Today’s etiquette question MIGHT just be the one we receive most often, if you can believe it!
This query is actually SO popular that we answered it more than two years ago, but since we still get emails about it all the time, we thought we’d take another stab! Our latest black + navy query comes from Lauren:
Hi SW ladies! I am getting married this September, and would love for my bridesmaids to wear navy dresses (haven’t decided short or long yet). We’re going for a more formal feel, so tuxedos for the men is the obvious choice, but I don’t know if navy blue and black will clash when everyone is lined up together?? It’s definitely a smaller detail, but I’ve been going back and forth for the past few weeks and would love an outside opinion. What do y’all think — is the navy + black combo acceptable? Thank you!!
Haley Sheffield
Let’s set the record straight once and for all: navy and black do NOT clash, and a tuxedo looks smashing with almost everything. Your bridal party will look fabulous together! However, we would recommend sticking with as classic a tux as possible to keep the look clean-lined: no vest, a black bow tie, and a black cummerbund.
Amanda Joy Photography
If you’re worried about the bridal party looking like a dark blob in photos, perhaps have the guys take their jackets off for a few group portraits — the white shirts will help brighten the overall look.
Leslie Hollingsworth
Of course, a tuxedo isn’t the only option — black suits, gray suits, the fabulous navy blazer + khaki pant combo, or seersucker suits can all be dapper choices, depending on the time of year you’re getting married and the formality of the celebration.
Josh McCullock and Gibson Events
Each option will definitely create a feel of its own, so think hard about what sort of mood you want to set. Rest assured, however, that whatever you choose, the gents will look exceedingly handsome.
Robyn Van Dyke
Readers, weigh in: Are your girls wearing navy dresses? If so, what will the men be wearing? Would you pair navy and black? Have another option we haven’t thought of? Leave it in the comments below!
Gibson Events, Haley Sheffield, Josh McCullock, Leslie Hollingsworth, and Robyn Van Dyke are delightful members of our Blue Ribbon Vendor Directory!
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Kristen, June 18, 2013 12:20 pm reply We did it! I chose Lula Kate dresses for the girls in their Navy. It is a true navy, very blue, no where close to midnight blue. My husband wanted custom silk bowties and cummerbunds in wide navy & grey stripe (our "colors" which I shutter to say - it was very subtly done). I fought him and fought him thinking it would look strange with black tuxes. I was fuming when I picked up the custom-made items days before the wedding knowing I couldn't change it. And you know what - I ended up loving the way it all worked together. Here's a link to our portraits on my personal blog: http://belleintheburgh.blogspot.com/2011/09/our-wedding-portraits.html I agree with you, you can't go wrong mixing two tried-and-true classics!
Anna (Lover.ly), June 18, 2013 12:47 pm reply I love the images you provided for examples! This is something I've always kind of wondered about in the back of my mind, since as a kid I was taught that black and blue was only a combo for a bruise! But I think the combo is absolutely lovely, classic and formal.
Caroline, June 18, 2013 3:00 pm reply Navy + black is one of my favorite looks! I love long navy dresses + the men in tuxes with navy subtle polka dot bow ties!
Kat, June 18, 2013 3:01 pm reply I absolutely ADORE navy and black together. I find it to be so classy and timeless!! Love the images you picked too :)
Stephanie, June 18, 2013 3:05 pm reply I adore navy and black together - it's such a classic, elegant, and timeless combination! Great job on choosing excellent photos as inspiration! I especially love the last one!!