Is "black tie" the same as "formal", if you have an event can you say attire: black tie/formal?

Answer 1

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Black tie- tuxes for men and long evening dresses (not ballgowns) for women

Formal- guests are expected to wear nothing less than formal suits for men and cocktail dresses for women.

Semi-formal-
Men- suits are usually excepted. But, a button down, dressy pants (not khakis) and a tie are OK too.

Women-cocktail dresses are usually expected. But, evening skirts, dressy pants and fancy tops are usually OK too,

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Thanks!

Answer 2

black tie is tux's and ball gowns, formal is suits and fancy cocktail dresses. I would get confused if it said both. Is it black tie or formal?

Answer 3

black tie is a step up over formal. You want to make sure you say black tie if you mean tuxedos

Answer 4

no, black tie / formal are two slightly different things. black tie optional means men must wear suits at the very least, or they can rent a tux. formal means a suit is required, but if they wore a tux they would be overdressed.

Source(s):

been to 25+ weddings / been in 6