Tuxedo Etiquette
Questions and Answers about Tuxedo Etiquette
for the New Millennium.
for the New Millennium.
Q: Mike, how long have you been in the tuxedo business?
A: 29 years
Q: If the invitation says White Tie, what should I wear?
A: Don't worry about it, unless you are royalty you will never see an invitation that says White Tie. A Black Peak Lapel Tailcoat, with a White Pique Vest and Bow Tie and Patent Leather shoes. A conductor in an orchestra may be seen wearing this outfit, It is the most formal attire possible.
Q: If the invitation says Black Tie, what should I wear?
A: A tuxedo and tuxedo accessories, such as vest or cummerbund, with matching tie.
Q: When do I wear a white dinner jacket?
A: In warm weather months to a black tie event
Q: What if I want to wear a black tux to a function during warm weather months?
A: Not a problem, you may wear A black tux
Q: Should I wear a long neck tie or a bow tie?
A: Either
Q: Can I wear a long tie and a cummerbund?
A: NO, because the tie will dangle without a vest to be tucked into.
Q: Can I wear a vest with a bow tie?
A: Yes
Q: If the invitation says Black Tie Invited, what should I wear?
A: This is a nice way of the host(s) saying,"We would like you to wear a tuxedo, but we don't want to force you into it". Let your conscience be your guide. Bare in mind, when you are invited to a black tie function the host(s) usually has planned a high end affair and wants you to dress accordingly.
Q: If the invitation says Black Tie Optional what should I wear?
A: Similar to Black Tie Invited, Actually Black Tie Invited was created to replace Black Tie Optional, It means what it says, your option.
Q: If the invitation says, Creative Black Tie what should I wear?
A: Any type of tuxedo you like, including pastel colors, such as light blue and yellow, for you Dumb and Dumber fans,an orange tuxedo has a nice touch, have fun, anything goes.
Q: Where should I go to rent or purchase a tuxedo?
A: A local, fully stocked, Formalwear Specialist. This is your big day and you need the attention only a specialist can give.
Q: Why?
A: Because they have the inventory on premises(unlike,big chain warehouse type stores)to make exchanges and service your out of town party members.
Q: Why is it not more convenient to use a national chain?
A: Because it is a disaster waiting to happen.
Q: Why?
A: Rental tuxedos need to all be assembled and inspected in one place to make sure everything matches perfectly. this can not be done by a chain store warehouse. Orders placed in different locations are a recipe for disaster. Also, those places have no inventory to make corrections. They only stock samples. Don't be fooled by guarantees, what good is a guarantee if your wedding isn't perfect? I've seen horror stories from these type of places, do your research before you trust a TV commercial.
Q: Who should wear a tuxedo at our wedding besides the bridal party?
A: Fathers, Grand Fathers, and if you're lucky enough to have them , Great Grand Fathers.
Q: Why?
A: A wedding is one of the happiest occasions you can ever have as a family. A tuxedo lets everyone know that the elder members of the family are a part of this special day and that none of this could have happened without them. Honor them with the appropriate outfit and get some great family pictures.
Michael Haber is recognized as a leader in the tuxedo industry. He has been interviewed countless times and has an award winning tuxedo operation in Brick New Jersey(Tuxedo Junction). If you have any questions he can be emailed michaelhaber@tuxjunctionnj.com .
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