26 Black Tie Wedding Guest Dresses That Actually Nail the Dress Code

You opened the invitation and saw those two words: “Black Tie.” Cue the existential spiral. Your closet suddenly looks like a graveyard of “too casual,” the internet has forty-seven conflicting opinions on whether sequins are too much, and you’re this close to texting the bride for clarification at 11pm. We’ve all been there.

Here’s what you actually need to know: black tie has exactly one non-negotiable (floor-length wins, full stop), and plenty of room for personality in the form of bold color, a dramatic neckline, unexpected fabric, or one strong accessory. What it doesn’t have room for is a floral cotton sundress, no matter how beautiful it is. The fabric and the silhouette are doing most of the heavy lifting — get those right and everything else is styling.

We’ve pulled together some amazing black tie wedding guest dresses that cover every style, color, and silhouette — from head-to-toe sequins to sage green satin, from the architectural peplum column to the modest long-sleeve midi that will have people asking where you found it. Plus, further down: a dress code decoder, a five-point formality test, outerwear options that won’t ruin the look, and a full logistics guide for surviving a ten-hour black tie event in one piece. For more wedding inspiration, browse our Real Weddings directory. Oh, and you are looking for something less formal, see our Formal Wedding Guest Dresses article instead.

Our Favorite Black Tie Wedding Guest Dresses

Black Sequin Mermaid Gown

Woman wearing a sleeveless, floor-length black sequin gown with a deep V neckline and black heeled sandals, standing against a plain light background—perfect for those seeking elegant black tie wedding dresses.

If one dress in this list says “I understood the assignment completely,” it’s this one. Head-to-toe micro sequins on a mermaid silhouette with a plunging V and sheer mesh panel — this dress does not whisper. The floor-length train and fitted hip-to-hem silhouette mean you’ll want a tailor involved, and it will be worth every dollar. Sleek updo, black stilettos, one pair of earrings. Let the dress be the whole conversation.

Emerald Green Halter Chiffon Gown

A woman in a sleeveless, deep green halter-neck evening dress—perfect for black tie or summer wedding guest dresses—holds a black clutch and wears patterned heels, standing against a plain background.

Jewel tones are the easiest shortcut to formal dressing — they read evening without any extra effort. This deep emerald halter in multi-layered chiffon hits the floor with the kind of effortless flow that makes it look like it cost three times more than it did. The deep V halter is dramatic but structured, and the color alone does more heavy lifting than most embellishments could. Pair with silver jewelry and textured heels; the color handles everything else.

Burgundy and Gold Pleated Ombré Gown

A woman wearing a sleeveless, pleated maxi dress with a deep V-neckline in a maroon and gold gradient pattern stands facing forward—perfect for backyard casual gatherings or as an elegant summer wedding guest dress.

This is the dress that stops mid-conversation. The burgundy-to-gold sunset gradient cascades through pleated chiffon that catches light differently with every step — which is exactly the point at a candlelit reception. The empire waist with gathered ruching creates a strong vertical line, and the plunging V adds drama without showing too much. This is for the guest who wants to be genuinely remembered, not just appropriately dressed.

Emerald Green Flutter-Sleeve Floor-Length Gown

A woman in a green dress, perfect for summer wedding guest dresses, stands beside a stone staircase with ornate railings on a sunny day.

Proof that the most elegant person in the room doesn’t have to be the youngest. This emerald chiffon gown with flutter sleeves and a beaded empire waist belt is photographed on a grand stone staircase — which is exactly the venue energy it belongs in. The flutter sleeves provide full arm coverage without a single matronly note. The V-neck and empire waist are universally flattering across body types and ages. If your black tie invitation involves a historic estate, a cathedral, or anything with a proper staircase, this is a serious contender.

Black One-Shoulder Draped Gown

Woman standing against a plain background, wearing a black, one-shoulder, floor-length gown and gold earrings—a stunning choice for Black Tie Wedding Guest Dresses.

The gathered drape at the one shoulder does what sequins do without the shine — it creates movement and makes the dress feel designed rather than purchased. The fabric has a subtle sheen in the right light and falls in a clean column to the floor. This is the option for guests who want a classic black gown with one quiet moment of drama. One pair of gold drop earrings and nothing else.

Black High-Neck Sleeveless Mermaid Gown

Woman wearing a sleeveless, floor-length black gown—perfect for a Black Tie Dress Code—holding a black clutch and posing against a plain beige background.

The high neckline paired with a mermaid silhouette is the minimalist’s black tie power move. No skin. No embellishment. Just rich matte crepe that hugs the body, flares slightly at the hem, and hits the floor. This works at conservative venues, religious ceremonies, and events where looking intentional matters more than being loud. A jeweled clutch adds the only sparkle you need.

Black One-Shoulder Gown with Back Drape

The back of this gown is the entire point. A long flowing tie drapes from the one-shoulder construction down the spine, creating movement every time you turn or walk through a room. The front is a clean matte black column. It’s the kind of dress that looks better from behind than from the front, which is exactly what you want at a reception where you’ll be moving all night. Let the architecture do the work; you just show up.

Black Square-Neck Gown with Lace Overlay Skirt

A woman in a black tie dress walks on a paved path beside green shrubs, holding a glass of red wine and looking content.

The square neckline with thick structured straps is modern and strong — it frames the face without needing a statement necklace. The skirt in layered dark brocade and lace creates an asymmetric silhouette that moves differently from every angle and photographs beautifully. The formal garden setting here is contextually correct: this dress belongs at a venue with good lighting and an event worth dressing for. Black pointed-toe heels, long hair worn down — the rest takes care of itself.

Blush Satin V-Wrap Gown with Slit

A woman in a light pink satin dress with a thigh-high slit stands in a modern room decorated with white chairs and baby's breath flowers—an elegant choice among summer wedding guest dresses.

Blush done right. This satin wrap gown with a high slit is photographed inside an actual wedding ceremony venue — white chairs, baby’s breath down the aisle, natural light pouring in — so you can see exactly how it reads in the real setting. The V-wrap neckline flatters almost every body type, and the high-sheen satin drapes without clinging. The high slit adds movement without the dress feeling revealing. The light blue clutch and gold sandals add enough visual interest that the blush doesn’t tip over into bridal territory.

Burgundy Lace One-Shoulder Gown with Slit

A woman in a burgundy one-shoulder lace gown with a thigh-high slit stands on grass, holding a black clutch—an elegant choice for black tie wedding guest dresses—with white arches and the ocean in the background.

Burgundy lace in a deep wine tone reads entirely differently from light floral lace — it’s unambiguously evening, and the all-over lacework at this saturation feels luxurious rather than vintage. The one-shoulder ruffle creates drama at the neckline, the high slit keeps you on the dance floor all night, and the overall silhouette is long and slender. This works particularly well for warmer-weather black tie events, destination weddings, or any reception where you want to feel genuinely dressed up.

Navy-to-Turquoise Ombré Floor-Length Gown

A woman in a blue ombré sleeveless gown, perfect for black tie wedding guest dresses, stands on a lawn near a lake, with trees, bushes, and mountains in the background.

If you want something formal that isn’t black, navy, or a jewel tone, this ombré is the answer. The navy-to-turquoise gradient creates a color story that works without competing with the wedding palette, and the lightweight fabric drapes cleanly from thin straps to the floor. The European lakeside setting in these photos — white buildings, mountain backdrop, manicured lawn — is a useful reference point for the caliber of event this gown belongs at. Gold jewelry keeps the warm and cool tones balanced.

Dark Chocolate Satin Halter Gown

Woman wearing a sleeveless, floor-length dark brown halter dress, ideal for Black Tie Wedding Guest Dresses, holding a small silver clutch and wearing silver heels, standing against a plain light background.

Dark brown is the color most guests overlook and most stylists are quietly obsessed with. This deep espresso satin halter in floor-length is rich, distinctly evening, and completely distinctive — you will not walk into a room and find another guest in the same color. The gathered halter neckline is sculptural without being complicated, and the high-sheen satin does the rest. Wear hair up to show the neckline, and pair with silver or gold accessories. Consider yourself the most interesting person at the reception.

Champagne Satin Halter Gown

A woman stands against a plain background wearing a long, sleeveless champagne-colored satin dress—an elegant choice for Black Tie Wedding Guest Dresses—holding a black clutch and pairing the look with classic black heels.

Champagne is not ivory and it’s not cream — it has enough warm gold to read as a color rather than a bridal choice. The geometric V-cut at the waist is what elevates this from slip dress to gown: it creates structure and visual interest without adding bulk. The dark accessories (black clutch, black heels) create contrast that grounds the pale color and makes the whole outfit look deliberate. This is the “safe” option that doesn’t feel the least bit boring once it’s on.

Sage Green Satin Slip with Lace V-Trim

The sage green satin with champagne lace V-trim is the slip dress done correctly for a formal event. The color is sophisticated without being expected, the high-sheen satin has the weight and drape that evening events require, and the delicate lace trim transforms a simple neckline into something that looks genuinely considered. The garden path setting here captures exactly the “arriving at the venue” energy this dress projects. At a strict black tie event, swap the woven bag shown for a structured clutch — but the dress itself is impeccable.

Black and Champagne V-Panel Satin Gown

The champagne V-panel set against the black satin is the architectural detail that makes an otherwise simple dress feel genuinely designed. The contrast draws the eye to the neckline and waist simultaneously, creates the illusion of structure on a slip silhouette, and adds formal interest without a single print or embellishment. This is the version of “the black satin dress” that doesn’t look like anything else in the room. If you’re wary of plain slip dresses feeling underdressed, this one resolves that entirely.

Black Satin Cap-Sleeve Column Dress

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A woman stands facing forward, wearing a black satin midi dress, black heels, and holding a snakeskin-patterned clutch against a plain white background—an elegant pick for summer wedding guest dresses or chic backyard casual events.

Short cap sleeves on a high-neck black satin column dress might be the single most underrated formal silhouette. It covers your arms without the heaviness of long sleeves, eliminates the strapless bra situation entirely, and the satin means it catches light in a way that reads unmistakably evening. The snakeskin clutch adds texture and keeps the accessories interesting without competing with the dress. This is the choice for guests who prioritize elegance over drama and want to be comfortable from the ceremony through the last dance.

Fuchsia Cowl-Neck Satin Slip

A woman wearing a bright pink satin dress with a side slit, perfect for black tie wedding guest dresses, and silver sandals stands on a tiled patio in front of green foliage and a stone wall.

Hot pink at black tie sounds like a gamble. It’s not — it’s a statement. Fuchsia is fully saturated and formally serious: this isn’t the soft pink that reads romantic, it’s the color that reads confident. The cowl-neck satin slip with a slit is a classic formal silhouette in a color that makes it genuinely memorable. Silver sandals with crystal detail let the dress take all the credit. If you’re the guest who wants to be the most stylish person at the reception without wearing black, this is how you do it without breaking the dress code.

Black and White Asymmetric Peplum Column Gown

A woman stands against a plain background wearing a sleeveless black and white floor-length gown—perfect for black tie wedding guest dresses—holding a black clutch and accessorized with gold bracelets.

The color-block drama here does everything a print or embellishment would do — but cleaner. The fitted black peplum top with its asymmetric drape flows into a sleek white floor-length column skirt, creating a silhouette that looks designed rather than purchased. This works especially well for black tie optional events, creative black tie invitations, or any guest who wants to look fashion-forward rather than merely appropriate. The small tasseled clutch is exactly the right understated accessory for a dress this architectural.

Navy Sleeveless Boat-Neck Column Gown

A woman in a sleeveless navy blue gown, perfect for black tie wedding guest dresses, stands on a walkway in front of a tan stucco house with a wooden door and the number 6713.

The boat neckline is one of the most underused necklines in formal dressing — it’s modest, elegant, and frames the collarbone and shoulders in a way that almost nothing else does. This navy sleeveless column gown is clean, structured, and requires exactly zero statement jewelry because the silhouette and color speak for themselves. Navy is the alternative to black that feels slightly more interesting without taking any risks. This works across age groups, body types, and venue styles.

Forest Green and Gold Brocade Midi

A person stands in front of open white doors, wearing a dark green floral-patterned midi dress and sandals—an elegant choice for wedding guest dresses—while taking a mirror selfie.

This is the exception to the “floor length for black tie” rule, and the justification is entirely the fabric. Metallic gold brocade on a forest green ground is not a casual textile — it signals evening intent no matter the hemline. The full A-line skirt adds drama, the square neckline is structured and modern, and the midi length is honestly easier to dance in than a floor-length gown. If anyone questions your shorter hem, just gesture at the jacquard. The brocade is the argument.

Olive Green Mock-Neck Structured Midi

Woman in a sleeveless olive green, high-neck, floor-length dress holding a black clutch and wearing black heels—an elegant choice for summer wedding guest dresses—stands against a plain white background.

Olive is having a cultural moment, and this gown shows exactly why it translates to evening. The structured heavy crepe and mock neck read instantly as formal wear, even in an unconventional color. The full A-line skirt adds drama at the hem, the clean lines of the silhouette don’t need embellishment, and the small black clutch is the right understated choice. This is for guests who are tired of navy and emerald and want something genuinely unexpected that still reads completely appropriate.

Burgundy Long-Sleeve Pleated Midi

A woman in a burgundy dress and heels stands indoors by a wooden panel, with stained glass windows depicting figures in the background—a chic inspiration for summer wedding guest dresses.

The cathedral setting here is doing some of the work, but the dress is earning all of it. A deep burgundy mock neck with three-quarter sleeves and a structured pleated midi skirt, styled in a monochromatic matching heel — this is what “polished guest at a formal religious ceremony” looks like. The monochromatic heel elongates the leg and makes the midi length look completely intentional. Full coverage, zero compromise on style. This dress travels well too: it reads formal at a ballroom and completely correct at a historic church.

Black Strapless A-Line Satin Midi

A woman in a strapless black tie wedding guest dress and strappy heels stands by a stone bench, holding a white handbag; a glass of white wine and a black jacket rest on the bench.

The strapless A-line in heavy black satin is the shorter-hemline option that works when everything else about the dress — and the setting — is unambiguously formal. The full skirt holds its shape all night, the heavy satin rules out any dress code questions, and the formal stone building in the background shows exactly the caliber of event where this choice lands correctly. Keep accessories clean and your strapless bra situation sorted before you leave the house.

Dusty Rose Satin Wrap Midi

Woman stands indoors in front of wooden double doors with stained glass, wearing a long black one-shoulder dress with ruffle detailing—an elegant choice for black tie or summer wedding guest dresses—smiling at the camera.

This is a real guest at a real wedding, which is exactly why it’s included here. The dusty rose satin wrap with a fabric-tie belt is elegant, age-appropriate, and genuinely wearable — it doesn’t try too hard and it doesn’t disappear into the crowd. The V-wrap neckline is universally flattering, the satin fabric is evening-appropriate, and the midi length is practical for guests who want to be comfortable from ceremony to last dance. The white chiavari chairs in the background confirm: this is what a polished real-world wedding guest actually looks like.

Lavender Embroidered Tulle Gown

The lavender looks soft, but the embroidered tulle is what makes this formally correct — this isn’t a printed fabric, it’s a constructed embellishment technique that belongs in the same conversation as beaded gowns and velvet. The fitted bodice flows into a full A-line skirt and hits the floor cleanly. Choose lavender over very pale lilac (it has more depth) and over soft pink (it won’t edge toward bridal). Silver accessories, simple hair — let the embroidery do its thing.

Black One-Shoulder Ruffle Gown

One statement detail is all a black gown ever needs, and a dramatic ruffle cascade at the one shoulder is one of the strongest choices. It adds movement and volume exactly where you want it — near the face — while keeping the rest of the silhouette clean and structural. The asymmetric construction means you’re showing one shoulder and wearing one long sleeve simultaneously, which is a more interesting and balanced look than it sounds. The stained glass door in the background is a bonus; the dress holds its own anywhere.

Black Dark Floral V-Neck Mermaid Gown

Woman wearing a sleeveless, floor-length black dress with a floral print and deep V-neckline—an elegant choice for Black Tie Wedding Guest Dresses—posing with one hand on her hip against a plain background.

Here’s when a floral print works at black tie: when the background is black, the pattern is dense, and the silhouette is unambiguously formal. The dark floral mermaid with a plunging V and dramatic train is as evening as it gets — the pink and coral flowers read as texture from across a ballroom rather than a daytime print. This is for the guest who wants visual interest without abandoning formality. The mermaid silhouette does the heavy lifting; the floral makes it unforgettable.

Decode the Dress Code First

The wording on the invitation is not decorative — it tells you exactly how much creative freedom you have. Read it carefully before you open a single shopping tab.

What Does “Black Tie” Mean?

Default to a floor-length gown. This is the traditional expectation and the safest interpretation. A formal midi in exceptional fabric (think brocade, heavy satin, or intricate lace) can occasionally pass, but when in doubt, go long. You will never be overdressed in a floor-length gown at a black tie event.

What Does “Black Tie Optional” Mean?

You have some flexibility. A floor-length gown is always the right answer, but a very high-end midi in luxe fabric also works here. “Optional” means the hosts are giving guests permission to dress slightly down — it doesn’t mean cocktail dresses are on the table. It is always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed at any formal event.

What Does “Creative Black Tie” Mean?

Experiment. A formal jumpsuit, a tailored tuxedo set, a fashion-forward color choice, an interesting silhouette — all of these are in play. Just ensure the fabric and construction remain elevated. “Creative” is not a license to show up in something that would pass at a cocktail party. The base level of formality still applies; creativity happens on top of it.

The 5-Point Black Tie Dress Test

Before you commit to anything, run your top options through this filter. If a dress fails more than one point, keep looking.

Length

Floor-length is the standard. If you’re choosing a shorter hem, it needs to compensate with exceptional fabric — heavy beading, structured brocade, or intricate lace. A plain midi in casual fabric does not make the cut regardless of how nice it looks. When hemline is shorter, everything else needs to work harder.

Fabric

Satin, silk, velvet, heavy crepe, chiffon, brocade, or lace. These are the materials that signal formal intent. Avoid cotton, linen, lightweight jersey, or anything that wrinkles on the way to the car. If the fabric looks like it belongs on a brunch dress, it does not belong at a black tie reception.

Construction

Check the inside of the dress before you buy: full lining, clean seams, structured bodice. Cheap construction shows up in photos — and at a black tie event, there will be a lot of photos. A well-constructed off-the-rack dress in good fabric will always outperform an expensive-looking dress with poor structure.

Color Etiquette

Hard stops: white, ivory, cream, and very pale champagne. If there is any chance the dress could be mistaken for bridal, leave it on the rack. Also: find out the bridesmaid colors before you shop. Walking in wearing the same dusty rose as the entire wedding party is the kind of thing that follows you on social media forever.

Overall Vibe

The goal is to look stunning as a guest, not to compete with the couple. Elevated and intentional, not flashy or attention-seeking. One statement — a color, a neckline, a fabric, a shoe — is enough. When every element is making noise, nothing lands.

Don’t Ruin the Gown with a Puffer

You spent months finding the right dress. Don’t ruin the entrance (and the outdoor photos) by pairing it with a marshmallow-shaped puffer coat. Photos are permanent. Looking like a high-fashion sleeping bag is not the vibe. The solution is a layer that feels as intentional as the dress underneath it.

Formal Outerwear That Actually Works

Faux-fur stole: Old Hollywood glamour, keeps your core warm, doesn’t crush the silhouette.
Opera coat: A structured longline coat in heavy wool or satin that mirrors your gown’s length. The most formal option and the most photogenic.
Cape or capelet: Adds dramatic coverage without squashing your sleeves or changing the dress’s silhouette.
Luxe cashmere wrap: Choose high-ply cashmere over a thin pashmina. Real insulation requires real weight — a sheer wrap does nothing in actual cold weather.

How to Match Your Outerwear

Match undertones, not colors. If your dress is a cool emerald green, pair it with silver-toned outerwear or charcoal — not warm beige. If your dress is warm (burgundy, gold, blush), lean toward ivory, camel, or champagne. Texture matters too: pair a velvet gown with a silk-lined coat or plush faux-fur; pair a satin slip with a sleek wool or cashmere option.

Check the venue logistics before you leave: if there’s a coat check, bring the heavy opera coat. For outdoor photos or windy arrivals, a structured cape stays put while a flimsy shawl becomes a prop you’re wrestling with in half the pictures.

Making It Through the Night

A dress that looks perfect at 6pm needs to still work at midnight. That means getting the foundation right before you ever leave the house.

Match Your Undergarments to Your Silhouette

Strapless bra: Look for silicone grip strips — essential for supporting heavy formal fabrics all night.
Adhesive cups: Your best option for backless or side-cutout styles.
Boob tape: The gold standard for plunging necklines. Practice the application at least once before the actual event.
Shapewear: High-waisted briefs work under column dresses; bodysuits give a seamless finish under clingy satin. If you can’t use the bathroom solo in a bodysuit, reconsider it — ten hours is a long time to need a pit crew.

The Triple Test Before You Leave

Do a full dress rehearsal with your exact shoes and undergarments. Wear the shoes for at least twenty minutes to confirm the hem skims the floor correctly. Sit down for five minutes — you’ll be at a dinner table for hours, and fabric that bunches or restricts while seated is going to make you miserable. Then do a full range-of-motion check: can you sit, dance, navigate a bathroom stall, and reach across a table without incident? If any of those answers is no, you have time to fix it before the event.

Pack a Clutch Emergency Kit

Fashion tape — for wandering straps or a neckline that shifts when you dance
Blister cushions — non-negotiable if the heels are new
A safety pin and clear hem tape
Heel protectors — the small plastic caps that keep stilettos from sinking into a grass lawn. If there’s a garden reception involved and you’re wearing heels, these are not optional.

Smart Shopping: Rent, Resell, Rewear

Spending a month’s rent on a gown you’ll wear for six hours is a choice, but it doesn’t have to be your choice. There are three approaches worth knowing about.

The Rental Route

Renting is the shortcut to designer impact at a fraction of the retail cost. Rent the Runway and Nuuly are both worth exploring. The main caveat: you can’t tailor a rental, so always order a backup size and have a plan B dress available in case the fit isn’t right when it arrives. Order early — popular gowns book out weeks in advance for wedding season weekends.

The Resale Option

Resale is genuinely underrated for formal wear. Many black tie dresses are worn once and consigned in pristine condition — which means you can find a luxury piece for half the retail price on Poshmark or The RealReal. Be a detective about measurements: always compare the listing’s exact measurements to a dress you already own and know fits you. Don’t rely on size labels. Check the return policy before removing any tags.

The Investment Buy

If you’re buying new, make it count. Choose a classic silhouette in a solid jewel tone or timeless black. The test: can you wear it to two or three different events just by changing your accessories and shoes? If yes, the cost-per-wear math starts looking much more reasonable. A black crepe column gown or a deep emerald halter dress will both earn their keep over multiple events — a trendy cut or a maximalist print probably won’t.

FAQs

Does black tie always mean floor-length?

For traditional black tie, yes — floor-length is the standard and the safest interpretation. A formal midi can occasionally work, but only when the fabric and construction are genuinely exceptional: think structured brocade, intricate lace, or heavy beaded fabric. A plain midi in casual-adjacent material doesn’t meet the dress code regardless of the neckline. When you’re uncertain, go long. You will never feel overdressed in a floor-length gown at a black tie event.

Can I wear a jumpsuit to a black tie wedding?

Yes, with caveats. The jumpsuit needs to be wide-leg and floor-grazing to mimic the movement and length of a gown. The fabric must be evening-appropriate — heavy crepe, satin, or velvet. Avoid anything with casual details like cargo pockets, drawstring waists, or lightweight jersey. Pair with high heels, a structured clutch, and bold jewelry to ensure the choice reads deliberate rather than like a fallback. If the hem stops at your ankle, it’s too casual.

What colors should I avoid as a black tie wedding guest?

Always avoid white, ivory, cream, and very pale champagne — anything that could be mistaken for bridal attire. It’s also worth asking about the bridesmaid colors beforehand so you don’t accidentally show up matching the wedding party. Black is completely acceptable and has been for years. Deep jewel tones (emerald, navy, burgundy, sapphire) are consistently reliable choices that read formal and photograph well. Anything goes as long as it avoids those bridal-adjacent shades and respects the formality of the event.

What outerwear is actually black tie appropriate?

A puffer jacket is not. A denim jacket is not. What works: a faux-fur stole, a structured opera coat in wool or satin, a dramatic cape, or a high-quality cashmere wrap with real weight and warmth. If you need a heavy parka for the commute, head straight to the coat check the moment you arrive. The goal is for the gown to do the talking — not the functional layer you wore to survive the walk from the car.

How do I make sure the dress actually fits?

Budget for tailoring from the start — even a $150 hem alteration can make an off-the-rack dress look custom. Order at least four weeks before the event to allow for shipping, returns, and alterations. Do a full dress rehearsal with your exact shoes and undergarments, and test the fit sitting, standing, dancing, and reaching. If anything pinches, slips, or restricts at the rehearsal, it will be significantly worse by hour six of a reception. Fix it before the event, not during it.