formal events
Dressy social gatherings
Formal events are occasions requiring elevated dress and behavior—black-tie galas, state dinners, weddings, awards ceremonies.
The designation signals that attendees should wear their finest and observe traditional etiquette.
The invitation specified formal attire.
What counts as formal varies by culture and era, but the underlying idea is ceremonial importance warranting special presentation.
- promHigh school formal dance
- galaFestive formal occasion
- charity galaFormal fundraising social event
- weddingMarriage rite and feast
- state dinnerFormal diplomatic reception meal
red carpet · award ceremony · awards show · trade show · coronation · seminar · ball · military parade · symposium · cocktail parties · inauguration · product launch · graduation · engagement party · religious service · conference · shareholder meeting · swearing-in ceremony
formal eventsbackyard barbecues
house parties · potlucks · kickbacks · keggers · game nights