Royal wedding inivtation: Dress

[Brian K]

OK, I'll demonstrate my ignorance here.

There is a pretty big difference between a morning coat and a lounge suit. Does the invitation imply that either is correct?

Jim,

I don't think you're demonstrating ignorance here. You're simply reflecting the sartorial confusion represented by the invitation.

My guess would be that the protocol officials at Buckingham Palace and the Foreign Office decided on this wording to increase the comfort level of foreign dignitaries attending who hail from countries where daytime formal wear is either unheard of or looked down on for cultural, political or ideological reasons. If the most formal ensemble ever worn in a country is a lounge or business suit then that would be acceptable.

Let's say the Obamas are invited. When was the last time you saw a U.S. President in morning wear, other than the marriage of a daughter? For some reason that eludes me, evening formal wear is considered the right thing to do in the States but should you presume to wear daytime formal wear (i.e. morning dress) you, at worst, appear to have adopted the affections of an effete elite who think they're better than everyone else. At best you seem to look quaint and old-fashioned to some. I'm not sure why people feel this way, but they do.

An example we frequently see along these lines is when the president gives a formal state banquet for a head of state or government of certain countries and we see the President in a tux or white tie and tails and the foreign leader in a business suit. This sartorial schizophrenia is a way of making sure that certain people are comfortable with the best that they have.

I dress quite casually most of the time and, while I own a black suit I do not own, nor have I ever needed, formal wear. I do wish, however, that people wouldn't look askance at formal wear and those who know how, and when, to wear it. There is little enough propriety and elegance in the modern world and we shouldn't squash whatever is left of it.

Regards,

Brian