The Blue Mess Uniform is worn year-round for black tie functions and corresponds to a civilian tuxedo. The Blue Evening Mess Uniform is the most formal uniform worn by Army personnel and corresponds to the civilian “white tie and tails.” The following are appropriate occasions for personnel to wear the Army Blue Mess and Blue Evening Mess Uniforms:

• Social functions of a general or official nature, held after retreat.
• All private, formal social functions held after retreat.

In practice, however, Soldiers wear Mess uniforms during very formal afternoon events, such as weddings, especially when the event extends into the evening hours