something completely bespoke and unique to them. Because everything is designed by me, every aspect can be personalised with colour changes/images/extras to be exactly what my clients want. All of my paper goods can be adapted to feature on Save the Date magnets and bookmarks, invites, RSVPs, thank you cards, candy buffet signage, luggage tags and place settings.

I was married in June 2012. I knew exactly what kind of stationery I wanted in my head but could not find anyone that created it, so I decided to do it on my own. I found I really enjoyed making them, and after my wedding, I received many compliments.  Someone asked if I can design something for their wedding too. Since I enjoyed designing so much for own wedding, I  decided to set up Peaches and Queen, and  share my designs with other brides to be.

My style is heavily inspired by retro and vintage styles from a bygone era. I have always been drawn to works from artists from the 50s and 60s and love nothing more than rummaging around antique fayres and boot sales for kitsch and quirky items for my home. Being surrounded by these things everyday has led me to try and carry this theme across many of my works.  I have my “Betsy” perfect for a 50s prom queen bride, “Alice” with its subtle Alice in Wonderland style as well as many other vintage inspired ranges, rich in pastel colours and lace. Another favourie of mine is birds. So, many of my works will feature them.  In fact I am slightly bird obsessed loosely having a bird theme at my own wedding. The height of kitsch also has to be my Jasmine invite, perfect for the bride travelling abroad who doesnt want to compromise on a fab style. Although many of my invites are digital prints I can also adapt some of them to be even more special with the addition of pearls, sparkles and real lace.

Although there is a strong vintage trend that has been running through the wedding industry for a few years now, I have always had a love of vintage items so I design what  I find visually pleasing to me rather then moulding it to current trends. I do really enjoy creating rustic pieces, and my new “Poppy” range combines rustic brown kraft card with lace really well. I also “tea dye” my own luggage tags and hand stamp and personalise them – there are so many different combinations possible!

I hope to keep creating and introduce many exciting new stationary over time. I also hope to introduce other beautiful venue styling items to my website over time such as handmade bunting and handmade favours.

Thank you Peaches and Queen for all the vintage inspired lovelies. I am head over heels!

Wedding Rentals from Happy Chuppah

I will forever and always be a fan of traditions. There is something about them that is so heartfelt and loving.  That is why today I am so excited to share a fabulous wedding design and rental company who specializes in chuppahs. Yep, the beautiful arch where love, family, and joy are all present. It is a gorgeous detail and a total eye-catching element of the ceremony, (Of course the bride and groom are the center of it all), but you know what I mean. I can go on and on about chuppahs and traditions, but I really want to get to our feature for today. Without further ado let me introduce Happy Chuppah. Oh, what an romantic story of how a girl with design eyes, and a boy with a tool kit, fell in love and created a lovely company.

15-biltmore-hotel-wedding-los-angeles-photography 2012-02-27 17.17.23 2013-01-18 11.09.02 Birch Temecula Surf and Sand Arch

 

About Happy Chuppah
Happy Chuppah of Orange County was created when, a boy fell in love with a girl and asked for her hand in marriage.  After setting a date and planning a wedding, they realized it was hard to find the perfect arch to exchange their vows under. His background in construction, tied in with her creative mind helped them create Happy Chuppah. 
Happy Chuppah is a wedding design rental company offering many different kinds of Chuppah, Mandap, Canopy, Flowers, Photo booth, candy buffet and much more. Using real wood and silk fabrics, they create a magnificent wedding canopy. They offer you some choices to pick from. You can choose from a variety of frames made of Wood, Bamboo or Birch. You can then select a fabric in the color of your choice and accessorize it with flowers or crystals. The frame is for rental use only however you can choose to purchase any accessories that are part of it as a keepsake.
Over 500 weddings later, we now have offices in Orange County, San Diego and Los Angeles area and service all of Southern California.

Whimsical and Romantic Details from Megan Ondercin Event Design

Guess what? It is another fabulous Wedding Wednesday! I’m talking drop dead gorgeous inspiration and some serious pretty coming your way. I just love when there is beyond amazing talent creating such lovely design that I can not get enough of. Recently, I attended the Unveiled Orange County Wedding Event where I literally had to stop in my tracks, get my camera ready, and take a few shots of the beautiful details.  Who is behind all the uber talented details?   Megan Ondercin Event Design with the help of  Copper Willow Paper Studio got together and created a sweet and romantic space. Want to know the details of what my eyes were so lucky to see? Oh, you will want to grab your morning coffee, (maybe a second cup by now), and be ready to be inspired!

Megan Ondercin shares all the magic behind the design at the Unveiled Wedding Event…

I wanted to incorporate a few trends of 2013 into my booth decor at the Unveiled bridal show; mixed metallics and peach/coral hues.  This combination created such a warm and inviting space. I wanted it to evoke a romantic sunset mixed with some harder, slightly masculine touches.  I glued pennies to glass vases to create my own unique floral container.  I also wrapped copper and gold wire around the napkins, center vase, and coral water goblets.  The ribbon backdrop created such a whimsical tone that really added that “wow” factor to the space.  Then, again, mixing the soft romantic elements to the harder, more bold tones, I layered the paper medallions over-top of the ribbon backdrop.  Each medallion was spray-painted to give the look of metal without the weight of an actual metal disc.  I also kept the metallic theme going by spray-painting the handles of each piece of flatware.  Copper isn’t often used, so I’m trying to take it mainstream with this display!  Gold is everywhere, and is definitely a major trend in 2013.  So, I kept that in play while introducing copper, gold’s lesser used cousin.

One of my other favorite components were the menu place mats.  Menus are an important part of a wedding, so I wanted to use it in a fresh, new way by printing it on a paper place mat.  With the help of Copper Willow Paper Studio, we were able to create something that really helped pull everything together. The glass plates were also a custom creation.  I took glass dinner plates and, using painter’s tape, created a different striping pattern on the back for each setting. Then, before letting the spray paint fully dry, I pulled the tape off so that it created a rough edging to the stripe. 

The last show-stopper that I’m quite proud of is the custom sewn table runner with coordinating napkins. Coming from a fashion background, I love browsing fabric stores.  I went in with a specific vision of what colors and pattern I wanted and found this gorgeous cotton print. The print is modern, yet funky and cheerful.

My giveaway was a card with a single penny glued on and the famous bridal phrase “something new, something old, something borrowed, something blue….and a sixpence in her shoe.”  That last part of the saying often gets dropped out.  Since I incorporated pennies in to my design, I wanted it to carry-over as a minor theme to my giveaway.  The saying states that if the bride puts a penny, or ‘sixpence’, in her shoe it will bring good luck to the marriage. It was a hit with the guests!

002_klkphotography_unveiled oc 2013_W

003_klkphotography_unveiled oc 2013_W

007_klkphotography_unveiled oc 2013_W

005_klkphotography_unveiled oc 2013_W

008_klkphotography_unveiled oc 2013_W

011_klkphotography_unveiled oc 2013_W

Photography: KLK Photography

 

A few words from Megan Ondercin about  Megan Ondercin Event Design

A Southern California based event planning company focused on weaving unique designs elements to create a breath-taking event. Bringing together innovation, style, personality, and beauty for one unforgettable occasion is what we’re all about.

What I offer to brides and grooms:

Every couple is unique, therefore we strive to make every wedding just as unique by focusing on specific aspects that reflect the couples’ personalities.  Design is our passion, so we don’t just plan – we conceptualize, fabricate, and develop every aspect of a wedding.  From sewing napkins, creating custom-made backdrops and tablescapes, to selecting music and lighting to coincide with the natural ambiance of the venue.  Our primary focus is constant collaboration with the bride and groom and attention to the finer elements.

In addition to design and planning, we also offer wardrobe styling.  Megan, the owner, worked professionally in the fashion and entertainment industry as a wardrobe stylist and costumer.  Our expertise with fabric, drape, fit, and color provides a unique skill-set for our clients.  Both brides and grooms can get a professional’s input on how to look their best on the big day.  We even work beyond the engaged couple, by helping the rest of the bridal party, parents, or even Grandma find something fabulous!

 

Southern California Snapshots from Marianne Lozano Photography

Even though it is a gloomy day here in Southern California, we have a shining new bright talent to introduce to you today. It is obvious that we love weddings, and all there is with them. But, without the magical talent behind the lens, we would have the opportunity to see all the amazing elements that weddings offer us.  The jaw-dropping gorgeous details, the bride and groom’s first kiss, and all the sweet moments, are all captured by some serious talent.  Today’s feature? We are excited to share the very talented and lovely Marianne Lozano Photography. You will see that each image Marianne snaps is so magical. Breathtaking.  Don’t believe us?   Her images speak for themselves…

08

09

03

06

01

In love with these oh-so-amazing engagement photographs. Swoon!

08

07

 

05

04

 

01

02

Oh, the details. There are no words to describe. If we were to choose two words, it would be: Simply Phenomenal. Yep, that pretty much sums it up.

030

065

027

044

057

06

012

07

01

Can you feel all the love just bouncing off these gorgeous wedding photos? We can not stop smiling. Cheek to cheek.

About Marianne Lozano Photography

Marianne Lozano’s visionary, focused, editorial style has won the hearts of clients, designers and art directors around the world. At first glance, Marianne seems reserved and contemplative, quietly observing her environment and waiting for the next perfect moment to capture. When her emotional stories are frozen in time, it’s done in a seemingly effortless manner with an urbane sense of style, composition and focus that is evident in people who were born to take pictures. As you get to know Marianne, a confident, independent and warm human being with a lovely sense of humor is revealed.

Born in the Philippines, Lozano grew up with a loving, supportive family who encouraged her creativity and natural talent. She went on to study at the prestigious De La Salle University Manila, where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science as well as an MBA. But it was not until 2002, when she relocated to the United States and was exposed to all the opportunities and new ideas within this wonderful culture that Lozano realized she was truly meant to be a professional photographer. Here, she studied at the nationally respected commercial photography program at Santa Monica College, and since then has built a name and reputation as a photographer with a refined style and a distinctive signature quality all her own.

Her artistry, focus and direction as a professional photographer has earned her an elite group of clients, event planners and agents, booking local and international assignments throughout the year. She is regularly featured in noteworthy publications like Angeleno and Mojeh Magazine and she recently worked on a photo shoot for Bvlgari and Guess 30th Anniversary events.

An avid traveler and adventurer, Lozano’s most recent photographs in 2012 include trips through Italy, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand and a trek to the Himalayas. Her love for travel and new experiences continue to develop her creative eye and give her a broader perspective on relationships and the immeasurable stories the world has to offer. Her well-traveled viewpoint and natural talent bring still images to life by telling a story without words. Marianne’s sense of humor, exuberance and refined style has attracted an incredible following.

Believe us now? Yep, we knew you would.

Gorgeous Lashes from LashSpot

Hello lovelies! What a better way to start the week than with an introduction to a place where beauty magic happens.  We are beyond excited to share the amazing things that you can do to get pretty for your wedding day,   It is true that you are a gorgeous gal already, however on your wedding day you want to look and feel as beautiful as can be.  That’s where LashSpot comes in. THE destination place to give your eyelashes a makeover, and get pampered at the same time.  Sounds wonderful right? We think so. Ready to get all dolled up for your big day?

before-after-print-ready-20x16-nologo

lashspot-peach

_MG_2289-2

bridalalshes44

lashesinpeach

vintagebridal4

About LashSpot …

Who we are and What we do:

The LashSpot is Orange County’s Premiere Spa dedicated to the transforming service of LashSpot Eyelash Extensions. Our main goal is to create beautiful, longer, voluminous lashes for our clients. LashSpot lives and breathes LashSpot lash extensions. LashSpot eyelash extensions are exclusive to LashSpot. We use premium silk and mink lash extensions and the strongest bonds to keep your extensions sealed to your natural lashes. Our extensive research and testing have allowed us to provide the best products for the application procedure.

Our specialized technique is the key to our longer, thicker, fuller lashes without looking fake. Seamless extensions, applied individually to each natural lash creates a completely youthful and glamorous lash look. No one will know your wearing LashSpot lash extensions only that you look even more beautiful than you already are.

Our highly trained technicians can create a look to fit your lifestyle. We can go over the top glamour girl to soft and pretty yoga mom. We customize your lash look to fit you.

LashSpot offers discounted rates through our membership program.  For a membership fee of $29 a month you get deep discounts on all of our services and retail, averaging 40% in savings.  LashSpot also provides other services to beautify you. Such as brow waxing, brow shaping, bikini waxing, lunch time peels and lash tinting and perming.

Our Bridal Program:

LashSpot’s Bridal and Special Occasion lashes is the creme de la creme of lashes.  We provide a Special Bridal lash makeover to ensure you lashes will steal the show at your wedding and keep you looking beautiful throughout your honeymoon.  For the reduced price of $175 you will get a lash tint, Full set of lashes, and extended appointment at time of full set, or scheduled right before your wedding.  Normal pricing for these services would be $275.  All of our services a la cart our offered at a reduced price for you and your wedding party at our LashSpot private parties.  Whether for your pre-bachelorette party soiree, to get glammed up, or for a mellow Sunday morning of beauty and relaxation, you and your bridal party will be primped, pampered and beautified.  We also provide champagne.  LashSpot can also provide additional services for your party through our beauty network.  Blowouts and nail services by our licensed technicians.  Another option for our brides is to give gift cards to your bridesmaids at LashSpot.  We have special pricing for that as well.

What makes us different:

LashSpot continuously strives to provide the best customer and beautifying services.  We are different because our commitment to creating stylized lashes is imperative to making you look stunning for your day.  LashSpot only uses premium extensions that are softer and more luxurious than a regular extension.  Each of our technicians are licensed estheticians who have gone through a rigorous education on the skin, lashes, waxing and most importantly safety and sanitation.  Sanitation and safety for the client is the most important part of our services.  All technician are formally trained, our tools are sanitized after every procedure, and cleanliness is demanded by our technicians and the business. Our technicians are not only licensed but have gone through a Level I and Level II certification course and our continued education that is classes every month, and testing out before taking clients. Our technicians are experienced and the best of the best.  Our technique at LashSpot is a special technique that works with the curvature and direction of the naturals lash, We do not stack or build bridges which can damage your own natural lashes.  We can make your look as natural or as glamorous as you want to look. The ability to create different styles only comes from advanced education and experience.  Barbara Rattigan and Jenn Russell, owners of LashSpot Spas have dedicated their professional lives to the art of lash extensions.  With over 8 years in the industry they have built a strong reputation and were at the forefront of designing and inventing lash techniques.  We have individual, private rooms for your service to be done in and the spa is a relaxing and chic environment to make sure your experience is like no other. LashSpot is the premium spa to get creative, stylized, safe lash extensions.

 

So, stop by the LashSpot, close those pretty eyes, and wake up with the most gorgeous version of yourself!

White Tie Vs Black Tie Wedding Event by Sam Saboura

Black Tie vs White Tie Events

Black Tie vs White Tie Events

Hello Sunday! Sunday is always one of my favorite days because it is typically spent at home relaxing and enjoying time with my family. I like to get up a little later than normal, (8:30am, yep that’s sleeping in for me!), have a lovely breakfast, walk the dog, sit and relax. Oh, and  sometimes I stay in my pajamas until noon. Yep, its a pretty casual day. But today, we get a bit formal.  Sunday just got elegant and lovely.  It is all about the white tie and black tie event.  Ever been curious of the difference? I know I have. So, that is why I asked fashion stylist and TLC star, Sam Saboura to break it down, and describe the differences between these two formal events.

Here is what Sam Saboura shared with me: 

White Tie events are the most formal of all events and pretty serious stuff. They are reserved for evening and are only really “white tie” if they take place after dark. If the event is this formal but happens during the day, then morning coats are required of men—think the royal wedding or as the name implies, men wear white ties and white vests with black or midnight blue tailcoats and pants. The shirt collar should be wing tip. Women wear long gowns and are normally required to wear white opera length gloves as well. Cocktail dresses and tea-length gowns are frowned upon and gloves stay on at all times except during dinner.

Black Tie events are considered semi-formal by comparison, but for most Americans this is as about as dressed up as we get. Again, these events are technically reserved for after 6pm and formal dress is required.

Men should wear a black or midnight blue tuxedo suit, white shirt, black vest or cummerbund and a black bow tie. A modern black tie event will allow for a man to wear a classic black necktie. Black tie is not to be confused with creative black tie or the like. This is a formal event and the dress code is pretty strict.

Women have more room these days for black tie events. The dress should be formal and long, though cocktail dresses are totally apropos these days. Back in the day most dresses women wore to black tie affairs showed their shoulders, so some kind of wrap was always encouraged. Evening shoes were and are a must and gloves are optional–but not out of the ordinary.

 

Thank you Sam! I know what to wear now, the next time I go to a white tie or black tie event!