Dressing For a Private Event

[RupertB]

I've done my share of corporate / fancy gigs but never heard this one.

When we inquired about dress, the response was "Dress for the function is cocktail" & "black-tie optional". They said that they don't expect us to wear tuxes (thank goodness).

I honestly have no idea what "dress is cocktail" means. I'm guessing that slacks, an oxford shirt and tie would be sufficient. Maybe have a blazer in the car just in case. :idk:

Can someone enlighten me?

[slight-return]

Well, "Black tie optional" is a dilution that confuses the guests and makes for (exactly what you are feeling) confusion and some discomfort as you are really blending two levels of dress

in short I personally find that "optional" does a disservice to the event and the guests

Strictly speaking, your min at this is going to be a suit (not a blazer or sportscoat, but a suit) and, as staff, you want to err toward the higher dress -- and I think that's pretty safe here. Though with "optional" your host may be kind of 'new school' and may not have a handle on what they are really asking as far as dress

[musicmanmu]

I concur. Wear a suit if you have one. You can always take off the jacket and tie if possible.

[RupertB]

Thanks for the clarification.

I have a suit. It is nondescript, but passable.

[Kramerguy]

Pirate shirts. Always pirate shirts. The more frilly, the better. Like this:

http://media.comicvine.com/uploads/2/27037/504486-_dave_chappelle_as_prince1_super.jpg

[RupertB]

"But I don't wanna be a pirate." :(

[chevybusa]

+1 for wearing a suit

[ski219]

Yeah, I've been to black tie optional affairs and it means if you aren't gonna wear a tux you should be wearing a suit and tie. "Cocktail" I think refers to the ladies meaning cocktail dress, meaning dressing up as if for a wedding, basically one stop short of a gown. "Oh my my oh hell yes mama put on that party dress..."

[slight-return]

Quick note : a wetsuit is acceptable as long as your fins are black

[RupertB]

Quick note : a wetsuit is acceptable as long as your fins are black
Does my codpiece have to be black as well? :confused:

[slight-return]

Does my codpiece have to be black as well? :confused:

they are generally the "cufflinks" of that sort of outfit, where you have some latitude WITHIN REASON

a trad silver or gold is acceptable - a traditional Pewter always adds a touch of oldworld class

I would stay away from gimmicky things like carbon fibre weave or anodized aluminum colors

Remember - Shiny = good // mirror finish = bad

the ole "I can see your face in my codpiece" is just plain boorish

[SpaceNorman]

When we're faced with an ambiguous "dress-up" dress code - we take the easy route and go the tux route.

If it's a legit "black tie" event - everybody is in tuxes which is fine. If the dress code is specific enough to mean suits and not sport coats - then there's nothing the band can do to look like the band and not be lost in the sea of suit clad accountants, doctors and lawyers that attend these affairs. Going the tux route gives the band an air of sophistication and distinguishes it from the rest of the guests. No brainer.

As far as loosing the jack is concerned - that's ALWAYS high on my list - even on the real tux gigs. I'll start the set in the jacket - but always lose it a song or two into the set. When I'm tuxin' - I wear a bowtie and vest. Losing the jacket and playing in shirtsleeves and vest has never been an issue.

[faileddrummer]

they are generally the "cufflinks" of that sort of outfit, where you have some latitude WITHIN REASON

a trad silver or gold is acceptable - a traditional Pewter always adds a touch of oldworld class

I would stay away from gimmicky things like carbon fibre weave or anodized aluminum colors

Remember - Shiny = good // mirror finish = bad

the ole "I can see your face in my codpiece" is just plain boorish

:thu: LOL :facepalm:

[summit111]

My Brothers,

When in doubt, dress in black. Sometimes I play in a musical theatre jazz group, and the producers require all black clothes. Some of us wear different jackets, slacks, and shirts, but all is black.

This also works for weddings, corporate functions, etc., and we don't have to wear tux's.

[faileddrummer]

My Brothers,

When in doubt, dress in black. Sometimes I play in a musical theatre jazz group, and the producers require all black clothes. Some of us wear different jackets, slacks, and shirts, but all is black.

This also works for weddings, corporate functions, etc., and we don't have to wear tux's.

I was always told bright pink was an acceptable substitute. :thu:

[cooterbrown]

We've never been asked to wear a tux, even at the swankiest ballroom events. If we ever are asked to, there is a rider in our performance agreement stating that we are to be compensated for rental (maybe that's why we've never been asked to wear them ;) ).
When the dress is formal, we tell the prospective employer that the band will dress in all-black ... collared shirts, black pants, shined shoes, and that we can wear ties, if necessary. Singer wears a black dressy outfit with white accents. Nobody has ever shot that down.
If it's "business-casual", we will take some liberties, like maybe black Dockers, or a short-sleeve collared shirt if we're outside and it's warm.
The next step down is "golf casual", then just plain old "casual", but we still will leave the jeans and t-shirts at home, for those.
We always look nice for the privates, corporates, and receptions.

[fenderbender66]

When we're faced with an ambiguous "dress-up" dress code - we take the easy route and go the tux route.

If it's a legit "black tie" event - everybody is in tuxes which is fine. If the dress code is specific enough to mean suits and not sport coats - then there's nothing the band can do to look like the band and not be lost in the sea of suit clad accountants, doctors and lawyers that attend these affairs. Going the tux route gives the band an air of sophistication and distinguishes it from the rest of the guests. No brainer.

I've never played one, and most likely never will, but I would go ^^this^^ route. Can't go wrong with that advice. (Bold emphasis mine).

[RupertB]

Thanks for all the input. We went with suits, which IMO was the right choice. I saw a few black suits but no real tuxes.

One small hitch...
We arrived at the gig and were informed that there was a change in plan; we would be playing outside (previous assurances to the contrary not withstanding). :facepalm:

It wasn't that bad, but we were pretty well soaked by the end of the gig. On the plus side, we gave out a bunch of cards, got lots of complements, and were told by the facility GM "we're going to have a lot more of these events and I want you guys to play every one of them." :thu:

[LightingPimp]

curious i am from Raleigh where was this ? what do you play ? I am going to be in the area after we take a break around july 4th visiting old friends playing anywhere for about 10 days or after that ?

[BlueStrat]

I honestly have no idea what "dress is cocktail" means.Why, it means the band wears cocktail dresses! Duh!

http://www.formality.com.au/images/7823L_f.jpg


:lol:


:facepalm:


:wave:

[RupertB]

curious i am from Raleigh where was this ? what do you play ? I am going to be in the area after we take a break around july 4th visiting old friends playing anywhere for about 10 days or after that ?

It was at Lifetime Fitness in Regency Park, Cary. The function was the inaugural gala for Nancy Cooper's Butterfly fund, benefitting battered & abused women.

This was a duo gig & we played a variety of pop-rock covers: Eagles, James Taylor, Beatles, etc.

After the July 4th weekend, our next dates are:
Fri 7/24 at Peak City Grill, 126 Salem St, Apex NC 7:30 – 10:30
Fri 7/31 at Mac’s Tavern, 1014 Ryan Road, Cary NC 8:30-12:30

[srsfallriver]

When we're faced with an ambiguous "dress-up" dress code - we take the easy route and go the tux route.

If it's a legit "black tie" event - everybody is in tuxes which is fine. If the dress code is specific enough to mean suits and not sport coats - then there's nothing the band can do to look like the band and not be lost in the sea of suit clad accountants, doctors and lawyers that attend these affairs. Going the tux route gives the band an air of sophistication and distinguishes it from the rest of the guests. No brainer.

As far as loosing the jack is concerned - that's ALWAYS high on my list - even on the real tux gigs. I'll start the set in the jacket - but always lose it a song or two into the set. When I'm tuxin' - I wear a bowtie and vest. Losing the jacket and playing in shirtsleeves and vest has never been an issue.

+100 I always like to be better dressed than most in the room, at least when the gig starts. I loosen up as the night goes on.