we're invited to a black tie wedding...

the invitations reads 'black tie'

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Posted by latinaj

the invitations reads 'black tie'

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If it reads black tie - then I would say he has to wear a tux. If it said black tie optional then I would say a dark suit would suffice....

Def needs to rent a tux

FH has done it for a bunch of weddings

black tie signifies (in new proper etiquette) that one MUST wear a suit with a tie of some sort.

Heres what I found:

Black Tie Defined


1. dinner jacket color:

• black is the norm

• midnight blue is equally correct

model can be:

• single-breasted

• double-breasted

lapels can be:

• peaked lapel

• shawl collar

• notched collar is most popular but considered

inappropriate by traditionalists

and can have:

• satin facing

• grosgrain facing

sleeve buttons: covered in same fabric as lapel facings

vents: no vents is most formal

2. black-tie trousers color and material to match jacket

single braid along seams to match lapel facings

cut for suspenders


3. black-tie waist covering black waist covering can be either:

• cummerbund made from silk to match jacket facings

• waistcoat made from silk or same material as jacket

worn with single-breasted jacket models but not with double-breasted

some style experts claim that waist coverings are not worn much these days

4. black-tie shirt


white fabric

collar can be:

• wing collar, described by many authorities as the most formal but some insist it is the exclusive domain of white tie

• turndown collar

fronts can be either pleated or piqué

shirt has eyelets for studs and French cuffs for links; some authorities allow for fly-fronts


5. black-tie neckwear
black silk bow tie to match lapel facings

6. black-tie footwear


black shoes:

• patent leather pumps are most traditional

• patent or highly polished oxfords are acceptable

7. black-tie accessories black silk or fine fabric hose, over-the-calf length

suspenders of black or white silk

harmonizing black, gold or mother-of-pearl studs and cufflinks

white silk or linen handkerchief

outerwear chesterfield coat is most conventional but any other dark dressy coat is acceptable; rain (trench) coats are not appropriate

evening dress scarf of white silk with tassels




Warm-Weather Black Tie


Acceptable year round in tropical climates and in summer in North America.



1. dinner jacket white or preferably ivory

all other details as per classic jacket

2. trousers black

all other details as per standard black-tie trousers


3. waist covering
black cummerbund

4. shirt as per standard black-tie shirt

5. neckwear as per standard black-tie neckwear

6. footwear
as per standard black-tie footwear

7. accessories colored silk or linen handkerchief

all other details as per standard black-tie accessories


Therefore your FH can wear a dark suit WITH a tie or a tux.

My wedding is going to be black tie and if someone wore a dark navy or black suit and white shirt I would not care.

He should not wear a color-ed shirt or light colored suit.

I would say tux...that's what most people equate black tie with

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Posted by FutureCap

yes, just have him wear a dark suit, dark tie and white shirt. no one will know the diff. we had to do this once... there was no way we were paying for FH to rent a tux to be a guest at a wedding.

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I agree - dark suit is fine. I wouldn't pay to rent a tux to go to a wedding.

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Posted by jmgoncal

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Posted by FutureCap

yes, just have him wear a dark suit, dark tie and white shirt. no one will know the diff. we had to do this once... there was no way we were paying for FH to rent a tux to be a guest at a wedding.

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I agree - dark suit is fine. I wouldn't pay to rent a tux to go to a wedding.

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yeah me either. FH would be like what? I'm not renting something someone else has worn. yeah hes like that and so he prob wouldn't go.

a dark suit will be fine.

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Posted by latinaj

the invitations reads 'black tie'

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i would have him wear a tux then

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Posted by RAK220

My wedding is going to be black tie and if someone wore a dark navy or black suit and white shirt I would not care.

He should not wear a color-ed shirt or light colored suit.

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Same here!