Quote Originally Posted by Spartan Tartan View Post
It seems that "Black and White tie (optional)" would mean black tie...
That would be my call too,

I go to a big "formal" event for one of my wife's clubs every year, it's event is supposed to be Black-Tie, but I'd bet almost half of the men there were in business suits, half of them not even in dark ones!

They are ambiguous in the way they word the invites too. They do not actually list a dress code, but use the terms "formal" and "black-tie event" in the body of the invitation. If folks ask, they tell them "black tie optional", which just means wear whatever! I asked an organizer about it once, and they're concerned that "people might not come" if it was 'black-tie required' and they were too rigid etc...

I go to a big formal Marti Gras ball every year that is black tie required, they actually tell you in the invite that you will be turned away if not in formal wear, and they include a discount coupon to a local tux rental place with the invitations. I like that, seeing everyone dressed up really gives the party a sense of occasion.