Wedding Etiquette Forum

Your wedding is NOT black tie if. . .

So @grumbledore 's extremely accurate comment that 95% of all weddings don't come close to qualifying for black tie got me thinking.  There has been a very helpful list of what qualifies for black tie going around, let's make a list of what disqualifies.

(this is meant to be somewhat tongue in cheek and humorous, but I truly believe all of these things and more cannot happen at a true black tie event)

Your wedding is NOT black tie if. . . 

Your guests pay for parking.
Your reception is at a 3 star or lower hotel (quite possibly even 4 star in some areas).
The wine you are serving can be sold in box format.


What else would you add to the list?
«13

Re: Your wedding is NOT black tie if. . .

  • Cash bar!
    ~*~*~*~*~

  • Servers don't wear white gloves? I think I heard that, along with ordering table side. I could be wrong though..
  • If it is before 6pm.
  • There's a buffet.
  • Your invitations are VistaPrint freebies
    Wedding Countdown Ticker
  • You don't have top shelf liquor (that the HOST) pays for.
    Don't worry guys, I have the Wedding Police AND the Whambulance on speed dial!
  • I'm just curious...  For a black tie wedding; would the ceremony or the cocktail hour/ reception have to start at 6 p.m. or later?
    Wedding Countdown Ticker
    image
  • I'm just curious...  For a black tie wedding; would the ceremony or the cocktail hour/ reception have to start at 6 p.m. or later?

    I believe the whole thing would have to start after 6.
  • if you don't have live entertainment






    What differentiates an average host and a great host is anticipating unexpressed needs and wants of their guests.  Just because the want/need is not expressed, doesn't mean it wouldn't be appreciated. 
  • SammiNJonniSammiNJonni member
    Tenth Anniversary 250 Love Its 100 Comments Combo Breaker
    edited February 2014
    If you do not have valet parking. If you do not have a 5 course plated meal. If you do not have a band and back up DJ or performer while the band takes a break. If you do not have top shelf liquor (paid for by host of course)

    ETA: main course must be dual entree or table side ordering.
    Wedding Countdown Ticker
  • Never?

    No. Un uh.
  • nebullamanebullama member
    100 Comments 100 Love Its First Anniversary Name Dropper
    edited February 2014
    mimiphin said:

    • If you write "Your Presents is enough present for us" / "Please no Gifts",  or list your honeymoon fund on your invite/website.
    • Your wedding is located next to/near a barn or any livestock.
    • You have to find your own parking
    • Paper Napkins
    • I would even go as far as to say that there isn't an attendant in the bathroom.
    Funny you should mention "no gifts" because a coworker of mine just got invited to this super swanky wedding. The invitation suite came in a fancy padded box w/ gold foil stamping on all of the many inserts. It appears that they have all the black tie trappings, plus they're paying for their guests' accommodations in a five star hotel, and providing a tour of Santa Barbara. However, they utterly failed by stating "no gifts" on the invite.


    I'll add to the list by throwing in: If any of your food is served on a bun.

    Wedding Countdown Ticker
  • If your cake is not made by a gourmet professional.


    If any of your vendors are friends/family who are not professionals.

    If the meal is potluck.
    Anniversary
  • NYCBruinNYCBruin member
    1000 Comments 500 Love Its 5 Answers First Anniversary
    edited February 2014
    You or any attendants are not wearing floor length gowns.

    Ditto for the groom and his attendants being in tuxes.  

    It's sad that this one has to be said, but it has come up on here.
    Don't worry guys, I have the Wedding Police AND the Whambulance on speed dial!
  • Awesome!  A few more I thought of:

    If your MC is an iPod.
    If your invitations have taken a trip through your home printer.
    If you have to carry your dinner plate to the table.
    If you have mason jars as part of your decor.
  • If you used sticky labels (ick!) to address your invitations.
    httpiimgurcomTCCjW0wjpg
  • MGP said:
    Awesome!  A few more I thought of:

    If your MC is an iPod.
    If your invitations have taken a trip through your home printer.
    If you have to carry your dinner plate to the table.
    If you have mason jars as part of your decor.
    If you have mason jars as your drinking glasses! 
  • If there is camo anywhere!
    Except maybe the best man's lucky underwear.  While the bride and groom do get to choose the bridal party attire, I don't think they can tell him not to wear his lucky undies.

    If you use the phrase "charming rustic" to describe anything other than a building across the street from the venue. 

    If you have an outdoor bathroom facility.

    If you write "pants are required" anywhere on any wedding communications.
  • If there is camo anywhere!
    But Cookie!  This wedding is my inspiration!  You mean I can't write "black tie" on all my camo invitations????

    Wedding Countdown Ticker
    image

    "I'm not a rude bitch.  I'm ten rude bitches in a large coat."

This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards