[gmku]

I don't think it means formal. Black tie means formal.

From what I understand, this is kind of a southern thing, especially in the African American community, to state colors you wear to a party in the invitation. According to a black friend of ours, we're simply supposed to wear attire of black and white.

Anyway, this is the average husband of a casual business acquaintance fellow wage-earner of my wife's, and we both don't really give a fuck. It's not like we're going to a gala at the governor's mansion. Wife says if it is formal she's not going that route and we'll show up in our informal rags and they'll just have to deal with it.

But seriously, I don't think it's formal. It's a surprise party. How you gonna get the guest of honor dressed formally and still surprise him?