Are tuxes appropriate for a daytime wedding if the reception is after 6pm?

Dear Polite One,

Our wedding is at 4pm with an evening reception after 6pm. Both events will be very formal. Since the times require different attire, we are confused about appropriate attire for the men.

I was considering tuxedos during the daytime since the reception is in the evening. But the reception is very formal so I'm considering white tie and tailcoats. Is this appropriate?

Formally confused

Dear Formally Confused,

Unfortunately, tuxes are formal evening attire, not to be worn during the day, even if many do it anyway. If you wish to follow the traditional road, the men should wear cutaway coats, gray striped trousers, and waistcoats for the daytime wedding and full-dress tailcoats with matching trousers, white waistcoats, and bow ties for the evening. However, because the wedding is during the day, they can wear the cutaways for the entire event.

The one issue here that I find problematic though is that there is a sizable gap between the wedding and the reception. It isn't polite to keep guests waiting this long. Still, if the wedding is about an hour long, you shouldn’t have any issues.

Sincerely,

The Polite One

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