Black-Tie in the Afternoon?

Q. I'd like to get married during the day, but I also really want to have a black-tie wedding. Is it possible to do both? If so, what would everyone wear?

A. Traditionally, such formal attire was suitable only at ceremonies held after 6 P.M. But the rules have since relaxed—at least a bit. The groom, his attendants and male guests, for example, can wear tuxedos during the daytime, as long as the affair starts in the mid to late afternoon (generally at 4) and continues into the evening. Similarly, female guests may wear floor-length gowns or cocktail dresses if the celebration carries on past twilight. And regardless of the time of day, the bride and her attendants may don full-length gowns (theirs should match yours in terms of dressiness).

However, if the wedding begins—and ends—in the daytime, tuxedos are not appropriate. Instead, the groom and his attendants should wear black or gray cutaway coats with striped trousers. Male guests should wear dark suits, while the women guests may select elegant shorter-length dresses or suits. If you do decide to hold a formal affair (meaning guests should arrive in tuxes and gowns), you should let guests know what to wear by printing "black tie" on the invitation.

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Peggy Post