While agree with all the above sentiments, I have to say that in practice things often deviate from the ideal.

I know from my own observations that there is a vast amount of difference between the Lord Lieutenant's Reception (Governor's Reception) and a company's annual event. Both are promoted as black tie.

In the first instance the Lord Lieutenant of the County invites the Great and the Good, the movers and shakers, those being honoured for good works and those being rewarded for faithful service. A true formal event.

The second event is also black tie, but is to reward the suppliers and thank the customers, to give the staff a little perk, to forge a few links and all round get a little business done. At my last company the guest speaker was Gyles Brandreth MP and one of the guests was the regional director for UPS who wore a matching bow tie and cummerbund - in brown silk with gold stitching. There was also a couple of serving officers in civilian mess dress - regimental coloured bow tie and cummerbund. Did they look out of place - No.

Was the event any less formal? I don't think it was - just a different kind of formal.

A black on black patterned bow tie looks just as good as a grosgrain black stripe on black stripe and a watersilk black on black.

Choose your events - if you are not meeting the Governor, wear it.

Regards

Chas