The State of Black Tie: Your Observations

[shootsfilmwithbullet]

New question.

I've heard some say that you should not wear the WDJ to a black tie wedding. At least if you are only a regular uest. Because only the bride should wear white.

Thoughts?

The black tie/optional weddings I’ve been to have had no-one except the groom/father of the groom in a White DJ. But that’s just me and my farmer friends. It’s certainly not wrong, but you’re likely to attract more attention than most other men, and potentially more attention than the groom. Whether you want to do that or not is your call.

 

[Jay C]

Shoots -- that's kinda what I was thinking.

I'd only go WDJ unless I could make sure I'd have some company among the other regular wedding guests.

 

[Amidé]

The black tie/optional weddings I’ve been to have had no-one except the groom/father of the groom in a White DJ. But that’s just me and my farmer friends. It’s certainly not wrong, but you’re likely to attract more attention than most other men, and potentially more attention than the groom. Whether you want to do that or not is your call.

Could be ‘cultural’ as well. For me, if prerequisites are met for a white dinner jacket (warm weather, black tie on the invite, event after 6pm), I wouldn’t even assume to be the only regular guest there wearing a white dinner jacket. Although, to be fair most people over here would probably wear a rental, and might (have to) opt for all black.
I’m sure @Andy57 and @Butler will have thoughts on this.

 

[Butler]

Could be ‘cultural’ as well. For me, if prerequisites are met for a white dinner jacket (warm weather, black tie on the invite, event after 6pm), I wouldn’t even assume to be the only regular guest there wearing a white dinner jacket. Although, to be fair most people over here would probably wear a rental, and might (have to) opt for all black.
I’m sure @Andy57 and @Butler will have thoughts on this.

Exactly!

 

[ValidusLA]

The black tie/optional weddings I’ve been to have had no-one except the groom/father of the groom in a White DJ. But that’s just me and my farmer friends. It’s certainly not wrong, but you’re likely to attract more attention than most other men, and potentially more attention than the groom. Whether you want to do that or not is your call.

I think this is a good answer.

Its not wrong to wear a white DJ. It fits the dress code. But you will likely stand out.

 

[Andy57]

Could be ‘cultural’ as well. For me, if prerequisites are met for a white dinner jacket (warm weather, black tie on the invite, event after 6pm), I wouldn’t even assume to be the only regular guest there wearing a white dinner jacket. Although, to be fair most people over here would probably wear a rental, and might (have to) opt for all black.
I’m sure @Andy57 and @Butler will have thoughts on this.

Thoughts on a white (actually ivory) dinner jacket? I pretty much wear mine whenever I feel like it, but, to be fair, most of the time the weather wear I live is on the warmer side. I'm about to head off to Southern Africa for a couple of weeks and my ivory dinner jacket is the only one I'm bringing along. I figure I'll be just inside the tropics most of the time, so an ivory jacket should be just fine.

I think a wedding is a somewhat different matter. If the invitation specifies black tie, then that means a black (or perhaps midnight blue) jacket. If you want to wear an ivory jacket (or beige or anything else), I believe you should check with the groom first. I've never been to such a wedding, so I have no actual experience of this, however.

 

[sarteorial]

Long time lurker but first time poster here. Got married a few weeks ago and figured I'd pop in here to show you all the results! We had a black tie optional wedding at a vineyard and actually had 40-50% of the guests show in a dinner jacket/formal wear, which was really fun.

Steed made my tuxedo and I was really pleased with it. It wasn't fully bespoke (I went with the semi-bespoke process) and I actually am looking forward to working with them in the future on future projects. Fabric is wool-mohair and the facings are black grosgrain. Trousers had a very cool double pleat. I had Ascot Chang make a pique bib shirt, bow tie/cummerbund is from Drake's.

Very much fortunate to be in Washington, DC where there are formal events somewhat more frequently than most places, so eager to break this out again!

 

[ericgereghty]

Long time lurker but first time poster here. Got married a few weeks ago and figured I'd pop in here to show you all the results! We had a black tie optional wedding at a vineyard and actually had 40-50% of the guests show in a dinner jacket/formal wear, which was really fun.

Steed made my tuxedo and I was really pleased with it. It wasn't fully bespoke (I went with the semi-bespoke process) and I actually am looking forward to working with them in the future on future projects. Fabric is wool-mohair and the facings are black grosgrain. Trousers had a very cool double pleat. I had Ascot Chang make a pique bib shirt, bow tie/cummerbund is from Drake's.

Very much fortunate to be in Washington, DC where there are formal events somewhat more frequently than most places, so eager to break this out again!

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Your undies are showing!!!!! Bow your head in shame!

Kidding. Looks fantastic. Congrats

 

[sarteorial]

Oh believe me I felt a pang of shame as soon as my braces saw the light of day 😂

 

[The Dirty Pigeon]

Oh believe me I felt a pang of shame as soon as my braces saw the light of day 😂

“Looking at braces is like looking at the sun. You don't stare at them. It's too risky. Ya get a sense of them and then you look away.”

(Repurposed Seinfeld quote)

 

[Texasmade]

Oh believe me I felt a pang of shame as soon as my braces saw the light of day 😂

 

[Andy57]

Long time lurker but first time poster here. Got married a few weeks ago and figured I'd pop in here to show you all the results! We had a black tie optional wedding at a vineyard and actually had 40-50% of the guests show in a dinner jacket/formal wear, which was really fun.

Steed made my tuxedo and I was really pleased with it. It wasn't fully bespoke (I went with the semi-bespoke process) and I actually am looking forward to working with them in the future on future projects. Fabric is wool-mohair and the facings are black grosgrain. Trousers had a very cool double pleat. I had Ascot Chang make a pique bib shirt, bow tie/cummerbund is from Drake's.

Very much fortunate to be in Washington, DC where there are formal events somewhat more frequently than most places, so eager to break this out again!

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Really good example of classic black tie. You made an excellent choice to go with Steed. Their semi-bespoke option is a really good alternative to full bespoke. Matthew DeBoise uses it himself, so that's a pretty good indication.

Congratulations and welcome!

 

[sarteorial]

Really good example of classic black tie. You made an excellent choice to go with Steed. Their semi-bespoke option is a really good alternative to full bespoke. Matthew DeBoise uses it himself, so that's a pretty good indication.

Congratulations and welcome!

Very high praise coming from you, I'm honored! Matthew and Edwin were so great to work with and definitely helped get everything dialed in after they initially sent it to me. Can't wait to work with them again. Only problem now is that I have far too many fabrics bookmarked in comparison to funds available!

 

[Jay C]

I'm calling that a Flagrant -- 2.

First, underwear/braces being shown to all present.

Second, that tuxedo is being worn while the sun is still out. Suggests a grave violation of the 6 PM rule.

Horror upon horror!

I shudder to think what would have happened on here if Sartre had dispensed with the cummerbund...

 

[Texasmade]

I'm calling that a Flagrant -- 2.

First, underwear/braces being shown to all present.

Second, that tuxedo is being worn while the sun is still out. Suggests a grave violation of the 6 PM rule.

Horror upon horror!

And he's wearing a watch!!!