Why
do we have as dress code? What does Semi Formal mean?
How do you enforce it? These are questions that we
are often asked.
One
of the things that makes Stage West unique is the
fact that we require our customers to “make
an effort” to dress up accordingly for an evening
of dining and entertainment. Stage West is unlike
most restaurants because we are a destination or event
that people choose to attend well in advance. Most
people enjoy the opportunity to put on their best
attire because it seems we don’t often get the
chance to dress up. We want our patrons to feel comfortable
in an atmosphere that helps make it a special occasion
to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, getting together
with someone special, close friends, clients or business
associates. Whatever the reason for attending, it
makes it a more enjoyable experience for everyone.
Semi
Formal attire is much different today than it was
20 years ago when Stage West opened. What was once
a jacket and tie for men and a dress or gown for women
has changed dramatically. Today’s styles and
fashion trends are diverse beyond any singular definition.
The term, however, does still imply that an effort
to dress up from everyday attire is required. What
that entails exactly, is left up to individual tastes.
We have never turned anyone away who could honestly
say they were wearing semi formal attire.
Jeans
are okay as long as they are worn with the appropriate
shirt, jacket, boots, etc. which would be considered
“Western Semi Formal”. Remember if you
are unsure it is always better to dress up than to
dress down.
Our
greatest challenge lies with ensuring that everyone
is made aware of our dress code. We can tell every
single person who purchases tickets but we can not
be sure that the information is passed along to the
other guests attending. Most people who arrive dressed
improperly, were not aware of a dress code and are
usually quite embarrassed. Often these people will
go home to change quickly, some will take advantage
of our wardrobe department and sometimes they are
offended and leave. The one thing we don’t want
to do is make anyone feel badly for what is generally
an honest mistake.
In
an era where clothing is viewed as a statement of
individual style, having a dress code becomes an increasingly
greater challenge, but one we feel is worthwhile and
welcomed by the overwhelming majority of Stage West
patrons.