It is an evening wedding so black tie would be appropriate BUT it is out side, in July heat on a hilltop followed by a reception in a barn (albeit a nice one). Black tie seems overkill to me but I do not want to be underdressed. Do the majority of people still abide by the traditional meaning of black tie in these settings. The rehearsal dinner specified cocktail attire so I assume they truly are expecting traditional attire at each venue. What do you think?

Anonymous wrote: It sounds amazing, but you don't need to wear a long dress. A cocktail dress will be just fine.

I disagree. Cocktail is the opposite of black tie. But given how people go out to eat in their yoga tights these days, you probably won't be alone in your inappropriate attire.

Is it a daytime wedding? If so black tie is not appropriate. It should be morning dress or suits.

Anonymous wrote:Is it the Schrute Beet Farm? I hear it's a fabulous spot for a wedding.

For the win.

Take an umbrella and fan just in case.

I wore a short but fancy cocktail dress with expensive jewelry to the last black tie wedding I went to. I wouldn't wear a gown to an outdoor wedding. And I would definitely bring flats just in case the ground is soggy.

I've been to absolutely lovely farm weddings -- sort of Martha Stewart meets Pottery Barn (uh, in a good way). Having said that, requiring black tie is ridiculous. IMO.

Or Gedney Farm in the Berkshires? I;ve been to 3 weddings there and loved every one.

One of these things is not like the other...

Is it the Schrute Beet Farm? I hear it's a fabulous spot for a wedding.

Wear sensible heels not stilettos. You'll be happier for it.

The barn could turn out to be much nicer than many homes.

If you are worried about walking across a lawn, try a product that is intended to keep this from happening. For example: https://www.thesolemates.com/

I would bring two pairs of shoes- high heels, and a second pair if the ground is wet and the heels sink into the dirt. A gown might not be a problem in the barn.
But yeah, black tie seems overboard.

It sounds amazing, but you don't need to wear a long dress. A cocktail dress will be just fine.

I have been invited to an outdoor black tie wedding next week being held on a hillside in southern va with the reception being held at a barn on said property. This is location is noted for weddings, but black tie? Really? Do you think gowns are actually expected in this venue even though it is designated as black tie?