Black Tie Wedding - can men wear ties?

trotter_inc

Hey!

We have a black tie wedding coming up in a few weeks and I have a question...are men expected to wear bow ties or are skinny black ties acceptable too? If I had my choice I'd be wearing my skinny black tie instead of the bow tie, though I thought I would check what the norm is as I don't want to be the only one standing out I've never been to a black tie wedding so thought I would check what the done thing is...

Thanks

Bad Panda

It's a lot more the norm than it used to be. I'd go with a skinny black tie and a nice waistcoat if I were you.

Not bad thing to stand out either.

Edit: I've been to a few black tie weddings and seen people wear ties. No biggy.

ladhrann

Are you going to wear a dinner jacket (aka tuxedo)? If so a tie might look a bit off.

trotter_inc

ladhrann wrote: »

Are you going to wear a dinner jacket (aka tuxedo)? If so a tie might look a bit off.

Well I was going to hire a black suit, tried one on last night but didn't have the shirt and tie with me so not sure how it would look. I think I'll hire the bow tie and shirt as a backup and see how it all looks together I suppose.

padi89

trotter_inc wrote: »

Well I was going to hire a black suit, tried one on last night but didn't have the shirt and tie with me so not sure how it would look. I think I'll hire the bow tie and shirt as a backup and see how it all looks together I suppose.

A rented suit is probably going to be a regular cut so wearing a skinny tie with it will look off.

cgarrad

Can be done, looks sh1t :rolleyes:

mailforkev

I know rules are meant to be broken etc. but black tie really still does means one thing.

Go for the bowtie, it will more than likely be one of the very few times in your life you get to do so.

listermint

mailforkev wrote: »

I know rules are meant to be broken etc. but black tie really still does means one thing.

Go for the bowtie, it will more than likely be one of the very few times in your life you get to do so.

doubt it...

black ties are for funerals

listermint

bluewolf wrote: »

black ties are for funerals

Ahh, the oul dinner jacket and black tie funeral combo

phasers

My Sister is having a black tie wedding and she actually said "I bet some idiot will turn up in a tie"


...so I think the answer is no :eek:

padi89

cgarrad wrote: »

Can be done, looks sh1t :rolleyes:

That guy is too big for a skinny tie never mind a skinny suit

baby and crumble

Clicky!

OP, that link up there is the GQ guide to buying a tux. Ok, you're not buying, but I think the tips apply just as much for general queries. If it's a black tie wedding, yo're expected to wear black tie dress- this means a tuxedo (which is different from a black suit in cloth, drape, cut and style), white dress shirt, bow-tie (get a self-tie, just looks cooler) and black polished dress shoes.

Now, you can mix it up, and wear a tie, but it will not, for purists, be seen as black tie attire. That doesn't mean it'll look bad. I quite like tuxedos with slim (NOT skinny) black ties, but it's a personal thing.

If you do go with a tie, the width of the tie should match the width of your suit lapels- so a slim tie will look stupid with a standard lapelled business suit.

OldGoat

Think of it this way, you've been asked to wear black tie for someones wedding. Not YOUR wedding, the day is not about you.

Somewhere a bride has been planning this day for probably most of her adult life, in her mind the perfect day entails all the men in uniform attire, looking smart, classy. She looks back at her photo album and there it is, the photograph of her dreams, her handsome man, her beautiful bridesmaids, her parents looking proud and happy...and some clown who couldn't be arsed making an effort.
Just sayin'.


EDIT: The closer you are to the couple the more imperative it is to dress according to the request. If you are sitting at the top table or with someone who is sitting at the top table then you really have no choice. If you are just an afterthought then you night get away with it. The only person who can really tell you is the bride herself or the bridesmaids. She knows exactly what she wants for the day.

trotter_inc

OldGoat wrote: »

Think of it this way, you've been asked to wear black tie for someones wedding. Not YOUR wedding, the day is not about you.

...and some clown who couldn't be arsed making an effort.

Ok, calm down...if you read my original post, I've never been to a black tie wedding and I don't know what norm is. I'm not being selfish, I'm simply asking what's acceptable; implying that I couldn't be arsed making an effort couldn't be further than the truth.

listermint

OldGoat wrote: »

Think of it this way, you've been asked to wear black tie for someones wedding. Not YOUR wedding, the day is not about you.

Somewhere a bride has been planning this day for probably most of her adult life, in her mind the perfect day entails all the men in uniform attire, looking smart, classy. She looks back at her photo album and there it is, the photograph of her dreams, her handsome man, her beautiful bridesmaids, her parents looking proud and happy...and some clown who couldn't be arsed making an effort.
Just sayin'.


EDIT: The closer you are to the couple the more imperative it is to dress according to the request. If you are sitting at the top table or with someone who is sitting at the top table then you really have no choice. If you are just an afterthought then you night get away with it. The only person who can really tell you is the bride herself or the bridesmaids. She knows exactly what she wants for the day.

Cup of tea maybe ? :eek:

OldGoat

trotter_inc wrote: »

Ok, calm down...if you read my original post, I've never been to a black tie wedding and I don't know what norm is. I'm not being selfish, I'm simply asking what's acceptable; implying that I couldn't be arsed making an effort couldn't be further than the truth.

listermint wrote: »

Cup of tea maybe ? :eek:

Did my post come across as being Ranty? I didn't intend it too. In my head it sounded lighthearted. Anyway, take from it what you will.

trotter_inc

OldGoat wrote: »

Did my post come across as being Ranty? I didn't intend it too. In my head it sounded lighthearted.

No worries, I understand that things are easily taken up the wrong way, thanks for your reply

Trained Monkey

Is it just me or does anyone else think that any woman who makes her guests go to the further expense of a black tie wedding is a cant?

Toto Wolfcastle

Please do not bump threads that are this old.