Junior Rasmussen
Dressing for a wedding can be a challenging task, especially if there is no dress code specified. The first step is to establish whether you are the groom or a guest, as this will determine the level of formality in your attire. If you are the groom, you should be the most formal and stylish man in the room. If you are a guest, check the invitation for a dress code and consider the season, venue, and time of day. For a formal wedding, a dark suit, such as black, charcoal grey, or navy blue, is most appropriate, paired with a collared dress shirt and a bow tie or necktie. For a casual wedding, a button-down shirt with dress pants or khakis, and a blazer or sport coat is a good option.
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What You'll Learn
Dress code: black tie, formal, cocktail, or casual
Black Tie
A black-tie dress code is considered semi-formal. Men typically wear either a tuxedo or a dark suit (black, dark blue, or grey suits are all appropriate). The common denominator in men’s black-tie suiting is the presence of satin on the lapels. A crisp, white shirt and black shoes are ideal, along with traditional accessories such as a pocket square, dark bow tie, and cufflinks.
Formal
Formal attire is the last stop before going fully black-tie. It gives you the space to look your most refined while adding a subtle touch of personality. The basic elements of formal attire are a tailored suit, dress shirt, and tie. This dress code calls for luxury fabrics such as rich worsted wools, blended noble fibres like alpaca, silk, or cashmere, or, depending on the setting and climate, a structured cotton or linen blend. Bow ties should be reserved for black-tie attire only.
Cocktail
Cocktail attire is considered semi-formal. It typically calls for a suit and tie or tailored blazer and dress pants. You might be able to forgo the tie depending on your final look and the vibe of the wedding. Generally, you can't go wrong with a suit in a classic colour like navy, grey, or black. No colour is off-limits, however.
Casual
For a casual wedding, comfort is key. Opt for light, breathable fabrics like linen or cotton. A patterned button-down linen shirt paired with khaki or light-coloured chinos or shorts works well. For a backyard wedding with a “smart casual” dress code, start with chinos in a neutral colour like olive or navy, paired with a classic woven knit polo. For a rustic wedding, the “dressy casual” dress code blends comfort with rugged elegance. Opt for tailored trousers or chinos in earthy tones, or try dark-wash denim.
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Suits: colours, fabrics, and fit
When it comes to suits for a wedding, there are a few things to consider in terms of colours, fabrics, and fit. Firstly, the dress code of the wedding will dictate the colour and style of your suit to a large extent. If the wedding is black-tie, a tuxedo is required, and you can choose from a range of colours, from dark blue to violet to burgundy, as long as it doesn't match the groom's attire. For a formal wedding, dark suits such as charcoal grey or navy blue are most appropriate, and a bow tie or necktie can be worn. If the dress code is cocktail attire, you have more freedom to choose a suit that reflects your personal style. Navy is a popular choice, and you can lose the jacket as the evening progresses. For a spring wedding, bright colours or light grey are great options.
As for fabrics, it's important to consider the weight and breathability of the fabric, especially for summer weddings. Summer wool fabrics are lightweight and breathable, with a weight of less than 280 grams. Worsted wool is flexible, while high-twist wool feels crisp and is more likely to show folds and wrinkles. Heavyweight wool, at over 340 grams, provides an excellent fit.
When it comes to fit, you can choose from a range of options, from classic to contemporary slim-fit styles. It's important to ensure that your suit fits you perfectly, and tailoring services can help you achieve this.
Lastly, while making a bold statement with your suit colour may seem tempting, it's important to consider whether it will stand the test of time. Classic colours like navy, grey, or brown are always a safe choice, and you can accessorise with a pop of colour, such as a bright pocket square or a fun lapel pin.
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Shirts: collared, dress, or casual
When it comes to shirts, it's important to consider the wedding's dress code, the time of day, and the venue.
For a black-tie wedding, a tuxedo and a crisp white collared dress shirt are the standard choices. A bow tie or necktie can be worn with the shirt. If you want to show off your personality, you can choose a dress shirt in a different colour, texture, or pattern (e.g. pastel, denim, or pinstripe). However, it's important to keep the look classic and avoid trying to upstage the groom.
For a formal wedding, a dark-coloured suit is typically worn. A collared dress shirt is still appropriate, but a bow tie is not required. You can choose to wear a necktie or go without. As with black-tie, you can experiment with different colours, textures, or patterns for your shirt to add a touch of personality.
For a cocktail attire wedding, you have more freedom. A suit or blazer with dress pants is appropriate, and you can decide whether to wear a necktie or not. If the wedding is in the evening, darker colours are preferred, while daytime affairs call for lighter hues and airy fabrics.
For a casual wedding, men typically wear dress pants or khakis with a collared shirt. A tie is optional, and a sports jacket can be added for a more polished look. It's important to note that jeans, shorts, T-shirts, and sneakers are generally not appropriate for a casual wedding, unless specifically indicated by the couple. If the wedding is outdoors or in a hot climate, short-sleeved "Mexican wedding shirts" or linen shirts are a good option.
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Accessories: ties, pocket squares, shoes, and jewellery
Accessories are an essential part of a man's wedding attire, and they can be used to elevate your style and add a personal touch to your outfit. Here are some tips for choosing ties, pocket squares, shoes, and jewellery for a wedding:
Ties
Ties are a classic accessory for men at weddings. While the decision to wear a tie depends on the dress code and the formality of the event, it is generally considered a standard accessory for male guests. If you're unsure about the dress code, it's better to wear a tie; that way, you'll fit in with the majority of wedding guests. You can choose a classic necktie or a bow tie, depending on your preference and the dress code. If the wedding has a specified colour scheme, you may want to choose a tie that complements it.
Pocket Squares
Pocket squares are a great way to add a stylish touch to your suit. They can be matched with the groomsmen's ties for a cohesive look or chosen in a complementary colour to add a pop of sophistication to your outfit. Like ties, pocket squares can be used to incorporate the wedding's colour scheme.
Shoes
When it comes to footwear, dress shoes are typically recommended for formal weddings. Black patent leather shoes are not required, but it's essential to choose a pair of dress shoes that complement your suit. If the wedding is more casual, you can opt for a pair of casual shoes, but ensure they are still dressy and appropriate for the occasion.
Jewellery
Jewellery can be a subtle way to add a personal touch to your wedding attire. Sophisticated pieces such as wooden or beaded bracelets, lapel pins, and tie bars can enhance your overall look without being too flashy. Cufflinks are another option to consider, adding a touch of elegance to your shirt cuffs.
Remember, as a general guideline, it's essential to consider the wedding's theme, venue, and season when choosing your accessories. If you're part of the wedding party, coordinating your accessories with the colour scheme or theme can create a unified and stylish look.
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The groom: what to wear and how to stand out
The groom should aim to be the most formal and stylish man in the room on his wedding day. While it's ultimately up to the groom to decide what he wants to wear, there are some tips and tricks to help him stand out.
Firstly, consider the venue and season. A tuxedo or a tropical dinner jacket may be too warm for a summer wedding, especially on a tropical beach. In this case, a lightweight suit in a bright colour or pattern can be a great option. A colourful or patterned shirt can also add a bold statement to your look, especially if paired with a complementary pocket square and tie.
If you're having a laid-back wedding, this is a perfect opportunity to showcase your personality and individual style. You could wear a boldly patterned accessory, such as a tie or socks, or opt for an alternative suit fabric, like wool or velvet. If you want to wear a tuxedo, a colourful one can be a great option, like a tangerine-hued tuxedo.
If you're having a more formal wedding, a tuxedo or dark-coloured suit is a good choice. You can still add some personal touches, such as a colourful lapel pin, tie bar, or pocket square.
Remember, you don't want to match your groomsmen, but you do want to echo the look and feel of your partner's outfit. You can also coordinate with your destination location, like a dusty pink suit for a destination wedding or a beige suit for a summer wedding.
Lastly, don't be afraid to break tradition and find an outfit that reflects your style and the spirit of the wedding.
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Frequently asked questions
For a formal wedding, a dark suit in black, charcoal grey, or navy blue is most appropriate. You can wear a bow tie or necktie, and a collared dress shirt.
A black-tie dress code typically means a tuxedo, with a bow tie, and a white pocket square. A cummerbund or waistcoat is optional.
If the wedding invitation doesn't specify a dress code, it's best to reach out and ask for clarity. If you're the groom, you should be the most formal and stylish man in the room.
For a casual wedding, you can wear a casual button-down shirt with dress pants or khakis, and a blazer or sport coat. Comfortable shoes such as loafers or boat shoes are appropriate.
