Wedding Attire for Men: Dresscode, Outfits & Tips
Are you frantically typing, “what should I wear to a wedding” on Google as we speak? For many men, a friend’s wedding (or their own) is the very first time they have to consider ‘real’ men’s clothing. Maybe that band t-shirt and ratty pair of Levi’s have been perfect for you to date. Or perhaps you have a working wardrobe, but it’s mostly a few shirts and those pants you bought quickly at the mall. That’s not going to cut it for a wedding! So how do you even start to track down the right look? What do men wear to weddings? Luckily for you, the expert team from Oliver Wicks is here to rescue you.
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Today we’ll be looking at all things wedding, no matter the dress code. We will walk you through it all, from beach wedding attire for men to interpreting black tie. You’ll learn how to make what you pick look great, even if you are new to suits. We’ll look at accessorizing and how to walk the balance between respectful attire and showing up at the wedding party. And we’ll even give you some hints on color and style! Ready to get going? Let’s dive in.
Let’s start with the broad question. What do men wear to a wedding? It’s a question rather like the old one about the length of a piece of string. It’s not clear enough! Before you decide on your outfit for a wedding reception, you’re going to need some more details, namely:
What changes in a wedding outfit for men if you’re the groom versus the guest, the Best Man, or the father?
This one is pretty easy, honestly. The groom should always be the dressiest man in the room. That’s not so obvious in black tie, because every man will be dressed very similarly, but it becomes more and more important for a less formal wedding. If you’re the groom, chances are you’re not going to step down from at least a suit – it is your wedding day after all! Only certain, very relaxed settings, like the beach, will allow for less. If you’re struggling to gauge your best outfit for the day, look to your bride’s dress for some pointers. If she’s in a full formal ball gown, you don’t want to be lax. If she’s keeping it very simple, you can step down a few notches of formality.
As a guest, you have to balance looking smart without upstaging the happy couple. In more relaxed dress codes, it’s great to show some personality and style, but don’t turn into that guy… the peacock who wants the attention on him.
The Best Man doesn’t have to be wildly different from other groomsmen, but do remember this is a position of honor. Look smart! Keep your tie on until after speeches, unless it’s a very informal event.
If you’re one of the fathers, you have the best of all worlds. A little prestige and no responsibility! Well, one. It is your kid’s day, after all. Let them have it. Don’t be that cranky old guy refusing to dress ‘different’ or wear a specific color, even if you hate it. Offbeat weddings and unusual weddings are more normal today than they once were. Don’t bring an office suit and refuse to buy something special. Remember your wedding day, and how important it was. Jump into the spirit, break out your best suit, and celebrate the milestone your child is crossing with grace and decorum.
When you clear all of the information mentioned above, you’ll be in a better place to play this game of “What to wear to a wedding: Man Edition.” If you’re already a savvy suit wearer, feel free to skip the next bit, as you probably know it all. But if you’re new to the suit world, let’s dive into a few basics you should know by default.
No two men have cookie-cutter builds. So cookie-cutter suits rarely fit well. If you want your suit to look good on you, don’t go for the nearest thing you can physically squeeze into and call it a day. This is where made-to-measure from the Oliver Wicks team rally is the best choice.
We know shopping can be frustrating but look at it as an adventure in discovering the suave man waiting inside. And it all starts with good measurements. The Oliver Wicks team has put together a detailed measurement and fit guide to help you get everything perfect, so why not take a look? When you receive your suit, a tailor can always make the final adjustments to ensure you look magnificent in it, but the better the initial fit, the smoother you will look.
If you were assuming we were just going to toss a white shirt and a dark suit on you and call it a day, think again! That combo screams ‘undertaker’, not a wedding! If you just rolled your eyes reading that, hang in there! If you’re very into looking your best, you probably already know how matching the colors you pick up to your skin tone, eyes, and hair color can matter.
What makes you decide between this shirt color and that one, for example? It’s often because we know we look better in certain shades. Subconsciously, you could already gravitate towards particular looks because they work better for you. And for wedding attire, you don’t always have a lot of choices, especially if there’s a dress code. However, it pays off to know how to choose colors for you, not just in general. We find this article on pairing color to skin tone rather useful. If you want to dive deep, remember that you can also play looks up or down by choosing shades to complement or contrast hair and eye colors.
And we don’t mean at the open bar! The very last thing (we promise) that you need to consider is your comfort zone. If you’re fashion-forward and love it, then you probably already have a double-breasted suit with all the bells and whistles planned out in your head. Or you will once you figure out what a double-breasted suit is! If you’re already wincing in pain at the idea of wearing a suit, however, there’s no need to go overboard. Unless you’re the groom, no one will look at you in microscopic detail. Even if you are the groom, don’t panic! Folks will remember your overall vibe, not the intricacies of what you chose to wear. So if you can feel comfortable and confident in a basic suit that fits the occasion and dress code, go for it. The idea is to look smart and respectful, not indulge your inner avant-garde fashion lover.
Armed with these basics, it’s time to dig deeper into wedding dress codes.
The bride, groom, or wedding planner has given you the dress code. Now what? Let’s dig in.
Black tie wedding guest dress, for men at least, couldn’t be simpler. In fact, it’s very restrictive. You don’t get much room for personal taste at all. You will wear a tuxedo or a ‘tropical dinner jacket,’ an ensemble of a crisp ivory dinner jacket, and fancy black pants. That’s it – and you need to make sure the season and weather, and venue all work before opting for tropical black tie. Plus, it’s sometimes viewed as a faux pas, as it should be reserved for the wedding party only, at least traditionally. So a tux is a safer bet. There are a few style options for tuxedos, and you can add personal touches, but you’re not going to show much personality.
This is the sort of dress code that comes with night receptions, big formal wedding receptions at venues like ballrooms and hotels, and a large wedding ceremony in a traditional venue like a church or synagogue, or with an entire mandap, or the relevant equivalent for the couple. Oh, by the way, there’s one dress code higher than this – white-tie. Unless you move in some glitterati-filled circles, you’re unlikely to hit that one, but good to know, right?
Wear a black or midnight blue tuxedo. If there’s any reason to avoid those colors, pick another dark color. Use dress shoes – think black patent leather or velvet oxfords. You need a collared white dress shirt, preferably a proper tuxedo shirt. You can spice up the look with a white or black bowtie, lapel pins, or tuxedo studs, but you don’t have a lot of room for individuality.
By the way, a formal wedding is a dress code, not merely a description. A tux is still a fantastic choice here, but it’s a little bit less formal than a black-tie event. It’s also the best bet for what men should wear to a wedding with no stated dress code. Tuxedos are optional, but they will expect a full formal suit at the very least. Not sure if it’s formal? If the women are still planning on long dresses, assume it’s formal.
A wide variety of weddings could be formal, but they typically lean towards traditional. It’s unlikely you’ll find an offbeat bride or quirky couple throwing a full formal wedding (but again, rather check than assume). Think receptions in the early evening or late afternoon and formal settings like hotels, halls, and ‘wedding venues.’ The ceremony is probably indoors and probably in a traditional chapel-like venue too.
Pick a dark, but not black, suit. 2-piece is ok, but a 3-piece is very suitable too. Charcoal, navy, gray, and midnight blue are fantastic. Use a collared dress shirt. White shirts are a safe choice. You can use colors, textures, and patterns, however. Pinstripe, or a lovely pastel, can add some personality. You can wear a bow tie or choose a smart necktie. No novelty ones, though!
Finally, we reach a wedding dress code for men with some individuality. Cocktail or semi-formal weddings are still sleek and chic events, probably in the evening, and a loosened necktie isn’t going to get you the side-eye from the old ladies! The ladies can take their dresses up to cocktail level (a little shorter, or with higher splits and heels), and you can have some fun too. It’s still a fancy wedding, although a tux may be a little out of place outside of the wedding party.
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This type of wedding can happen anywhere, but there’s going to be an overall veneer of elegance and probably some nods to tradition. For example, it could be a destination wedding with the chapel in the middle of a game reserve or on the deck of a yacht, but everyone is still wearing heels and sipping cocktails. The ceremony may be traditional or may just be glamorous. Many modern weddings fall in this dress code, but don’t assume!
Wear a suit, still. Or, if you’re confident you can pair it well, suit separates like a smart blazer can be acceptable. Patterns like plaid, pinstripe, or windowpane are also a good option. But they must be tasteful. We’d suggest a navy blazer for evening cocktail events. You can, however, venture into colors like forest green and saturated blues. Wear a matching necktie (no bow tie) to start, but don’t feel bad about loosening it up once the dancing begins. You have more personalization here. Choose sophisticated, muted jewelry, maybe in wood. Crack out the tie bar or pocket square but stay chic. Think ‘Italian billionaire’.
What to wear to a casual wedding as a man is one of the most confusing things out there. You’d think casual wedding attire for men would be easier to quantify than the more formal dress codes, but think again! It’s broad and kind of confusing. You can also underdress and overdress! While overdressing is never disrespectful and far better than underdressing, it can make you feel uncomfortable and gauche. Where and when is the reception? The ceremony? Is the invitation fancy, or did you get a text? Is either part of the couple willing to elaborate on what they want? What is the wedding party wearing? A smart dinner jacket and pants are probably the best bet here, although a more casually styled suit may be the norm, too.
Shelve the suit unless you’re at the wedding party. Opt for a smart-casual blazer for added sophistication, but you can add some pops of color now. You can’t go wrong with a smart chinos and a crisp shirt. Color is acceptable for the shirt, as are patterns. In fact, we encourage you to opt for a bit of color overall. The casual wedding dress code doesn’t need to be dark, and you might look overdressed if you go too dark and sleek.
It’s difficult for men, particularly, to be comfortable in summer heat in standard men’s formalwear. That’s where the idea of ‘summer smart’ wedding dress codes came from. However, that doesn’t mean shorts and a character bowtie are going to be acceptable! As with semi-formal, you can get away with smart chinos, a great shirt, and a blazer (which you can likely shed as the festivities get underway), but don’t treat it like a non-event, either.
The expectation is that you dress to the mood of the event, so a beach wedding will have pale colors and light fabrics, an outdoor event in a formal setting will be a little more structured, and so on. You will want to banish the heavy wool suit and the somber colors for summer smart, and swap the navy for a nice rich blue or gray, but still stick in the confines of a very smart jacket-and-pants, or a light, slightly more playful suit.
It’s not unheard of for the groom to address the guests and joke that it’s now ok for the gents to remove their blazers, but don’t jump the gun if everyone is still wearing them.
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It’s a trap! Go back! Weddings are a big deal. Even if the couple is very chill and laid back, you’re celebrating a symbol of their love, hopes, and dreams with them. They’re pouring at least some money into the day if they’re having a ceremony and reception, and you were important enough to get an invite. There’s gonna be food, drinks, speeches, and dancing. Put the band tee down and do them the favor of looking good for a day.
Maybe they genuinely don’t care if you come in shorts. Shorts are actually acceptable as daytime beach wedding attire for men for a quirky couple, no jokes! Regardless of their casual and laidback invitation, you still gotta look presentable. After all, these pictures will be staying with them for a lifetime, and the photographer isn’t cheap. It’s probably an excellent idea to pick up the phone and ask what they’d like. If they don’t have fixed ideas, sniff around the wedding party. See what they’re wearing, and dial it back a bit. But remember- clean, new, well-styled, well-fitting even if it’s a casual blazer and shorts!
As we mentioned, it is far better to ask for guidance here. Much of what we said in the casual wedding section will work well unless you discover otherwise. Keep it clean, but don’t be afraid of color.
But wait, there’s more! Although the dress code is the most essential guide for a wedding, seasons have different expectations. After all, no one wants to sweat in a full wool suit at the peak of summer. While you’ll still stay within the basic dress code guidelines we mentioned, let’s look at some seasonal variations.
No matter the wedding dress code, Fall is a tricky season. It can be freezing in the morning and evening but get quite hot during the day. We would suggest considering a mohair suit that will insulate you to stay warm and allow you to breathe. You could wear a waistcoat or vest, so you can take it off as if it gets hot. Unless it’s strictly black tie, let the fall colors creep into your wedding attire for a fall wedding. Terracotta, forest green, ruby red, chocolate brown – it’s a fun palette to play with. If not for your suit, then for your shirt and accessories.
While winter isn’t as cold as it once was, you’ll probably still want to wrap up. Most winter weddings are formal or black tie, so you don’t have that much variation. The good news is that traditional men’s suits are made of wool, making them perfect for the winter weather. Velvet and corduroy touches at the accessories look great and add some texture. Avoid warm colors. They look out of season and strange. Crisp, cool greys are sophisticated, and blue’s always good, but don’t get depressing. If the venue and dress code allow it, sky blue can be refreshing and appropriate, be it the whole suit or on the shirt.
It’s best not to view a Spring wedding the same as a Fall one. The mood and colors are very different. Depending on where you are, the weather may be, too. In fact, some places may already benefit from a lighter fabric for your suit, like linen, to avoid sweating. If the wedding is outdoors, you can already bring in paler colors, like dove grey suits and pastel shirts were appropriate for the dress code. Keep it lighter and more hopeful than Fall, but also gentle and soothing.
Sure, people still throw black-tie weddings in summer, but this really isn’t the season for such stuffiness and formality, especially if the wedding is going to be held outdoors. Summer weddings are different beasts, and the Oliver Wicks team has looked at them in depth just to help. Think thin fabrics, like cotton, seersucker, and linen, accompanied by light colors, and both pastels and brights. Socks and ties seem restrictive, but you’ll have to double-check the dress code. Imagine walking among grapevines on rolling hills at your winery in the Greek Islands. Skip the Panama hat, but bring that same vibe, and you’re sure to fit in and look fantastic.
Cool-weather, late, and indoor events are easy to dress for – a standard wool suit will almost always be a great choice. However, they’re not your only choice for pretty formal weddings. As many weddings head to outdoor venues, and morning or afternoon times, it’s become perfectly acceptable to explore a variety of other men’s suiting fabrics, too. No one enjoys sweating through an event, after all. Here are some other stylish and acceptable suit fabric choices for men’s wedding outfits.
Linen is a cool, breathable, and lighter fabric that is fantastic if you need to look smart in hot weather. It does have a reputation for creasing easily, so bear that in mind, but it’s hardy and will go most places without trouble. Pale pastels look great for outdoorsy and beach weddings, while a smart navy dresses it up enough to even meet formal standards effortlessly.
Try This: Smart Pale Grey Linen Suit
Another example of an Oliver Wicks linen suit is great for daytime and outdoor weddings.
Many sartorial suits use a silk blend in their suits to provide a lighter skin feel (and less sweat), but still keeps a structured, formal look. No one is likely to see the difference between silk-blend and wool unless they know their fabrics, but it can make for extra elegance and more comfort, and will look smart at any function.
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Seersucker is an interesting, underappreciated suiting fabric. Known for its light, breezy aspects and an interesting texture, it’s been associated with Southern eventing in the US. It typically is two-toned, even if only slightly, and you do want to avoid looking like a background extra from Mary Poppins, but it can be an interesting choice with a lot of personality for outdoor weddings. Spring and summer vibes are heavy here.
Chambray is best thought of as ‘fancy denim’ – so handle this one with caution. It’s not a very breathable fabric, either, so it might be best paired with one of our quirkier dress codes. Still, denim of all types is having a hey-day at the moment, and it can make an interesting and stylish addition to a suit-separate outfit in the right hands.
Getting the right wedding outfit for male guests and the wedding party is step one, but no outfit is complete without the right accessories, either.
Black tie is actually very simple in this respect. Everything is very formal and strictly to a code, so you always know what to wear with your tux. Namely, no belt – use suspenders if needed – possibly a cumberband at the waist, a black bow tie (unless colors are allowed), and possibly a pocket square. The shirt will fasten with cufflinks – make them sleek and sophisticated.
For smart and formal weddings, a tie is a must (bow tie for a tux). If you’re in the wedding party (or the groom), this will likely be in the wedding colors. Dads of the couple should probably make a nod to the colors, too.
For everyone else, balance it with your suit and shirt color, and stick to more subdued options. Formal shirts with cufflinks are perfectly acceptable, but a button-up cuff will be too. Match all leather items – especially shoes and your belt – and keep to understated, elegant jewelry. A pocket square is always nice – We like the classic, simple folds over some of the “origami” options that you may come across (a bit too “try hard”, in our opinion). Keep your ties conventionally patterned or plain, but avoid stripes (as they’re heavily associated with business).
For casual weddings, you can relax the strictures a little and show some personality. Don’t go overboard, but an interestingly patterned tie, a lapel pin, and so on can be a nice finishing touch.
If there’s no dress code, or it’s something festive or themed, the world is your oyster – but keep it classy, gents. You don’t want to upstage the happy couple, or be underdressed! Feel free to show some personality while keeping it balanced with your role in the wedding.
Last, but certainly not least, we’ll circle back to something we’ve been mentioning through this guide. Dress codes matters, but so do some other factors:
For evening and cold-weather weddings, you can go beyond navy, but you’ll never go wrong with it. White shirts and dark accessories win out. Typically, a standard wool is your best fabric. For outdoor events, earlier events, or warmer events, breezy colors like taupe, sand, and dove gray become more appropriate – it’s a wedding, not a wake. Pastel shirts, brighter ties, accessories, and other things that match the feel of the season are appropriate.
As a groom, you typically want to lean into the wedding colors. For everyone else, steer away from them, so you don’t look like part of the wedding party – But, do try to choose something that is either neutral or compliments the wedding colors. What you’re trying to avoid is something that clashes.
Just when you thought you had this mastered, along we come with more questions. What do men wear to a beach wedding? Or for a destination wedding? Don’t worry! These will only be considerations if there isn’t a rigorous dress code, as black-tie is black-tie no matter where you go. Still, let’s look at some common locations and how to match the location with your wedding attire.
Beach weddings are trendy and romantic, but finding the right outfit for such a wedding can be challenging. You’ll have to know the couple well here, too. Some couples will determinedly want a chic cocktail vibe no matter the sand and surf. Others will choose a beach dress and shorts for them, let alone you. We suggest checking out our tips for summer weddings regarding colors and fabrics. Light fabrics, light colors, and a little fun. The less formal the wedding and the couple, the less formal you need to be. However, if you venture into shorts territory, stay with classy leather shoes and a collared shirt and make it a polo. It’s still a wedding, after all!
Yacht and harbor-style weddings tend to have a cocktail vibe, even if the bride and groom haven’t given you a dress code. Color and playfulness should be acceptable here. Choose your colors by season, going cooler and darker for cold and brighter and bolder for warm.
It’s tough to separate garden/outdoor weddings and summer weddings, so be sure to check that section too. Typically, outdoor events are more relaxed than comparable indoor events. Steer away from somber and dark colors.
It does, but not as much as the dress code. The couple is actually supposed to have set the dress code with the time of day in mind! Still, afternoon events are the least formal, evening events are the most formal, and morning events typically have a cocktail-type vibe called ‘champagne breakfast’.
Don’t be that guy. If the couple set a theme, go with it even if you think it’s cringey. If you really can’t go with the theme, pick an appropriate suit level for the formalness of the occasion and look smart. But it’s better to do what you’re asked, honestly.
You’ll hear talk of ‘wedding colors.’ It’s a thing for the decor and wedding party. If you’re a guest, you can ignore it unless asked explicitly on the invitation to wear specific colors.
Congratulations! What should the groom wear to the wedding? Typically, whatever he likes, in line with your chosen dress code. However, you should be the most formal and stylish man in the room, that’s for sure. You don’t have to be a peacock (unless you want to be), but do accept that attention will be on you. Even the most subdued outfit isn’t going to make people forget you’re there. So be smart and proud! You can check out our tips for male wedding guests to make a good pick for your dress code, location, and season. Just kick it up a notch, so your guests don’t outshine you. Don’t dress the same as your groomsmen, either. You can contrast or be different.
As well as your dress code, take a look at your partner’s outfit. Matching is twee, but you want to echo the look and feel of your partner’s gown or suit. You’ve probably chosen a color scheme together, and it’s nice for the groom to honor that. Cummerbands, pocket squares, ties, and shirts are all excellent ways to add color while still ending up with a suit or tux you can reuse. Wear leather shoes and belt, stick to elegant accessories, and enjoy your wedding day!
As a wedding guest, you’re rather lucky. No stuffy wedding party rules for you! As a man, you’re even luckier. Not only do you not have to contend with literal dress codes and colors, but you don’t have many of the superstitions and gaffes that women attendees face. That doesn’t mean you’re free to do what you like, though! Here are a few notorious fashion errors at weddings men should avoid:
And there you have it! What to wear at a wedding if you’re a man can be confusing, especially if you’re not used to formal menswear. However, with this helpful guide from the Oliver Wicks team, you can’t go wrong. Remember, if you’re looking for a made-to-measure suit for a wedding, there will be a lead time, so book your slot as soon as you can.
If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of experts at custom@oliverwicks.com. If you are looking for a practical guide, be sure to create a free account on our site where you’ll have access to instructional videos and measurement videos, helping you to easily have your measurements for that custom suit.
Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Outdoor
This post was last modified on 04/11/2023 20:52
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