What does black tie optional really mean?

I had a friend ask yesterday if my wedding was going to be black tie optional.

What does this really mean? That people can rent tuxes if they wish??? I dont get it

My wedding will be black tie. If people don't own or can't rent then they can surely wear a dark suit. I cannot expect that a person who is traveling across the country, staying in a hotel and giving a gift will want to spend money to rent a tux. Nor should they have to.

However, there had been a time, years ago, when a Saturday night function was automatically assumed to be formal and people would wear tuxedos and gowns with out being asked to do so. If that bit of social etiquette never went out of style, then the 'black tie, 'black tie optional,' or 'black tie preferred' on an invitation would not be necessary. My family had gone to a Saturday night 'black tie' function at the Plaza Hotel and someone showed up in a leisure suit. I don't think it is too much to assume that a man should have at least a dark suit in his wardrobe. JMO.

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Posted by coopersmom

My invite says 'black tie optional' to express the need to dress formally. We have invited many many people from outside of NY who are not used to wearing TIES to weddings so we decided to make sure they know that this is not a casual affair.

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I stated black-tie optional on my Reception Card, not on my actual invite. But I agree that stating this does help because many people do not necessarily dress in semi-formal or formal attire. I have been to weddings (Saturday evening) where some guys wear button down shirts with no jackets and the women wear a casual top and skirt. Maybe some people feel that dressing up equals no jeans?!

wow.. so maybe I should consider putting this?

I know my uncle, cousin and grandfather already said they are going to rent tuxes...

My wedding is 8pm on a friday night (ceremony at 4pm at the church)

HMMMM