[DOBrien]

Is is appropriate to wear a white dinner jacket as a groom in a 4 p.m. wedding in a tropical environment where the reception will run into the evening?

My fiancee and I are getting married in early March in Cancun, Mexico. She will wear what has generally been decribed to me as a simple, classic wedding dress without too many frills or a train. The ceremony is set for 4 p.m. and is outdoors. The average temperature is between 80 and 85. The Heat index puts the temperature over 90 degrees. We both agree that, based on her attire, I should wear a jacket and tie. I have suggested a white dinner jacket because a black tux jacket will be brutal at that time of day, even during a short ceremony.

Assorted etiquette books suggest that a tux is inappropriate before 6 p.m. We both agree, however, that a morning jacket, if otherwise proper, is unattractive.

[Etiquette Now]

Dear Wants to go Light,

Yes, the tux is evening formal attire. However, 4 pm is close enough in my book. I don't think anyone will fault you on this.

Best wishes,

[DOBrien]

As a follow-up, what is the proper color for the dinner jacket in this case, white or ivory?

I am told that my fiancee will not wear stark white and that she does not want the dress and jacket to clash. I have seen the ivory referred to as winter white. Would it be inappropriate to wear the ivory or the white? Is the decision to wear bright white versus ivory just preference, expecially given the tropical setting.

Thanks again.

[Etiquette Now]

Either is fine, especially since you are in a warm weather region. No worries.