Occasion · Evening
Gala
Student gala or corporate gala: the invitation says black tie or white tie. And around it, the etiquette, from the formal invitation to the corsage.
At a glance
On the invitation
Black tie or white tie
Black tie
Tuxedo
White tie
Tailcoat
Corsage
Worn on the left, arranged by the host
Never
Watch: good company knows no time
Dancing
A slight bow when asking
The formality ladder
The outfit, piece by piece
What to wear, why, and where to find it.
- 01
Tuxedo (black tie)
If the invitation says black tie, wear a tuxedo with a white dress shirt and a black bow tie.
Shop tuxedos - 02
Tailcoat (white tie)
For white tie: the tailcoat with a white piqué waistcoat and a white bow tie. A tuxedo will not suffice.
Shop tailcoats - 03
Bow tie & pocket square
Black with a tuxedo, white with a tailcoat. Ideally self-tied.
Shop bow ties
Do
- Ask your date according to etiquette: the blue letter
- Match your corsage to the colour of the dress
- Wear the corsage on the left
- Let the lady go first, except on the stairs
Don't
- Watch
- Just a regular suit if the dress code is black tie
- Ask another lady for the next dance
The complete etiquette
All the rules, background and exceptions at a glance.
An elegant celebration where everyone arrives in formal attire. Style, tradition and etiquette come together here.
An elegant celebration where everyone arrives in formal attire: that is, of course, a gala. This type of event is particularly popular among student associations. When you attend such an event, there are clear rules you must follow.
Gala etiquette consists partly of unwritten rules. For this very reason, it is important to know how things should be done, so you don't commit a faux pas.
Galas revolve around etiquette and classical rules.
Black tie or white tie determines your outfit.
Small rules make the difference.
Before the gala
Unlike many other celebrations, gala etiquette begins before the event itself. It is customary for the gentleman to ask the lady, unless it is a leap year.
How to ask for a date
You don't simply invite a date. According to etiquette, the gentleman writes a blue letter and receives a reply via a pink letter. This is followed by a meeting where the answer becomes clear.
- Tea only → no
- Tea + biscuit → as friends
- Tea + pastry → perhaps
- Pastry + whipped cream → yes
Coordinating colours
During the date, the lady lets the gentleman know which colour dress she will wear. The gentleman coordinates his corsage accordingly.
The right gala attire
At a gala, strict dress codes apply. The invitation usually specifies whether it is black tie or white tie.
- Black tie → dinner jacket
- White tie → tailcoat
Ladies typically wear a long formal gown with pumps. The dress should fall to the heel.
Corsage etiquette
The corsage is arranged by the host and is worn on the left. The lady wears it upside down.
Choose a classic flower corsage for an authentic look.
Other gala etiquette
- Do not wear a watch
- Let the lady go first (except on the stairs)
- Make a slight bow when asking for a dance
- Wait a moment before asking another lady to dance
Prefer personal advice?
In doubt? Our stylists know every dress code.