Begin by considering the following when preparing for different occasions:

• the nature of the event you are attending
• the time of the event
• the persons invited
• the etiquette of the country concerned
• any wishes expressed by the person inviting you

It is recommended that you comply with the wishes stated on the invitation card. If you are unsure about the type of dress to wear, it is perfectly acceptable to ask the person sending the invitation.

Weddings

Traditionally the men wear a dark suit, white shirt, pocket handkerchief and a restrained tie. A black evening tailcoat or morning coat is the most formal wear at weddings. If the groom wears tails or if a morning coat is recommended, the best man, groom's father and bride's father are similarly dressed. If guests are expected to wear tails, this is mentioned in the invitation.

The attire of wedding guests usually conforms to that of the wedding couple. It's worth remembering that the wedding couple are the focus of the event. This means that it is improper to attract attention to yourself by how you dress. It is considered unsuitable for female wedding guests to dress entirely in white.

Funerals

At funerals, people respect the memory of the deceased by dressing in black. Whilst etiquette makes no distinction between relatives and others, it is naturally stricter for relatives. The recommended attire for men at funerals is a dark suit, white shirt, black or dark restrained tie. Women attending a funeral should avoid wearing any striking materials, accessories or jewellery. A mourning veil, black hat or scarf may be worn as headwear.

Other family occasions

Christenings, other special days and family occasions are events where guests should respect their hosts by the way they dress. At more formal events such as birthdays where formal congratulations take place, men wear a dark suit and women a two-piece costume, for example.

Dinners

Men wear a dark suit for formal dinners. If the event is a black tie or white tie event, this is usually stated in the invitation. If the invitation mentions a dark suit, this gives ladies an excellent opportunity to dress up in a personal style.