When a man should wear a tie

Weirdly enough, this is a question that I have been asked many times. When it comes to ties, we all have doubts about when or where one is a necessary part of a man’s ensemble. I personally don’t wear a tie often. I tend to use suits (double breasted or three piece suits) without a tie. I like to keep my look classy but approachable and less formal. There are, however, situations in which it is pretty much mandatory that a gentleman wear a tie unless specified otherwise on the invitation.

Weddings:

Weddings are becoming more casual, but unless the invitation specifies a certain type of dress, a man should always wear a suit and tie, at least for the ceremony. You are a guest at an important event in the lives of two people. Because the bride and groom will have pictures of the day and of those attending for the rest of their marriage, respect for them includes appropriate dress. 

Funerals:

A funeral is an earnest affair. You are honoring the passing of a person who was loved by you or someone close to you. Attire should be appropriate for a solemn occasion. A black or dark blue suit with a white shirt and a black or dark blue tie and minimal accessories is correct dress.The only exception would be if the family requests a certain type of dress as a wish of the deceased person.

Business/Corporate events:

Unless you work for a modern tech company where very casual dress is acceptable, always wear a suit and at least carry a tie in your pocket to a corporate event so that you can put the tie on should you find that everyone else is wearing them. If you are the business owner, you will set the standard for what is acceptable, so you can choose to wear the tie or not, but if you are an employee, you should always aim to dress as formally or as casually as your superior within the corporate structure.

A job interview, a club membership reception or the like:

If you can, inquire in advance as to whether a tie is expected. You are in a situation where you are trying to make the best possible impression. Usually one should dress less casually, and a tie would be appropriate, but if you are unsure, at least take a tie with you in your pocket so that you can put it on if you find everyone else wearing them.

My suggestion is to always keep a tie available for any situation you are about to be in where you are uncertain if would be the best choice to wear one or not