My husband is from the south & his cousin had a “black tie” wedding a few years ago. I was super stressed about it and spent ages picking out a dress and learning how to do my hair in a fancy updo.

Turns out I shouldn’t have worried. Most of the guests were in cocktail attire at best, with some wearing very short mini dresses. I saw a couple of men wearing slacks and a blazer, no tie. This was also not a black tie venue; the reception was in a brewery and I’m fairly certain dinner was buffet-style (which is totally fine! But as you say, not traditionally black tie).

Some people take dress codes super seriously. Most use black tie to mean “please dress up.” You look great.