Black tie?

Usually black tie means an evening event, multi course plated meal, white glove servers, top shelf open bar, a band not a DJ, and valet parking.

I agree with PP, Kelly. Black tie weddings are a lot more formal, traditional, and a higher level of detail and service is expected. This usually includes an evening event, a fully serviced, plated meal, cocktail hour, and all the amenities for your guests to enjoy.

Would that be like a ceremony anytime after 5? Or later? Good thing we are not doing black tie lol we do not have a band i prefer a dj and we have open bar but not top shelf. Thank you for helping me clarify i appreciate it.

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Yes traditionally a black tie event starts after 5pm.

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Usually after 5. These are usually classier (and more expensive) events.

I believe the term "black tie" only relates to the attire your guests will wear? BUT if you specify they wear "black tie", guests expect a formal wedding. That includes valet parking, coat check, plated meal (multi-course meal usually), open bar, etc. I also believe these weddings are usually in the evenings, and generally indoors.

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Yes, It would. But a wedding after 5 does not necessarily have to be black tie. Black tie optional literally means that the event is formal, but the hosts are expanding the attire to include less formal options at the guests preference. Expectations about the event may be a little lower, but it still has the connotation of a formal event with the trimmings.

Semi-Formal is the next step down, where DJ would be appropriate, a cocktail hour is involved, a bar is included [but not necessarily full bar and top shelf]. This would be your classy event that is more formal but is missing many of the components to be considered an actual Formal event.

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"Black tie" indicates to the guests the level of formality and that they should dress accordingly, not the other way around.

Black tie is an evening event, after six not five. Five o'clock is the afternoon. Full top shelf bar, valet parking, table side ordering, wine service with dinner. multiple courses beyond salad-entree-dessert, live band, elaborate decor... all expected for a black tie event. With that said, you can have all the elements of a black tie event and not expect guests to dress for it.