Etiquette Q&A: "How Do Wedding Dress Codes Differ?"

wedding tuxedo

Q: I’m confused. What’s the difference between tuxedo, black tie, and formal?

A: Good question. Let’s start with the word "formal," which dictates a more dressed-up look for both men and women: in other words, men in tuxedos and women in long dresses.

The "tuxedo" is a single- or double-breasted jacket with satin lapels and satin-trimmed pockets that’s paired with formal trousers (the kind that have a satin stripe on the pant legs). The tuxedo is available in a range of colors from white and ivory to navy and black.

"Black tie" means that the tuxedo jacket, trousers, tie and vest or cummerbund are black or dark grey and paired with a white formal shirt.

—Diane Forden

Photo Credit: Tec Petaja on Well Groomed via Lover.ly