What’s the difference between formal and semi-formal, white tie and black tie? It can all be very confusing and no one wants to arrive at a big event inappropriately dressed. Let us point you in the right direction.
Semiformal: Semiformal events call for either a full tuxedo, dark formal suit or a dinner jacket and are a little less stuffy than a black tie event. If you would like to step out of the classic black tie and go for a bolder tie and vest or cummerbund. This is a great time to do it. Just remember to keep it stylish and to choose a color that flatters your complexion. Most weddings and many business dinners and parties are semi-formal.
Black Tie: Black tie calls for a black or midnight blue tuxedo with a white formal tuxedo shirt and a formal tie or bowtie. If you are wearing a single breasted jacket you will also need a vest or cummerbund. Black tie is reserved for formal evening dress, after six o’clock, and is common for formal dinners, dances, business award ceremonies, and evening weddings. You should also wear black tie to an opera, ballet or symphony opening.
White Tie: Most of us will get very few invitations to a white tie or full dress event. It is the most formal and is usually reserved for state dinners with politicians and diplomats. You are expected to wear a black tuxedo jacket with tails, black tuxedo pants, white formal shirt, vest and bowtie.
Black Tie Preferred/Optional/Invited: You can wear a dark formal suit in place of a tuxedo but a tuxedo is preferred. Most male guests will be wearing a tuxedo so it is best to follow suit. Why not be the best dressed man in the room? This will be specified on the invitation and is often used for private and business parties.
Creative Black Tie: Generally these events allow you to go for a more relaxed and fun look much the way that semi-formal does. You should wear a tuxedo but you can wear a fun color or printed formal necktie and vest instead of the traditional bowtie and cummerbund or can go for a trendy black tuxedo shirt with no tie if you prefer. The classic black tuxedo with black bowtie and vest or cummerbund is always acceptable here as well. Creative black tie is used for some private parties and will be specified on the invitation.
