At semi-formal functions, men can forgo a tie or bow tie, which isn't the case at a black-tie optional wedding. As for women, above-the-knee dresses replace long gowns at semi-formal events.

Reddit forum, a woman explained how she urged her boyfriend to wear a tie to her friend’s wedding. The event had a black-tie dress ... “It’s a bow tie, not a body-disfiguring surgery.