formality

seriousness

Earnest, weighty demeanor

• solemnitySerious, dignified quality
• gravityMutual mass attraction
• dignityInnate personal worth

composure · reserve · staidness · sobriety · sedateness · earnestness · decorum · stiffness · restraint · propriety

manners

Customs of polite conduct

• decorumFitting social conduct
• proprietyCorrectness of conduct
• courtesyRespectful, considerate behavior

protocol · greeting · handshake · introduction · salutation · bowing · curtsy · honorifics · titles · seating

strictness

Inflexibility in enforcement

• inflexibilityQuality of being unbending
• conventionalityAdherence to accepted customs
• rigorStrict, thorough precision

orthodoxy · adherence · regimentation · structure · uniformity · conservatism · starchiness · formalism · precision · exactness

protocol

Prescribed conduct rules

• treatyBinding pact between nations
• summitPeak or diplomatic gathering
• negotiationDiscussion seeking mutual accord

ambassador · consul · consulate · delegation · accreditation · communique · emissary · liaison · memorandum · plenipotentiary

wedding

Marriage rite and feast

• nuptialsVows and rings
• vowsSolemn binding promises
• processionFormal moving line

officiant · altar · aisle · reception · banquet · gown · tuxedo · bouquet · toasts · bridesmaids

refinement

Elegance of manner

• sophisticationCultured elegance and complexity
• polishSmooth by rubbing
• graceEffortless beauty of motion

poise · ballgown · eveningwear · tailcoat · couture · sartorial · dapper · suave · genteel · chic

bureaucracy

Rigid administrative system

• governmentAuthority over a state
• legislationOfficial enactment of statutes
• regulationOfficial rules governing conduct

statute · ordinance · decree · mandate · charter · constitution · jurisdiction · compliance · administration · governance

• vocabularyword, words, new words, term, terms
• social codessocial norms, social norm, unwritten rule, unspoken rule, unspoken rules
• courtroom etiquettestanding, rising, posture, Your Honor, your honor
• language normscorrectness, usage, standard language, proper grammar, prescriptivism
• professional toneclarity, courtesy, tact, diplomacy, discretion
• Victorian etiquettecalling hours, visiting cards, chaperoning, propriety, decorum