attending a LOT of weddings funerals and formal functions per year (with pipes) Im noticing this "trend" of going without ties increasing, as are general standards of formal dress, if your going to wear a suit the it look better with a tie, if your going without a jacket then tie-less looks Ok, obviously if people dont want to wear ties then its a matter of choice, however i think its a question of respect , if i go to a function or event I always wear a suit if its work related even if it means risking being over dressed, and I like ties as well !