Is it proper to have a black-tie event on a Sunday evening?

(Houston, TX)

A friend said Sunday is always "informal," never black-tie. I wanted to have a more formal event and I am not sure what to do.

What would you recommend?


Aug 18, 2011
Can A Sunday Evening Event Be Black-Tie?
by: Kevin (Modern Manners and Etiquette)

In this situation, your friend is correct. Traditionally, Sunday evening events are less formal than those that are done during the week.

So, there are a few options available for you. If you must have a black-tie event, then you would want to select an alternate time of the week to hold the event.

If Sunday is really the best day to do it, you would want to tone down the dress code to match the tradition for Sunday events. Doing a dress code like business casual or something similar would be acceptable for a Sunday.

You can really go either way on this situation. It just depends on whether it is most important to have the event on a Sunday or if it is more important to have a classy dress code.

Good luck with your event!