Semi-formal Attire Required

We are going to a wedding next month for a good friend of my sister's. When the invitation came in the mail, I noticed that the fine print at the bottom read "semi-formal attire". Hmmmm...what exactly does that mean? I think I know what it means for me, (I'll have to wrestle myself in to a pair of pantyhose...maybe), but what about Rob? A tie? A coat and tie? A suit? A tux? If I didn't know, I was certain Rob didn't.

Praise God for Google. After searching, "what is semi-formal attire for men?", Wiki.answers.com told me that:

"For men, semi-formal attire means wearing a full suit, with vest optional. A tie, either bow or straight, should be worn, and the shirt should be a simple button down. Suit fabric choices are primarily wool gabardine or cashmere. However, a wool blend will do. Linen or seersucker suits are not formal enough for semi-formal attire. Dress shoes like oxfords are worn. It is not necessary to wear a tuxedo, and one might be considered a bit overdressed for a semi-formal event showing up in a tux."

You can be sure Rob has never owned such garments. Men's Wearhouse here we come!

Rob was a pretty good sport about the whole thing. We went big and got the shoes, socks, belt, two shirts and even the "suit preservation kit" (I know...suckers!). Rob would have much preferred a new one of these suits...


But instead he got this...

Doesn't he look handsome?