FabSugar

What to Wear to a Black-Tie Wedding

Noria Morales — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 03:34:34 PDT

Black-tie events - like a wedding or gala - are the most formal kind of event, usually taking place in the evening, requiring men to wear tuxedos (hence the black tie) and women to don gowns. Today, the terms are looser, and many events will be "black-tie optional," which means you have a bit of leeway (think cocktail dresses in addition to gowns). Keep reading for our tips for dressing for black tie, and our shopping widget is full of perfect dresses, statement jewelry, and even some dressy jackets in case you want to add a layer.

To see our tips, just keep reading

Mommy Dearest: Black Tie Required Wedding, Even For Tots?

LilSugar — Wed, 06 May 2009 05:00:00 PDT

Mommy Dearest,

Our family was invited to a black tie wedding, which we will attend in a few weeks. Understanding that it's a formal affair, I purchased a long gown to wear and my husband is renting a tuxedo. But, I think the bride's request for even our 2-year-old son to wear a tux is ridiculous despite my offering for him to wear comfortable chinos and a button-up shirt. He's not even in the wedding. Should I tell her that my child isn't going to abide by the required pricey attire in advance or just dress him the way I see fit?

- Black Tie for Tots Is Beyond Reason

To see the response from Mommy Dearest,

read more. Black Tie For Tots Is Beyond Reason, While you raise valid points about your son's comfort level and the expense of renting or buying a two-year-old a tux, it's the bride's day and as a guest it's best to abide by her rules. Since you already addressed the issue and she wasn't accepting of your offer to dress your child in slacks and an oxford shirt, your only real option is to outfit him in a tux or not bring him to the festivities. You may also want to consider how kid-friendly this formal affair will actually be or if your youngster would be happier staying home with a sitter. - Mommy Dearest Submit a question for this feature at the Mommy Dearest Group on TeamSugar.

Fab Finding Follow-Up: Black Tie Wedding Bells

FabSugar — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 16:00:22 PST

Last week I told you a co-worker has a black tie wedding to attend in February and needs our help. She's having a hard time finding a long dress that's flattering on her petite frame. My advice was to find something form-fitting. Oh, and no crazy colors, cuts, or jewels please. She's a simple gal.

I started you off with this Vera Wang Crystal and Tulle Bracelet ($295) because it's simply stunning. Let's see your outfits!

Look #1, created by maria212134, is breathtaking. That dress will turn heads for sure.

Roberto Cavalli Crystal embellished clutch �\|�NET-A-PORTER.COM	Christian Louboutin Very Prive Satin Platform Pump�-� Bergdorf Goodman
Zasha - Open Brio Charms - Saks.com	Amsale Blush - Strapless Sweetheart Gown - Saks.com	Vera Wang - Crystal & Tulle Bracelet ($295)

To see the rest,

read more. Look #2, created by jasmint, is perfect for my co-worker because she loves simplicity. The color scheme is heavenly.

Vera Wang - Crystal & Tulle Bracelet ($295)	David Yurman - Sterling Silver Earrings w/Diamonds - Saks.com
Bottega Veneta Metallic leather box clutch \| NET-A-PORTER.COM	BCBGMAXAZRIA Strapless Split Neck Silk Chiffon Gown	D&G Dolce & Gabbana - Metallic Goatskin Sandal

Look #3, created by EllaB, is sharp, elegant. A Roland Mouret dress never disappoints.

RM by Roland Mouret Apollinaire taffeta gown \|NET-A-PORTER.COM	Mayle Samira Soft Fold Bicolor Clutch
Betsey Johnson CZ Earrings	Dior - Retro Patent Pump - eLUXURY	Vera Wang - Crystal & Tulle Bracelet ($295)

Come Fab Finding With Me: Black Tie Wedding Bells

FabSugar — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 05:00:22 PST

A co-worker has a black tie wedding to attend in February and needs our help. She's having a hard time finding a long dress that's flattering on her petite frame. My advice is to find something form-fitting. Oh and no crazy colors, cuts, or jewels please. She's a simple gal.

I'll start you off with this Vera Wang Crystal and Tulle Bracelet ($295) because it's simply stunning.

Let's go Fab Finding. Be sure to come back and tell me your Fab Finds are up, or just tag your Fab Finds with black-tie wedding.

Now, you can build outfits by creating a list of clothing items. We have everything you need to build outfits, and you can use your Fab Find bookmarks, too. This is an even better way to put together an entire outfit when you are completing your Fab Finding missions.

Learn what a Fab Find is and how to make one. And here is a more detailed explanation of bookmarks from geeksugar.

To see some of my favorite online stores,

Peruse J.Crew's New Weddings and Holiday Collection

Chi Diem Chau — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 09:31:52 PDT

If you're at loss at what to wear to Fall weddings and upcoming holiday parties, J.Crew has you - and your whole entourage - covered. Whether you're an attendee or bride-to-be, the assortment of gowns and dresses are sure to please every fashion profile, ranging from pieces like this gorgeous "spiced wine" gown, printed sheath dress, and a chic and simple strapless little white dress. There's a lot more where that came from, check out our top picks below, and then click through the slideshow to see the rest of the collection.

This gorgeous Adelle Taffeta gown is perfect for nontraditional brides, fancy bridesmaids, or even a swanky black-tie soiree this holiday season.
We love a pop of color for Fall. This textural hot pink dress can easily go from day to night with a few accessory changes and a pretty red lip.
We die for this Hyacinth chiffon-organza dress. From the soft ruffles to intricate crisscross pleating, this one's ideal for experimental brides.

Shannen Doherty Weds Kurt Iswarienko in a Romantic Sunset Ceremony!

Katie Henry — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 07:30:44 PDT

Shannen Doherty wed Kurt Iswarienko in Malibu yesterday. The bride wore Monique Lhuillier and walked down the aisle at sunset in front of 100 of the couple's closest friends and family. The ceremony, which is reportedly set to air during Shannen and Kurt's upcoming untitled WEtv reality series, was held on a private estate, and guests were asked to wear black-tie attire. Congrats to Shannen and Kurt!

Best Wedding Dresses For a Formal Wedding!

FabSugar — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 03:36:05 PDT

Saks Bridal Department is known for their extensive wedding dress collection, so we picked out three dresses perfect for a black-tie wedding! From hand-beaded applique to cathedral-length trains to a Kate Middleton-inspired look, here are three wedding dresses ideal for a formal setting. On Allison: Topshop dress

Will You Watch Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries's Wedding Special?

PopSugar — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 12:28:42 PDT

Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries tied the knot on Aug. 20, and the official video from the special event will air Sunday and Monday evenings on E!'s Kim's Fairytale Wedding. We've already seen photos of Kim's custom Vera Wang gown, the black and white-themed ceremony, and their famous friends arriving in formal attire. The two-part TV program, though, will have behind-the-scenes action from the days and hours leading up to their nuptials. It's been only six weeks since the big day, but Kim and Kris already renewed their vows just a few days ago as they continue enjoying their newlywed status while he's away from the basketball court due to the NBA lockout. We've seen lots of Kim lately as she stays in the public eye, promoting her empire of beauty, fashion, reality TV, and fragrance projects. Tell us - will you tune in to watch Kim and Kris say "I do?"

Channel Ivy League Americana With These Designs

Lizzie Fuhr — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 04:00:53 PDT

Fall is here whether we like it or not. To help get you into the back-to-school groove, I've decided to channel some Ivy League Americana into your home. It certainly screams prep, but there's a definite elegance in the look above. Deep rosewood hues and tartan plaid make me smell the East Coast Autumn air. And despite the fact that Thomas Chippendale was a Brit, his iconic, ornate Chippendale design is also a huge influence in this style. His cabinetry was reserved for the upper echelon of society in colonial America.

There's also something strangely Sex and the City about Ivy League style for me. The reason? Charlotte's first husband Troy McDougal! He wore a Scottish kilt at their wedding with a pattern reminiscent of that Red Tartan Plaid Throw ($55). Although that look would be way over the top at my wedding, I suppose I can appreciate the McDougal family's fierce commitment to cultural ties. And of course, we wouldn't be equipped for Ivy League style without those "darling" Mallard Ducks ($60). One of my favorite episodes of the entire series was when Charlotte was attempting to redecorate their apartment in true Charlotte style: both chic and simple. If you recall, Troy's controlling mother Bunny was adamant about the mallards staying. I couldn't help myself from throwing a few into the mix here.

My favorite piece of the lot has got to be the Black Eames Rosewood Lounge Chair and Ottoman (inquire for price). That buttery leather and shade of rosewood pair perfectly in the original 1965 design. It would be a true collector's gem for a swanky home office!

Dance Through Wedding Season on a Budget

LearnVest — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:15:00 PDT

We're thrilled to present this smart LearnVest story here on Savvy!

Flowers, dresses, friends, yummy food, cake, and dancing. What’s not to like about weddings? Well, just one little thing: its drain on our bank accounts.

Getting married is a big deal, and you want to be there to celebrate with your friends. But that often entails shelling out for an engagement gift, a shower present, the bachelorette party, the wedding gift, a dress to wear, the right shoes–plus, hotel and transportation if the wedding isn’t local.

Multiply that by the number of weddings you have in a year, and your friends’ nuptials can put you in the poorhouse.

Make your way through wedding season gracefully while going easy on your budget with these tips:

Gifts 1. Be The First Person On The Registry

“Get in on the registry early so you have the widest variety of price points available,” says Amy Eisinger, associate editor of WeddingChannel.com. This way you won’t be stuck with the $800 mixer or the $10 napkin holders.

2. Buy A Registry Item-From Another Site

One of our staffers loves this savvy tip. Registries are often just a representation of what the couple is in need of, and they may not be wedded to the exact version they selected. Search online for a gift from the registry to see if you can find the same or similar item for a lower price. After you’ve placed your order, go back to the registry and mark the item as fulfilled. Don’t use this tip for the patterned china, of course-stick with items that are likely to be more generic, like towels or kitchen appliances.

3. Go In On Group Gifts

Team up with a few friends to get a present beyond your budget. Perhaps each of you pitches in $100 to get them a few nights at a B&B for a getaway weekend, or you each drop $50 to get them a couples massage.

4. Buy In Bulk

This one is a bit trickier. There aren’t that many things you can buy in bulk that you’d actually give as a wedding gift, but we did think of one great wedding season standby: champagne. Get a discount case, and it can be your no-brainer go-to gift for showers, engagement parties, and other wedding events.

For more ways to save your bucks during this pricey wedding season, read on.