Quote Originally Posted by AFS1970 View Post
No, it was a mid day wedding and the entire guest list was not in black tie, just a few members of my wife's family.

I have been to two weddings were the entire thing was black tie, and I have to say, there are apparently less rules with modern tuxedos than there are with kilts. The variety I saw at one, which even included no tie at all, and what can best be described as a cow pattern vest, really stretched the limits of creativity.
Actually, I believe there are "rules." Most people these days are simply unaware or just don't care.

I am the assistant manager of a small grocery store so most of my coworkers are teenagers. The night of the prom most of them attending stop in so those of us who are working can see them in their finery. Some of them come close to the elegance of traditional black and white for the gentlemen, but some of them look like they're auditioning for the circus, with most falling somewhere in the broad middle. When I try to explain the finer points of formal dress they think I'm the one who's daft. (I only discuss this stuff when they first start talking about what they're going to wear. I'd never dream of criticizing how they look the night of the event - not only would it be too late, but why would I want to run the risk of upsetting them when they are on their way to have fun?)

The hire shops have done for "Saxon" formal wear what they've done for Highland wear, I fear. At least the kids that work for me end up in a crowd of people who don't know any better so they're not self-conscious about it and end up having a great time.

Regards,

Brian