For men, dressing up for a wedding is often difficult. There are many options for ladies, but men will have to stick with suits. The good news is that suits have improved over time so you can find the perfect suit for any type of wedding event.
You don’t want to be overdressed. You don’t want your appearance to be too casual. What does this leave us? Below is a guide to help you understand this.
When choosing what to wear, it is important to consider the theme of your wedding. The dress code will be determined by the wedding’s theme.
Let’s face the facts, if you are having a wedding on a hot beach, you won’t want to wear a full suit, shirt, and tie. You will want something lighter, like brushed cotton or linen, and to really dress down the look.
It is important to know in advance what type of wedding you are attending and what dress code they prefer. It’s not a good idea to wear something you don’t need at a wedding.
A suit is the most important piece of clothing you can wear as a wedding guest. It is the first thing to consider and the most important. It’s important to keep the suit simple, but elegant, and build your rest of the look around it. What are your options?
White Tie
This dress code is the most formal for a wedding. A tuxedo must be worn with tails, a white waistcoat and bow tie, as well as black shoes. White gloves are also acceptable.
Black Tie
This is usually for evening weddings that take place after 5:00pm. This is a lower level than the White Tie. You will need to wear a tuxedo and black leather shoes. You might wear a white dinner jacket to weddings in the summer.
Pro tip;If the dress code has been indicated,Black tie can be formal or optional.This means you can choose to wear a tuxedo, dark suit, and tie.
Cocktail Wear
Cocktail attire is somewhere between a formal black tie and the more casual business suit. This requires a dark suit (probably charcoal or navy) and a tie. A separates suit can sometimes work, as long as it looks chic. For some ceremonies, dark jeans may be acceptable paired with a jacket. If you’re not sure, avoid jeans.
Morning Suit
A traditional or royal wedding is defined by the dress code. For weddings that begin before 4:00pm, the dress code must be followed. You will need a black or gray tailcoat, waistcoat, striped trousers and collar shirt. Black shoes are also required.
Smart Casual
It is a formal look that can be worn casually. This is the most popular dress code. It can be stressful, however, as there aren’t any rules about how to wear it. It’s not super smart, but it is a way to look classy and elegant without having to follow all the formal rules.
You can combine a simple suit with a colorful shirt, stylish cufflinks, and a pocket square. A tie is not required, but you can wear a colorful one if you wish. You can finish the look by adding loafers or brogues.
Casual
A casual outfit is appropriate for an informal wedding. You won’t be asked to wear jeans and a T-shirt, but you can dress casually in chino trousers, dress, or suit trousers with a button down shirt and brown shoes. You can wear loafers, boat shoes, or brogues with the shoes.
Wedding at the Beach
You should dress casually for beach weddings. Although a beach environment can be casual, it is important to dress appropriately. Attention to detail is essential.
If the dress code is Beach formal, It may be necessary to wear a summer suit without a tie. A button down shirt and linen trousers will work. For a slew of other items, the latter is also acceptable. Beach Casual – or you can do a polo shirt. Shorts should be avoided unless indicated. You can also roll your pants into shorts if you feel the need.
If you are told to avoid white. Choose pastels, beige, and lighter shades than khaki or tanning.
There are many options when it comes to shoes. You can wear flip-flops, slides or go barefoot if that is what you’re allowed. Boat shoes, loafers and sneakers are all acceptable options too.
Winter/Summer Wedding
These dress codes are applicable to both winter and summer weddings. Material is the only thing that will make a difference in what you wear to either. Winter temperatures can change rapidly and you could find yourself in the freezing cold if your plan is not made properly.
You should choose heavier suit materials for a winter wedding. Avoid cotton and linen, and opt for tweed, wool and flannel instead.
You can choose full lining, double-breasted, or a three-piece option for extra warmth. An overcoat is also necessary as you will likely spend a lot of time in it especially in the outdoor photos sections. You can choose from brown, black, or charcoal colours that look great over any suit.
Summer weddings will use lightweight fabrics like cotton, linen and cashmere or a very light wool. You may also wear a partly lined jacket.
How to Choose a Shirt
You should consider the type of wedding ceremony and the dress code before you decide on the shirt. Whites, pastels and light blues are good choices for a formal wedding. They don’t need to be boring or plain. Choose textured, high-quality materials such as herringbone or weave and avoid plains like poplin or poly.
You can mix and match colors and patterns for a casual event, but keep it simple. Good quality whites are the best choice if you’re unsure what to wear.
Do You Need Cufflinks?
Cufflinks are a great way to add some style to your look. Cufflinks are most commonly worn with black tie and white tie outfits. However, you can combine them with any other outfits. Cufflinks are great for weddings, even if you don’t usually wear them to work.
What about a pocket square?
The pocket square adds an interesting finishing touch to your outfit. It is up to you to decide whether you want to match it or not with your suit, shirt, or tie. It is a small part of your overall look and allows you to experiment.
Choosing A Tie
A tie is not required for some weddings. However, it’s recommended that you choose a tie that’s at least a half-inch thinner than a usual work tie, but that it still remains modest. A grey suit can be paired with a pale or floral tie, while a navy suit would suit brighter and more bolder ties. Casual dress codes allow for more colors, patterns, and checks provided you don’t clash with other colours or use bold colours that draw attention. Remember it’s not your day!
Tips For A Perfect Suit Experience
These are some of the most important, but often overlooked rules regarding wearing suits:
- Make sure your suit fits properly.
- You should remove the stitching from the pockets and vents as soon as you bring your suit home.
- Your belt should match your shoes, or any other leather you may be wearing. Your watch for example.
- Never fasten the bottom button on your coat and make sure you unbutton your suit when you sit down.
- Your shirt sleeves should reach your wrist, and your shirt cuffs should be half an inch longer that your coat sleeves.
- Do not use excessive accessories. If you already own a tie and a square, adding additional accessories such as a scarf, lapel pin, or tie bar is too much.
- Your look will not be flattering if you have bulging pockets, so don’t take too much with you.
- Buy a shirt that is easy to button and not too tight.
Take Away
If someone invites guests to their wedding, you should make every effort to look nice. However, this doesn’t mean you should be the center of attention. All attention should be directed towards the bride or groom.
If a dress code is required, you should adhere to it. You can ask the couple about their dress code or use clues like the time of day, the season and the location to find out what they are wearing.
If you are left on your own… You should choose a dark suit in charcoal, navy or navy with ties. Avoid casual clothing like shorts, tees, sandals, and jeans at all costs.