"Formal Attire" for a Wedding

Updated on August 16, 2011
T.S. asks from Fort Worth, TX
9 answers

Hi! My hubby and I were invited to the wedding of one of my former students. On the invitation it says "formal attire". I have seen invitations before that say "black tie", but I am not clear on what "formal attire" means for my hubby. Should he wear a tuxedo or just a nice suit?

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

So What Happened?

Thanks everyone! I appreciate it. I will email the bride to make sure...

Featured Answers

C.O.

answers from Washington DC on

Personally? I would call - as people's ideas and/or perceptions of formal attire are different...to me - although it doesn't say "black tie" - I would dress like it was a black tie event...

Also depends upon where it is - if it's at a 5 star location and in the evening - then they probably mean gowns and VERY nice suit or tux!!

Sorry I can't be more help!!

4 moms found this helpful

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.H.

answers from Atlanta on

Hi T.,

Formal means the same thing as "black tie."

3 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.W.

answers from Minneapolis on

Formal to me means suits and ties and nice dresses with a longer length. But if you aren't sure, call as Cheryl said.

3 moms found this helpful

J.B.

answers from Houston on

Yeah I would definitely second the calling idea. I just jumped online out of curiosity and got both answers, same as black tie and also nice suit with tie and cuff links. So better to check I think. I wouldn't have thought much about it and my husband would have worn a dark suit, white shirt and very nice tie, but maybe that would not have been formal enough, who knows! Good luck!

2 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

I think my brother put "formal" on his invitations and did not intend for it to be black tie. They wanted nice suits for the men and nice dresses for the women. Long or short dresses were ok, but they didn't want sundresses, definitely something dressier.

I think a nice suit in a dark color (dark gray or black) is sufficient and a tuxedo is not necessary.

2 moms found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

G.B.

answers from Oklahoma City on

I say call and ask but I would assume a very nice suit would be okay for hubby and a dress that is not too flashy but classy for you, even a tea length dress but not floor length.

No one really wears tuxedo's to a wedding as a guest. That would take away from the bridal party's attire.

I can't wait to see what she actually meant....

J.W.

answers from St. Louis on

Ahh what fun. I said casual because in my family casual means slacks, polo type shirt for guys, casual dresses for woman. Apparently not the same in Troy's family, his sister in law wore shorts...oops It really didn't bother me but I know to some brides it would drive them nuts.

Formal mean suit and tie, dresses for the ladies. By dress not a casual dress but not a formal gown.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.B.

answers from Dallas on

We recently went to an evening upscale wedding that said formal attire. My thought was probably tuxedo's and long dresses. When we contacted the bride, she said it meant that she wanted her friends to be dressed up! (no jeans, etc) A business suit was fine. Ask the bride!

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions