Etiquette
Wedding Etiquette
While there are traditions regarding what styles of formalwear that the wedding party should wear, there are many different factors that will contribute to what any given wedding party will end up wearing. These factors include: the formality of the bride’s dress, the time of day that the wedding takes place, the size of the wedding party and the location where the wedding takes place. In addition, formalwear fashion is changing constantly and therefore offering new choices that may defy any tradition or trend that has been set thus far.
Formal Daytime Wedding-Traditional:
Cutaway coat (either oxford gray or black), hickory-striped trousers, gray vest, wing-tip collared shirt, ascot, and patent leather shoes.
Contemporary - Black or gray tuxedo coat, matching formal trousers, coordinated or matching vest, wing-tip or spread collared shirt, necktie (with vest only) or bowtie to coordinate with colored or matching vest or cummerbund, and patent leather shoes.
Formal Evening Wedding- Ultraformal:
Black tails (a.k.a. full dress), matching formal trousers, white wing-tip collared shirt, white vest, white bowtie and white dress set, and patent leather shoes. Traditional: Black tuxedo coat or dinner jacket, black formal trousers, wing-tip shirt, coordinated or matching vest or cummerbund, bowtie to coordinate with colored or matching vest or cummerbund, and patent leather shoes.
Contemporary - Black tuxedo coat, matching formal trousers, wing-tip or spread collared shirt, coordinated or matching vest or cummerbund, necktie (with vest only) or bowtie to match with vest or cummerbund, and patent leather shoes.
Semi-Formal Daytime Wedding-Traditional:
Stroller coat (oxford gray or black), hickory-striped trousers, gray vest, wing-tip or spread collared shirt, necktie, and patent leather shoes.
Contemporary - Black, gray or white tuxedo coat, matching formal trousers, wing-tip or spread collared shirt, coordinated or matching vest or cummerbund, necktie (with vest only) or bowtie to match vest or cummerbund, and patent leather shoes.
Semi-Formal Evening Wedding-Traditional:
Black tuxedo coat or dinner jacket, black formal trousers, vest or cummerbund, spread collar shirt, bowtie to match vest or cummerbund, and patent leather shoes. In warmer climates, white or ivory jackets are often worn.
Contemporary - Black or gray tuxedo coat, matching formal trousers, wing-tip or spread collar shirt, coordinated or matching vest or cummerbund, necktie (with vest only) or bowtie to match vest or cummerbund, and patent leather shoes.
Informal Daytime and Evening Wedding:
Black, gray or navy business suit. Navy blazer or sport jacket, dark gray or black trousers, shirt, necktie, and dress shoes. In warmer climates, white or ivory suit.
Formal Event Etiquette FAQ's
Formalwear etiquette varies in different parts of the country and at different times of the year. Some areas are more fashion oriented while other areas tend to be more traditional in style. For some general guidlines and definitions click the link below. These definitions are meant in most cases to guide you, but not to be the final word by any means. For complete information visit your nearest Selix Formalwear or call (800) SELIX-TUX to find out more specific information.
1. What do I wear for an event when the invitation requests “White Tie” attire?
Congratulations! You have been invited to a very important event. You will wear black tails (a.k.a. black full dress) in a peak, shawl or notch style of lapel with traditional black tuxedo pants. Your shirt, bowtie and vest should be white pique fabric (as a last resort other fabrics can be substituted if white pique is not available) and your studs and cufflinks will both be white. Black patent leather lace-up shoes are traditional and under no circumstances is a casual black shoe appropriate. You may also be required to wear white gloves, top hat and/or cane depending upon what else the invitation might request.
2. What do I wear for an event when the invitation requests “Black Tie” attire?
You are invited to wear a tuxedo or white dinner jacket depending upon the formality of the group or occasion. If the occasion is a “Black Tie” Mardi Gras event, you are probably welcome to make the tuxedo colorful and unusual. On the other hand, if the dinner will be a “Black Tie” retirement dinner for an executive in your company, then you probably would be more appropriate in a classic black tuxedo with matching black accessories. If you are in doubt, stay with the classic black look. You can’t loose because everyone looks great in a tuxedo. If you have questions, call the nearest Selix Formalwear store at (800) SELIX-TUX and we will help you figure out what will best serve your occasion.
3. What do I wear for an event when the invitation requests “Black Tie Optional” or “Black Tie Invited” attire?
“Black Tie Optional” is a very popular kind of formal event. What this really means is: “we would like you to wear a tuxedo, but if you are not able to wear one, then you may attend by wearing a suit.” We suggest you wear a tuxedo because it is the intention of the hosts to make the event as formal as possible. And dressing more formal may make your evening more enjoyable knowing that you are dressing as your hosts would desire you to. If you have further questions, then call the nearest Selix Formalwear store at (800) SELIX-TUX and we will help you figure out what will best serve your occasion.
4. What do I wear for an event when the invitation requests “Formal Attire”?
This is usually another way of stating that this event requires that you wear a tuxedo. You would follow the same instructions as if the event reads “Black Tie.” However, if you have questions or this does not fit with your image of what the hosts would like you to wear, then please contact them and get clear instructions on what they are asking. It is much better to find out a head of time what kind of dress the hosts are expecting than to show up and be embarrassed because you did not ask.
5. What do I wear for an event when the invitation requests “Semi-Formal Attire”?
Suits and sports coats are generally acceptable for this kind of occasion. The hosts want to make sure that everyone understands that this is not a “jeans and T-shirts” kind of event. Selix Formalwear rents both suits and sports coats. Try our Cashmere sport coat and pant combination for a luxurious “semi-formal” look.
