What does "cocktail attire" mean?

[boolerboy]

My wife and I have been invited to a wedding. The invitation says "cocktail attire". Black tie or White tie are not mentioned. Its easy for the wife. She's going with a black dress. But what am I supposed to wear? What counts as cocktail attire for men? And do my clothes have to in any way match or complement my wife's? The wedding is in a church and is in the afternoon.

Thanks.

 

[ZaneNBK]

I think that just means you should have several cocktails and then pick what you want to wear after they kick in.

 

[Ameesh]

id say slacks and a sports coat, no tie

 

[Ameesh]

google works, use it.

 

[Farfrael]

shhhh at Ameesh (in all due respect )
"id say slacks and a sports coat, no tie" ....No Way !!

wedding in a church => tie + nice suit

and "Of course"your clothes have to match your wife's clothes. Wouldn't want her to be ashamed of you, would you ?

Anyway, better to wear a tie and if you find nobody is wearing one, just get rid of it than the opposite.

Have fun !!

edit : language

 

[kassy]

From About.com

Q. If an invitation states "Cocktail Attire," does the man wear a tux or a dark suit? I assume the woman wears any dressy ensemble she looks "great" in. Your input on this subject would be greatly appreciated.

A. Cocktail attire technically means a suit for men, and a cocktail dress for women, which usually means a short dress (preferably not career wear). I prefer a little black dress -- and depending how formal you think the event is, you can glam it up with accessories. Of course you have lots of leniency in what you wear -- a dressy pantsuit, a lovely skirt and top, etc. Everyone interprets the meaning of dress requests differently.

 

[vi edit]

Isn't it dockers that has "The Answer to the Little Black Dress?"

 

[cipher00]

Something waterproof, for when you spill beer?

j/k. Suit up and have at it.

 

[glen]

If it is in the evening in the South, wear a Tuxedo.
If you live in the North, a Tuxedo is prefered, but not required.
If you live out West, shorts and a Hawian shirt will be fine.

 

[boolerboy]

Thanks for the feedback, people.

I'll probably go with a suite. But what about the suite's color? I didn't go to finishing school, but I've always been taught that one must wear light colors for afternoon events, and dark colors for evening events.

Maybe I'll just try out my 3 year old black suite and wear that if it fits. Hopefully I won't look like I'm going to a funeral!