formal occasions
Black tie affairs
Formal occasions are events requiring ceremonial dress, behavior, or protocol—weddings, state dinners, graduations, funerals.
The phrase distinguishes these from casual gatherings: I only wear a tie on formal occasions.
What counts as formal varies by culture and context; a formal occasion at one workplace might be casual at another.
- award ceremonyFormal recognition gathering
- red carpetCeremonial welcome flooring
- galaFestive formal occasion
- state dinnerFormal diplomatic reception meal
- memorial serviceEvent honoring the deceased
coronation · graduation · christening · Passover seder · board meeting · conference · wedding · military parade · inauguration · masquerade ball · bow tie · evening wear · product launch · engagement party · shareholder meeting · black-tie · cocktail attire · dress code
- etiquettemanners, politeness, etiquette, table manners, courtesy
formality level
formal occasionshangouts
Frequented social venues
backyard barbecues · house parties · kickbacks · potlucks · game nights