Wedding season is here, and if you’ve received an invitation to attend a wedding, then you might be wondering what to wear as a guest. Knowing what to wear is crucial as dressing appropriately shows respect to the couple, hosts, and other guests. But no worries, we’ve got you covered! In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about what a man should wear as a wedding guest.
The Suit
When it comes to dressing for a wedding, men should always wear a suit. Depending on the formality of the wedding, you may need to opt for a specific type of suit. For a black-tie or evening wedding, you should wear a tailcoat and trousers. If the dress code on the invitation is formal, a tuxedo with a black bow tie would be the standard. For a semi-formal dress code, a dark-colored suit is ideal. For a casual wedding, a light-colored or khaki suit is appropriate.
The Accessories
No suit is complete without the right accessories. For an evening or black-tie wedding, keep in mind that the bow tie, vest, and wing-collar shirt should all be white. You’ll also need studs and cufflinks that match your shirt’s color. Avoid anything flashy, and keep it elegant and simple.
For semi-formal and casual weddings, you can be a little more flexible with your accessories. You can opt for a colored tie, pocket square, or even suspenders. The goal is to add personality and flair to your look without looking overdressed.
The Shoes
The shoes are just as important as the suit and accessories. When it comes to weddings, the ideal shoe should be comfortable and formal. Dress shoes like oxfords, loafers, and brogues are perfect for formal and semi-formal weddings. Avoid anything too casual like sneakers or sandals, as they may not be appropriate.
The Outerwear
Depending on the wedding’s location and time of year, you may need to wear some outerwear. Blazer or sport coat is perfect for indoor or outdoor weddings that take place during the spring or summer months. For colder outdoor weddings that take place during fall or winter, a topcoat or overcoat is appropriate. Just remember to wear outerwear that goes well with the suit and doesn’t clash with the overall look.
The Final Touches
Now that you have your suit, accessories, shoes and outerwear, it’s time to add the final touches. Make sure you iron your suit and shirt before the wedding, and that everything is clean and polished. If the wedding takes place during the day, consider wearing sunglasses or a hat to protect yourself from the sun. And most importantly, don’t forget to stay groomed, trimmed and well-hydrated.
Conclusion
Attending a wedding as a guest is an exciting experience, but it’s important to make a good impression by dressing appropriately. Remember, the goal is to look elegant and stylish without overshadowing the groom. By following our guide, you can make sure that you look your best while celebrating the special day with the happy couple.
FAQ
How a man should dress as a guest to a wedding?
If you have an invitation to a wedding, there are specific dress codes that you should adhere to as a guest. Proper wedding attire for men typically includes a suit, dress shirt, tie, and dress shoes. The goal is to dress warmly, comfortably, and stylishly without upstaging the groom’s outfit.
The most suitable color choices for a wedding suit usually come in classic and neutral colours, such as charcoal, grey, or navy. These colors, in particular, blend in perfectly to both day and night formal events. Once you have your suit figured out, what you wear beneath it also matters. A button-down dress shirt is the perfect choice, preferably long-sleeve, with a little texture or pattern on the fabric to add some interest.
Now that you have your suit and shirt sorted, the next step should be selecting your dress shoes. While your footwear choice is essential, the season and weather should also be considered. Classic oxfords, derbies or monk-straps in black, brown, or tan are popular choices. If the wedding is scheduled during colder months, a pair of smart leather boots could go a long way.
Accessories are another way to elevate your wedding wear. The first accessory you should pay attention to is the tie or bowtie. Keep it simple yet stylish with a smart tie or bow tie. Avoid flashy or overly colorful patterns. In case you are not a fan of neckties, try a pocket square, a scarf, or a lapel pin.
Finally, the finishing touch is the accessories. Wear elegant accessories, including cufflinks and an elegant watch. Be sure to match the metals of your accessories with the buttons on your suit for a polished finish.
Dressing for a wedding is all about formality, class, and elegance. Stick to the dress code and avoid upstaging the wedding party. With a well-tailored suit, a dress shirt, appropriate footwear, tasteful accessories, you’ll be ready to celebrate the happy couple in style.
What can a man wear to a wedding other than a suit?
Weddings are typically a formal affair and the quintessential attire for men is a suit. However, there are several occasions when one may want to forgo the classic suit look and opt for something more casual. Perhaps the wedding is taking place at the beach, or maybe you simply feel more comfortable in something other than a suit. Fear not, there are plenty of options available to the man who wants to look stylish yet still appropriate for a wedding.
One great option for a more laid-back wedding is chinos or khakis. Khaki trousers, in particular, are a great choice for an outdoor wedding in the summer as they are breathable and lightweight. They also create a more casual look while still maintaining a degree of formality. Pair the khakis with a light-colored button-down shirt for a relaxed yet polished look.
If the wedding is taking place in a particularly warm climate, you may even consider wearing khaki or chino shorts. While shorts may seem too casual for a wedding, by pairing them with a blazer or sports jacket, you can create a polished yet seasonal look. Keep in mind that shorts are typically only acceptable for daytime weddings, and that the length of the shorts should fall just above the knee.
For cooler climates, opt for a nice pair of wool trousers. Lightweight wool trousers are perfect for fall and winter weddings and can be paired with a sweater or sportcoat for a polished look. Choose a neutral color such as grey or navy blue to create a classic look.
When looking for an alternative to the traditional suit, don’t overlook the power of accessories. A stylish pair of shoes, a boutonniere, or even a tie or bowtie can greatly elevate your outfit. By paying attention to the details, you can create a polished and put-together look, even without a traditional suit.
There are several great options for a man who wants to look stylish at a wedding other than just a suit. Khakis or chinos are great for a casual wedding in warmer weather, while lightweight wool trousers are perfect for cooler climates. Remember to pay attention to the details and accessorize to create a polished look that is still appropriate for a wedding.
Do men have to wear a suit jacket to a wedding as a guest?
Weddings are special occasions that call for a level of formality in dressing that is appropriate for the event. Among the many considerations that come to mind is the dress code, which can be quite confusing, even to seasoned wedding guests. One of the questions that often come up is whether or not men have to wear a suit jacket to a wedding as a guest.
Traditionally, weddings are considered formal events that require its guests to dress in appropriate attire. This frequently means that a suit jacket is a must-wear item for men. However, in recent years, dress codes have become more relaxed, and weddings have undergone some changes in style and tone, meaning that rules around wedding attire have become more flexible. Therefore, while many guests still choose to wear a suit jacket to a wedding, it is no longer an absolute requirement.
It’s always best to know what the couple’s expectations are before the wedding day. If there’s going to be a dress code, you should follow it as closely as possible. To determine the dress code, look at the wedding invitation, and see if there are any specific instructions. If the invitation says the dress code is “black tie,” you should plan on wearing a tuxedo or a dark suit and tie.
However, if the dress code is not specified, it’s best to err on the side of caution and dress up, rather than down. Men can put together an outfit that is stylish, comfortable, and suits the occasion without a suit jacket. A dress shirt and trousers with a pair of well-polished dress shoes can look just as smart and fashionable as a suit and tie, and it’s perfect for semi-formal or casual weddings.
While a suit jacket is still considered the norm for men attending a wedding, it is not always required. The level of formality of the wedding, dress code, and the preference of the couple should all be taken into account when deciding what to wear. Regardless of what you wear, the most important thing is to be comfortable and enjoy yourself at the wedding.
