Q: What is Black Tie with Miniatures?  (LR, via email)

A: Black tie with miniatures means two things: wear a tuxedo, and, if you have, one can also wear military or civilian order medals (decorations) in miniature. All medals come full size and in miniature, and it's these miniatures that your query refers to.  In Canada and the U.S., black tie (dinner jackets) is the norm for formal events, and these events, announced 'with miniatures', allows for the wearing of your medals.  FYI, in the UK, and Europe, white tie (evening wear) is considered ‘formal' and normally one would only wear medals and orders (decorations) when the invitation calls for white tie, and of course, the miniatures themselves. Oh, and so not to appear gauche, a maximum of 6 medals should be worn.