Should we really go BT?

JCbride2015

Now I'm thinking about attire based on other posts today, and I have a question of my own.  My law school is having "Graduation Ball" in a few weeks and the invitation (email invite) says "Black Tie Suggested."  Yeah I know that isn't an actual dress code and now I'm not sure what exactly to wear because it's ambiguous.  But I think this event generally does fit in the BT parameters: high end venue, top shelf open bar, live music, evening.  But it's at 10pm and will not serve dinner (I think there will be hors d'oeuvres).  Tickets are $65 each.

First general question: can an event be "black tie" if it's at a non-mealtime and serves only drinks and light food?

Second specific question: would you tell your SO to rent a tux for this?  Or is a charcoal suit okay?

Just one more general reason to stop with the "optional" and "suggested" dress codes.  It's annoying.  Just say if the event is really BT.

WinstonsGirl

Sounds like they want people dress formally, but I'm pretty sure you'd be fine in a shorter cocktail dress too, especially if they're not serving dinner.  I might use it as an excuse to dress up in something more formal, but I think DH would just wear a dark suit over a tux.  

Can you look into photos from last year's event and go from there??

lennonkdc

My law school did an event like this, Barrister's Ball. I actually think almost all do, its loving referred to as Law School Prom, lol. Any way, ours was at a mealtime and in all other way met the 'BT' requirements and almost all the guys (esp the dates) wore dark suits, grey or black. Only the gunners wore tuxes and we mocked them. I think you FI would be fine in dark suit if you guys go. 

That said I don't know that I'd pay $130 for apps and an open bar. I spent the night of graduation with my family and FI's parents drinking champagne and trying to ignore the pile of bar exam prep books in the corner of the room

JCbride2015

@lennonkdc The weird thing is, we just had our Barrister's Ball (that one said BTO, a few guys were in tuxes but not many).  This is just for the graduating 3Ls and is touted as fancier than Barrister's.  And we call our Barrister's "law prom" too!

Yeah the price ought to include dinner IMO.  This is New York though, so I'm sure we will more than drink and eat the price of those tickets compared to going out on our own.

PrettyGirlLost

JCBride2014 said:

Now I'm thinking about attire based on other posts today, and I have a question of my own.  My law school is having "Graduation Ball" in a few weeks and the invitation (email invite) says "Black Tie Suggested."  Yeah I know that isn't an actual dress code and now I'm not sure what exactly to wear because it's ambiguous.  But I think this event generally does fit in the BT parameters: high end venue, top shelf open bar, live music, evening.  But it's at 10pm and will not serve dinner (I think there will be hors d'oeuvres).  Tickets are $65 each.

First general question: can an event be "black tie" if it's at a non-mealtime and serves only drinks and light food?  Nope, not based on my understanding of black tie events.

Second specific question: would you tell your SO to rent a tux for this?  Or is a charcoal suit okay? I think the suit is fine.  Are you going to wear a floor length gown? ;-)

Just one more general reason to stop with the "optional" and "suggested" dress codes.  It's annoying.  Just say if the event is really BT.

JCbride2015

@PrettyGirlLost That's what I thought you'd say.  

I actually am planning to wear a gown, regardless of the tux issue.  I wore a gown to the "BTO" event last week, too.  I like getting gussied up and most women wore gowns to Barristers.

The most annoying thing about our school hosting these "BT" events with no food at 10pm is that you have to eat before you go... in your gown/suit/tux.  Last week my friends and I went to a random restaurant in Chelsea at 8pm in floor-length gowns and full hair and makeup.  Then taxied in the rain to the event.  Not fun.

PrettyGirlLost

JCBride2014 said:

@PrettyGirlLost That's what I thought you'd say.  

I actually am planning to wear a gown, regardless of the tux issue.  I wore a gown to the "BTO" event last week, too.  I like getting gussied up and most women wore gowns to Barristers.

The most annoying thing about our school hosting these "BT" events with no food at 10pm is that you have to eat before you go... in your gown/suit/tux.  Last week my friends and I went to a random restaurant in Chelsea at 8pm in floor-length gowns and full hair and makeup.  Then taxied in the rain to the event.  Not fun.

Make your FI wear a tux then!  He wants to match your formality, right?! ;-)

Boooo to the bolded.

STARMOON44

A meal is not required for a black tie event. Opera opening night anyone? But I would go black tie to this event.

PrettyGirlLost

STARMOON44 said:

A meal is not required for a black tie event. Opera opening night anyone? But I would go black tie to this event.

Which Opera?