Formal Wear Etiquette

When the invitation says "BLACK TIE"

If the event you are attending is "black tie" & the invitation says the same, you are expected to wear a tuxedo. All guests invited to this fuction are required & expected to wear formalwear. However, this term does not mean you have to wear a black tie!

When the invitation says "BLACK TIE PREFERRED"

This means the host of the party prefers to see all guests in formalwear. You could wear a dark suit, but tuxedos are preferred.

When the invitation says "BLACK TIE INVITED OR OPTIONAL"

In this case, it is not mandatory to wear to tuxedo, however, you will probably see more tuxedos than dark suits at these affairs. Black tuxedos & white or ivory dinner jackets with black trousers are appropriate. However, dinner jackets should only be worn between Memorial Day & Labor Day.

When the invitation says "WHITE TIE"

This term means you must wear black tails with black trousers & a white pique' formal shirt, bow tie & vest. This ensemble is known as the "ultra formal look" & if your event calls for it, you should not wear anything else.

* People do it, but removing your tuxedo coat at an event is not proper. Discarding your coat is a sure way to destroy the pomp of a formal occasion