How to plan an elegant black tie party

Formal events, such as black-tie parties, are enjoyed by many across the UK. According to a recent survey, Eventbrite saw attendance at VIP events grow globally by 18% between January to September 2023 compared to the previous year. Whether it's a milestone birthday or a charity gala, a black-tie party is an excuse to go all out. 

Planning an unforgettable evening for your guests takes time and dedication so don’t be afraid to delegate tasks or get help from event planners, particularly for large-scale occasions.

Setting the stage

The first step is choosing your venue. Choose a characterful setting in a historic building, a grand hotel, or even an art gallery. Remember, black-tie events are all about creating an atmosphere of luxury and grandeur so the backdrop plays a big part in this. Alternatively, unique spaces like converted warehouses or rooftop terraces can offer a twist on classic elegance.

Attire expectations

Make sure you clearly set out the black-tie dress code so that guests are coordinated. 

Men tend to wear tuxedos or dinner jackets with black trousers and a crisp white shirt. This look is completed with a bow tie and polished shoes. For women, floor-length gowns or knee-length cocktail dresses are the go-to. If you’d like your guests’ dresses or accessories to match a particular colour scheme, this should be specified with plenty of notice.

Food and entertainment

Black-tie events traditionally feature a sit-down meal. However, depending on your budget, canapés may be more appropriate. You can still serve high-quality canapés using a buffet set-up or with the help of waiting staff. Some events may even feature live cooking demonstrations, which double-up as a form of entertainment for guests. 

Don't underestimate the power of a good playlist to set the mood. Live music is always a crowd-pleaser, with jazz ensembles and string quartets bringing everyone together. For something more interactive, consider hosting a game of roulette. 

Decor 

Black-tie decor is all about understated elegance. A monochrome décor is common, however you may want to add red, gold or silver accents. You can apply this when choosing decorative furnishings such as table cloths. Be sure to select luxurious fabrics like velvet and satin where possible. 

You might prefer to seek the help of experts when designing floral centrepieces to decorate the room, as this way, you can create a more professional outcome. Meanwhile, candles create a warm and inviting ambience.

Capturing the event

Finally, don't forget to capture memories across the evening with the help of a professional photographer. Aside from this, consider setting up a photo booth with fun props to capture light-hearted moments that will make the event even more engaging.