What does black tie optional really mean?

Hi,

We got a wedding invite that said 'black tie optional'

What does this mean?

Can I wear a black dress that doesn't touch the floor and red wrap?

Can he wear a nice suit?

It is in Florida but I feel like we might have given them too cheap a gift (we already sent it - there was a sale on their china). It sounds so expensive!

black tie optional means a dark suit or tux for guys

For girls- usually means a long dress - but a black cocktail dress is probaly fine in Florida because of the heat

it really means dressy... not cocktail dresses
men.... a suit not cacky pants

From weddingchannel.com...


Black Tie Optional
This dress allows those who wish to go all out and dress in black tie to do so, but provides leeway for those who wish to dress a little less formally. This option is generally well-received because it means that men who don't own or want to rent a tuxedo need not feel compelled to do so. Men can opt to wear a dark suit instead of a tuxedo, but a black, dark navy, or dark grey suit would be the best choice. Men should dress as formally as they can, short of actually wearing a tuxedo. Women can dress as formally as black tie, but can also get away with a shorter, cocktail style dress.

Thanks ladies!

I started to freak out because I bought a dress just for this wedding and the only dress I have that would be dressier is my wedding dress!

We have been to many black tie & black tie optional weddings
some are very fancy and others are not
we went to one and I was very dressed up and when we walked in I felt so stupid
because everyone was in cocktail dresses
when it says optional you do not have to go that dressy
but when it says black tie it is very fancy
we have been to over 15 of them
so I know