TieMart says that “ninety-five percent of the time, you’re going to wear a tie to a wedding.” Our experience suggests that number is a tad high. Nonetheless, when it comes to guest attire at a wedding, most men wear ties for evening weddings. Less for afternoon and summer weddings.
Interestingly, a man wrote into Miss Manners on the subjects of ties. It seems he was invited to the wedding “of a very good friend’s son.” BUT … he refuses to attend. Why? Because the wedding invitation suggested a dress code: Evening Cocktail. Slacks. Cocktail dresses. Jackets, etc.
Seriously? He explained:
“We NEVER wear THAT KIND of clothing, even to funerals [emphasis added]. We always look nice, though! We don’t want to spend money on clothing that will never wear again, or that is just not us. Ever.”
Ever?
You know, it’s not like the hosts are telling him he has to drop twenty grand and fly to a destination wedding in Venice. Nope. They’re merely suggesting that the vibe they’re looking for at their evening wedding entails that the men wear a tie (which can be purchased at Tie Mart for $25 should this dude be one of the few men who don’t own a single tie).
He says the wedding is for the son of a VERY GOOD FRIEND’S son. And yet he is unwilling to put himself out by simply wearing a tie? Some friend.
He asks Miss Manners how to decline the request without hurting his VERY GOOD friend’s feelings because he refuses to wear a tie.
Miss Manners replies
Miss Manner’s responded with dripping sarcasm:
“I am sorry, but unfortunately, we will not be able to attend.”
Miss Manners would suggest this be written in a letter and not a text or social media posting, but she does not wish to be chastised for an effort that is just not you. Ever.”
For the record, suits and ties are resurgent. Celebrity influencers like Denzel Washington, Ryan Gosling, Idris Elba, and Timothée Chalamet “have consistently showcased the timeless appeal of a well-tailored suit paired with a sleek tie. Their impeccable style has inspired men around the world to revisit the elegance of traditional menswear” according Linkedin.
They go on to say television is helping to drive this resurgence, which impacts guest attire at weddings:
“Furthermore, the resurgence of period dramas and retro-inspired films and television shows has also contributed to the renewed interest in classic attire. Shows like “Mad Men”, “Suits” and “Peaky Blinders” have not only entertained audiences but also served as style guides, showcasing the enduring charm of vintage suits and ties.”
When contemplating wedding guest attire, some men new to the idea of sporting a coat and tie may clench up over a few details. For one, how do you tie a tie? No problem. Here’s how.
How to tie a tie
This humble blog suggests that if a VERY GOOD FRIEND’s son or daughter is getting married, and if they present a modest dress code of a coat and tie, don’t decline the invitation. Go for it. As Linkedin puts it:
“Beyond aesthetics, there’s a certain power and authority that comes with wearing a suit and tie. In professional settings, a well-dressed individual commands respect and exudes confidence, signaling to others a sense of competence and professionalism.”
And if you’re looking for competence and professionalism when it comes to game-changing wedding entertainment, look no further than Columbus Pro DJs. Check us out and see if your date is available.
