Black Tie Requested

Hmmm thats tricky. Id say a tux.... and you most def. need the cocktail dress... let me google.

Yes a tux is best ... I know it is only wikipedia but I think its safe to believe

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_tie

Mens , or similar stores, may rent reasonably priced tuxes

Yikes. Seriously? Ugh. He JUST spent a bunch of money on this nice suit. What if he just wears that with a white shirt and black tie?

I agree with Brian. It most likely means tux but can you call and double check? I highly doubt they'd be offended at you wanting to make sure you're dressed appropriately. One other thing, as Brian said it implies women wear evening gowns which I usually interpret as floor length. I would just call and ask so you don't get there and either feel underdressed or see other men in suits while you rented a tux.

I would say he needs a tux and you probably need to find a full length dress.

Tuxedo for sure. It is always best to wear a tuxedo even if the invitation says "optional" or "requested." You can never be over dressed but you can be under dressed.

Just ask you dont want him to be the only one dressed as the waiters either. I find ppl are dressing down so I'm always overdressed

Yeah I think I'm just going to text my friend and ask if tuxes are required. If they are I would assume I have to have a floor-length dress and if not then my cocktail dress should be fine.

Black tie mean tux's and a floor length dress. And texting to ask is always a great idea.

Rosa, you're exactly right! You'd THINK that at ANY wedding, at the very least guys would wear a nice suit. But these days, it's not uncommon to see guests in blue jeans...even at the "high end" weddings. So even at a "black tie" wedding, I'd be surprised if one got a 100% turnout of men in tuxes. It would be really nice, however!

Just like a nice suit, all guys should consider buying themselves a "basic" tux...they're not necessarily all that expensive. When I see a mature (usually older) gentleman in a tux at a wedding, who's not in the bridal party, it just oozes CLASS. It makes you think,"ooh...I wonder who THAT guy is???" LOL For all I know, he could be a factory worker making minimum wage! And of course, these guys are ALWAYS with some gorgeous woman in a beautiful gown...which likewise...doesn't have to be too expensive.

You put even the most reluctant/casual guy (me included) in a tux, and he feels like Frank Sinatra for the evening!

Good luck!!

@Rusty, thanks for the male POV. It is totally accurate. Nothing is sexier than a man in a tux.

I would call and find out.

While that would traditionally mean guys in tuxes, women in evening gowns....we live in such a casual world these days, that I would be REALLY surprised if guests actually followed that. Unless, of course the people throwing this are super rich, somehow I see that rule being followed more if the average guests are used to *fancy* parties requiring tuxes.

but call, they bride and groom may have put that on there just so people actually dress more formal in general

If you are close to the bride/groom, call and ask exactly what they expect

I would call and ask. As Bluedaisy states, unless these are people who are super wealthy, or the couple is used to dressing in this manner, I would not expect a wedding to require the guests to come dressed in tuxes and evening gowns. If so, then you will need weigh the additional cost of clothes against going to the wedding AND purchasing a gift.

I don't think there is anything wrong with a very nice suit, but certainly think you need a longer than knee length dress.

But I'd call and ask the couple. They understand most guests won't go rent a tux, but us women look for any excuses we can to go buy a new dress.

@Rusty B - I disagree with the idea that all should consider buying a "basic" tux for their wardrobe. For most of today's societal demands, a properly tailored dark suit (black or dark grey) can cover any occasion that is demanded - and last far longer. Unless a man has a socially demanding calendar of weddings and other "high end" events, he simply will not get much use from a tuxedo. A suit, on the other hand, can be worn to weddings, funerals, social events, and professional engagements. Tuxedos are extremely limiting for the "average" man in today's world. Most sit in closets until their owners can no longer wear them, or until they are so outdated as to be pathetic.

Oh yes... my FS was in a wedding a few weeks ago and dropped nearly 200 on a tux for rental... and he owns a tux!!! but it didnt match 100%... I hate tux rentals.. thats why my wedding will be suits no tuxs...

Ok. just got word from the bride that a dark suit and cocktail dress is ok. She just wanted to let people know that they expect them to be dressed up. Whew.

Ahh...GOOD! I bet your FS is super excited to practice wearing a suit before your big day!