what formal events do you attend, and...

[JSFMACLJR]

The informal black tie events are the most fun.
I would not give up going to white tie and black tie events - they are too much fun.

Regards

Chas

I'm in full agreement with you, Chas!

[Stratherrick]

Alan

Weddings, funerals and my son's rugby club summer ball is as posh as I get. Even then, it's just the full regalia, but not a black tie.

Slainte

Bruce

[Standard]

I go to a couple of white tie events every year. This is a ticket for the next one in two weeks time.




Chas

Very interesting Chas. My wife and I get dressed to go out on occation, but not as often as you do it seems. I've a couple of questions about the invitation that you posted as I'm not familiar with some of the terms used. Bottom left corner "Table Banners"? As to the times on 7 for 7.30 and carriages at 10:30? Thanks for the information.

[jhockin]

one caution I'd like to add, for Alan, or anyone else thinking of getting rid of something you already have:
from my own past experience ( i once moved 8 times in 5 years, and because of this, got rid of a LOT of 'stuff', that i had been 'saving in case i need it'), it sems to be a corollary, of Murphys Law, that once you get rid of something, it won't be long before you are slapping your forehead, because NOW really need it

[Chas]

Very interesting Chas. My wife and I get dressed to go out on occation, but not as often as you do it seems. I've a couple of questions about the invitation that you posted as I'm not familiar with some of the terms used. Bottom left corner "Table Banners"? As to the times on 7 for 7.30 and carriages at 10:30? Thanks for the information.

Hi Standard,

A table banner displays ones coat of arms and sits on the table in front of you. The coat of arms represents the person so if you know the arms, you know who the person is. This is mine. You will notice that it is the same as my avatar.



7 for 7:30 - Dining starts at 7:30. From 7:00 on-wards, pre-dinner drinks will be served. The host is telling the guest that he is expected to arrive between those times; earlier and the host and his servants will not be ready to receive the guest; later and the guest will embarrass themselves with their lateness.

Carriages at 10:30 is old fashioned, but again is politeness for the guest. The dinner will be fully finished by 10:30. If the guest knows the finishing time, he knows what time to tell his driver to arrive.

This invitation is more or less standard. Other information is sometimes included - 'Dancing', 'Live Music', 'Charity Auction', 'name of royalty if attending', 'other activity'. It is all designed to give the maximum information to the guest.

I hope this helps

Regards

Chas

[Smayniac]

I attend, usually in a working capacity, several events each year that would most probably be considered in the "Black Tie Optional" category. I have worn a kilt to some of them with a conventional necktie. I do own a wing collar shirt and black bow tie, made for me for my wedding so many years ago, but haven't even tried them on lately.

I haven't chosen to own a conventional dress kit as most customers are happy with a coat and tie from technical types. I have selected a few events to wear the kilt to and have had overwhelmingly positive comments.

Bob

[MacLowlife]

Alan,

I, too, am interested by the opinions and reactions here. I agree with you that there is nothing inherently better about being more dressed up, or inherently worse about being less dressed up. But, for many people, there is a direct correlation between the level of preparation and the level of dress. It just works out that way. What interests me, though, is that people DO like to get really dressed up. It lends an air of specialness to the event. I read elsewhere on XMarks that in Scotland, the wearing of the kilt is a way of adding a special quality to an event- by putting on a kilt, you are saying "this is a special time." I know for many people, wearing a kilt is saying "this is a time," meaning you wear it everywhere.

OK, fine, but if you don't wear a kilt all of the time, or if you don't wear your GOOD kilt all of the time, isn't it nice now and then to do that little thing, like buying flowers, or lighting candles, or wearing cufflinks, or ordering dessert, or wearing Black Tie?

I think that is why people wear white tie to debutante balls and "affairs of state". They are saying "THIS IS IMPORTANT TO ME." They want their daughter or granddaughter or the head of some other country to know that they consider this a Very Big Deal to be dining with them.

[Standard]

Hi Standard,

A table banner displays ones coat of arms and sits on the table in front of you. The coat of arms represents the person so if you know the arms, you know who the person is. This is mine. You will notice that it is the same as my avatar.



7 for 7:30 - Dining starts at 7:30. From 7:00 on-wards, pre-dinner drinks will be served. The host is telling the guest that he is expected to arrive between those times; earlier and the host and his servants will not be ready to receive the guest; later and the guest will embarrass themselves with their lateness.

Carriages at 10:30 is old fashioned, but again is politeness for the guest. The dinner will be fully finished by 10:30. If the guest knows the finishing time, he knows what time to tell his driver to arrive.

This invitation is more or less standard. Other information is sometimes included - 'Dancing', 'Live Music', 'Charity Auction', 'name of royalty if attending', 'other activity'. It is all designed to give the maximum information to the guest.

I hope this helps

Regards

Chas

Thanks Chas, that is what I thought the times meant, however I was totally unfamiliar with the table banner. Hope you have an enjoyable evening at your event.

[fshguy]

I don black tie several times per year. My wife and I both work in the nonprofit world so there is the occasional fundraiser. However, we create many of our own opportunities.

What interests me, though, is that people DO like to get really dressed up.

This is exactly why my wife and I enjoy quasi-quarterly formal dinners together, either out or hosted at our humble abode.

We are decidedly in the lower end of the middle class, so it isn't a socioeconomic trapping. We just like to step out of the rat race, enjoy a long conversation, some good food and experience life as it was prior to laptops, blackberries, PTA, cub scouts, etc. Doing so in a formal manner helps make it a bit more special for us. I enjoy showing her that I'm still concerned with my appearance and I'm willing to take the extra time for her. Plus walking out in our best with her on my arm makes me feel like a million bucks.

It may not be everyone's cuppa, but it works for us. And let me tell you, the effort does pay off...

[Asser 1]

from what I've heard, you're missing a great time then. A friend of mine was the featured entertainment at that event several years ago, and he said it was a lot of fun.

I hate to say it, but threads like this one always make me cringe a bit, because they always seem to bring out the "I hate/don't do/etc. formal attire or events" comments. Horses for courses, but there are some of us here who enjoy said events and getting dressed up for such an occasion.

T.

T,

I resemble those remarks.

M.