ah, very nice. thanks for the help. i dont have a whole lot of money to spend, so i'm trying to "fudge it" as respectfully and tastefully as possible. i'm probably going to go with one of those eton waiter jackets that dont go past the hips. i've heard they look decent. oh, and when do you wear a necktie as opposed to a bowtie? is there a rule for this? thanks again.