Deciding What to Wear
There are many different types of functions that require or recommend formalwear.
Cruises
Most cruises will require at least one night of formal attire. There are almost always opportunities to wear a tuxedo on a cruise, even if it's not required, it is suggested or recommended.
Appropriate tuxedos for cruises include any black tuxedo excluding tails. White or Ivory dinner jackets are always a great option for a cruise. They are an affordable way to have two completely different looks if you are wearing a tuxedo for more than one evening.
Company Holiday Parties and Banquets
The invitation should indicate whether it is "Black Tie" or "Black Tie Invited." Company events are typically a little less strict and enable you to wear a tuxedo that expresses your style.
Occasions with Black Tie or White Tie
Read your invitation to know what is appropriate as all black-tie events have different levels of formality.
Black Tie
If the event is black tie, it means that a black tuxedo is required. It does not refer to wearing a black tie, rather it means you must wear a black tuxedo. All guests are required and expected to wear formalwear.
Black Tie Invited or Optional
It is not mandatory to wear a tuxedo, but you will typically see more tuxedos at these functions than suits. You can never be overdressed. Black tuxedos or White or Ivory Dinner jackets are appropriate. Dinner jackets should only be worn between Memorial Day and Labor Day. If your date is wearing a sequined or dressy evening gown, follow her lead and wear a tuxedo. If she is wearing more business dress, than a suit may be more appropriate.
Black Tie Preferred
If the event is black tie preferred then the host would like to see all guests in tuxedos. You could wear a dark suit, but the host is requesting a tuxedo.
White Tie
If the event is white tie, it means you must wear black tails with a black trouser, white pique wing collar shirt, white pique vest and tie, white jewelry and white gloves. This is a very formal event and the guidelines are probably very strict. |
