DEAR ABBY: I am invited to a "black-tie" evening wedding this month, so please answer this ASAP. What exactly is black-tie wear for men and women? Is there a difference between "formal" and "black tie"? -- NEEDS TO KNOW IN SANDPOINT, IDAHO
DEAR NEEDS TO KNOW: There is no difference between "formal" and "black tie." It means the men should wear tuxedos, and the women should wear long dresses or dressy cocktail attire.