I can think of a few that I would consider to be the minimum for black tie:
-full-length dresses for the WP, MOB/MOG and any other relevant VIPs (not the B/Gs VIPs, but the "wedding VIPs," if you get what I mean)
-parking covered by the hosts
-NO CASH BAR! this was something I'd never even heard of until I came here
However, there are a few points I think may not be as necessary:
-bathroom attendants: dependes on the venue. I can tell you for a fact that several of the top hotels in Los Angeles--like, world-class hotels--do not have bathroom attendants and don't bring them in for events.
-The whole thing with the white gloves. I had seriously never heard of that before. Or seen it at truly black tie functions. Odds are decent I just didn't notice.
I can only say this much: I know this isn't right, but I've been to events that have broken some of these in minor ways (i.e. starting before 6 PM; having buffets for the children in lieu of a four-course meal for them), but had to have been black tie. There's no way to have anything less at certain venues.
I can think of a few that I would consider to be the minimum for black tie:
-full-length dresses for the WP, MOB/MOG and any other relevant VIPs (not the B/Gs VIPs, but the "wedding VIPs," if you get what I mean)
-parking covered by the hosts
-NO CASH BAR! this was something I'd never even heard of until I came here
However, there are a few points I think may not be as necessary:
-bathroom attendants: dependes on the venue. I can tell you for a fact that several of the top hotels in Los Angeles--like, world-class hotels--do not have bathroom attendants and don't bring them in for events.
-The whole thing with the white gloves. I had seriously never heard of that before. Or seen it at truly black tie functions. Odds are decent I just didn't notice.
I can only say this much: I know this isn't right, but I've been to events that have broken some of these in minor ways (i.e. starting before 6 PM; having buffets for the children in lieu of a four-course meal for them), but had to have been black tie. There's no way to have anything less at certain venues.
The glove thing is real. I agree with you on bathroom attendants, some facilities just don't do this and I think it's nbd. I always feel uncomfortable when there's a bathroom attendant anyway.
If truly single guests don't get a +1 - I may be wrong on that but it would seem odd to me inviting someone to a black tie event without a date. Budget isn't a proper excuse in this case.
Anything written on a chalkboard. Especially if the writing style can be described as "cutesy" or in poem format.
I can think of a few that I would consider to be the minimum for black tie:
-full-length dresses for the WP, MOB/MOG and any other relevant VIPs (not the B/Gs VIPs, but the "wedding VIPs," if you get what I mean)
-parking covered by the hosts
-NO CASH BAR! this was something I'd never even heard of until I came here
However, there are a few points I think may not be as necessary:
-bathroom attendants: dependes on the venue. I can tell you for a fact that several of the top hotels in Los Angeles--like, world-class hotels--do not have bathroom attendants and don't bring them in for events.
-The whole thing with the white gloves. I had seriously never heard of that before. Or seen it at truly black tie functions. Odds are decent I just didn't notice.
I can only say this much: I know this isn't right, but I've been to events that have broken some of these in minor ways (i.e. starting before 6 PM; having buffets for the children in lieu of a four-course meal for them), but had to have been black tie. There's no way to have anything less at certain venues.
Just because it almost hit the mark and looked fancy, doesn't mean it was a black tie event.
"Love is the one thing we're capable of perceiving that transcends time and space."
I'm genuinely curious where these qualifications for black tie come from. Not trying to be a smart-ass, but the only information I could find online lists "event starting after 6 pm" as the only indication (other than what to wear to a black tie affair)
I'm genuinely curious where these qualifications for black tie come from. Not trying to be a smart-ass, but the only information I could find online lists "event starting after 6 pm" as the only indication (other than what to wear to a black tie affair)
There is a list of black tie criteria that has been posted on many threads here before.
Basically I started this thread because I see black tie as the host's responsibility to provide the best of the best for their guests and we see so many stories on here when people go out of their way to dress for a black tie wedding and then experience the trappings of something much less, and many times improperly and rudely hosted. True black tie events come with a steeper price tag and people try and have it both ways to selfishly think they hosted a swanky affair when they really didn't.
Rustic chic =/= black tie
Cash bar =/= black tie
Amateur baker friend did your cake =/= black tie
Port a potties =/= black tie
DIY centerpieces =/= black tie
Bridal party in jeans/boots/flip flops =/= black tie
Do you see the disconnect here? It doesn't mean it wasn't a nice wedding, it's just not black tie.
Believe me I am not degrading non black tie weddings - my own wedding was beautiful (and pricey) but fell short of the black tie mark. Not only was I OK with that I didn't put my guests in an awkward position to satisfy my own ego.
All I am saying is you can't have it both ways. A tux does not a black tie event make.
I'm genuinely curious where these qualifications for black tie come from. Not trying to be a smart-ass, but the only information I could find online lists "event starting after 6 pm" as the only indication (other than what to wear to a black tie affair)
Because most of the info online is just about what to wear to a black tie function, because sadly many people just think black tie is a dress code when it is in fact a type of formally hosted event.
The info and criteria we post on these forums about black tie events was compiled from people, both on these boards and off, who are event planners or who have experience attending these types of social functions.
"Love is the one thing we're capable of perceiving that transcends time and space."
I was all sorts of proud of my wedding qualifying for black tie until the band versus DJ thing was mentioned. Whomp Whomp. I really LOATHE wedding bands. So, I had a DJ.
I went to a Jewish wedding on a Sunday which my friend said was common in order to avoid having a wedding on the sabbath day. I think it could still be black tie if done correctly.
I think day of the week is a bit nit picky however it's not black tie if your dresses hav any sort of polyester in the fabric it must be silk straight from the silk worm cocoon
I went to a Jewish wedding on a Sunday which my friend said was common in order to avoid having a wedding on the sabbath day. I think it could still be black tie if done correctly.
Jewish weddings that are black tie- I attended once years ago- are done on Saturday night after sundown.
I went to a Jewish wedding on a Sunday which my friend said was common in order to avoid having a wedding on the sabbath day. I think it could still be black tie if done correctly.
Jewish weddings that are black tie- I attended once years ago- are done on Saturday night after sundown.
Some rabbi's refuse to officiate on Saturday even after sundown depending on if they are orthodox or reform. I have been to Sunday black tie Jewish weddings.
Re: Your wedding is NOT black tie if. . .
"Love is the one thing we're capable of perceiving that transcends time and space."
"Love is the one thing we're capable of perceiving that transcends time and space."
The info and criteria we post on these forums about black tie events was compiled from people, both on these boards and off, who are event planners or who have experience attending these types of social functions.
"Love is the one thing we're capable of perceiving that transcends time and space."
I was all sorts of proud of my wedding qualifying for black tie until the band versus DJ thing was mentioned. Whomp Whomp. I really LOATHE wedding bands. So, I had a DJ.
If there is any form of money dance/wear the cake/play the song, etc. jars set up...