I need help. I am getting married at 3pm at the end of October (reception to follow at 6pm). My fiancee has advertized 'Black Tie' on the invitation.
Given the time of day, I believe morning coat is appropriate. My fiancee doesn't believe morning coat is 'formal' enough to match the black tie wear of the guests, and suggested white tie instead. I refused, claiming white tie is not worn before 6pm. (Tuxedo is not an option since i want to differentiate myself from the guests)
Help ! Your advice/suggestions will be much appreciated.
Etiquette Now
WEDDING ETIQUETTE EXPERT
Post #2 of 2
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Re: Black tie wedding (afternoon) attire for Groom
[In reply to]
Dear Jschuurman,
White tie may be worn during the day, but it would be a daytime version of it. A tuxedo is not worn during the day. The sack suit or morning coat is the daytime equivalent of the tuxedo.
Unless yours is the most formal wedding, the men would wear the sack suit or morning coat. This is what "Black Tie" usually means for daytime weddings. Guests would wear suits for the formal black tie daytime wedding.
If yours is truly very formal, then the men could wear cutaways--tails are the evening version.
The problem here is that you have a daytime wedding and an evening reception. We really shouldn't schedule these so far apart as guests will not know what to wear and they will have to find something to do in between the two events. Plus, the male bridal party members would be most proper in sack suits for the wedding and tuxedos during the evening for black tie. That is a problem.
It may be less of a problem for your bridal party if the men choose the cutaway. If they wear a dark color, then it appears more formal for the evening. Although very different from a tuxedo, it may appear to many as if they are wearing one. They may be a bit over-dressed for the wedding if your wedding isn't too formal and a bit under-dressed for the reception if yours is very formal though. But, many people wouldn't realize that, as not many really know what a cutaway or tail coat is these days. This is the only option I can think of unless you would like for the men to change for your reception. They won't be completely proper though.
Black tie wedding (afternoon) attire for Groom
