Rhiannon Hendricks
Being the best-dressed man at a wedding is no easy feat. The groom should always be the dressiest man in the room, so as a guest, you have to balance looking smart without upstaging the happy couple. The first step to achieving this is to understand the dress code. Weddings are no longer as strict as they used to be, but it's important to respect the couple's wishes. If you're the best man, you should adapt your look to the groom's, or, in particular circumstances, to the groom's father's or brother's. If you're a guest, a well-tailored suit in a classic colour such as navy, charcoal, or grey is a safe bet. You can experiment with different textures, patterns, and fabrics to add personality to your outfit.
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What You'll Learn
Know your role: groom, groomsman, guest, etc
Groom
The groom traditionally wears a black tux, but some grooms today are choosing to skip the traditional black tux for a pastel suit. If you're the groom, you can choose to wear whatever you feel comfortable in and expresses your personal style.
Groomsmen
Groomsmen are usually responsible for paying for their own attire. The groom can set some parameters and let the groomsmen choose their own outfits within those guidelines. For example, the groom could ask the groomsmen to wear the same colour shoes and suits of a particular colour or style. Alternatively, the groomsmen could wear something that aligns with the wedding's theme and formality, such as linen pants and white shirts for a beach wedding or suspenders and bowties for a barn wedding.
Guest
As a male guest, you have the freedom to express your personal style while adhering to the dress code. You can never go wrong with a monochrome colour palette, such as indigo. You can incorporate various textures, tones, and patterns, such as a patchwork haori or a modern interpretation of a formal blazer. Keep in mind that it's important to respect the ceremony and the couple getting married by avoiding colours that are too light, which can photograph as white, and staying away from white unless specifically requested by the bride.
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Understand the dress code
Weddings are a great opportunity to flex your personal style, but it's important to understand the dress code and respect the couple's wishes. While wedding dress codes have become less stringent, you should still put in some effort and dress smartly.
If you are the best man, your look should complement the groom's, or, in some cases, the groom's father's or brother's. If the groom is wearing a tuxedo, you should also wear a tuxedo. Tuxedos should be black and can be worn at any time of day. If the groom is wearing a morning dress, you should too. Morning dress is typically worn before 6 pm and a tailcoat is worn after 6 pm. If you are free to choose, a three-piece suit in a dark shade of grey or blue is a good option.
If you are a wedding guest, you have more flexibility, but you should still be mindful of the dress code. A well-tailored suit in a classic colour like navy, charcoal, or grey is always a safe choice. If the dress code is black tie, you should wear a tuxedo. For a more relaxed dress code, you can experiment with different colours, textures, patterns, and fabrics to add personality to your outfit.
The location and weather of the wedding are also important factors to consider. If the wedding is at a warm, exotic location, choose a light and breathable fabric. If it's a barn wedding, a suit or even just dress pants and a button-up shirt can be a great option.
Ultimately, the most important thing is to feel comfortable and confident in what you're wearing. By understanding the dress code, investing in a well-fitted suit, and paying attention to the details, you'll undoubtedly make a lasting impression.
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Wear a well-fitted suit
Wearing a well-fitted suit is a surefire way to be the best-dressed man at a wedding. A well-fitted suit enhances your appearance and boosts your confidence. Here are some tips to ensure your suit fits like a glove:
When it comes to the suit jacket, ensure that the sleeves end at the tops of your wrists, revealing a bit of your dress shirt underneath. The back of the jacket should fall around the top of your seat, providing a clean and tailored look. It's important to make sure the jacket isn't too tight or too loose—a good indicator of the right fit is that it doesn't pull or gap when buttoned.
For the suit pants, aim for a slim-tapered look that complements your physique. The pant length is crucial, and it should be just right. A general rule of thumb is to choose a lighter suit colour like tan, light grey, or soft pastels for beach or outdoor weddings. These hues complement the natural setting and create a relaxed yet elegant look. For traditional church or indoor weddings, classic colours like navy, charcoal, or black are more appropriate and convey a sense of formality and respect for the traditional setting. If you're attending a themed wedding, tailor your suit to match. For example, a vintage-themed wedding might call for a classic tweed suit, while a modern event could call for a sleek, slim-fit design.
If you're the best man, it's recommended to adapt your look to the groom's or, in some cases, the groom's father's or brother's. You can choose to wear a tuxedo or morning dress, depending on the groom's choice. If you select a blue suit, opt for a dark and intense shade and pair it with a tone-on-tone vest. Tuxedos should be black, regardless of the season, while a three-piece suit is best in blue, midnight blue, or charcoal grey.
Lastly, don't forget the importance of accessories. Cufflinks, tie bars, and a stylish wristwatch can elevate your wedding outfit and make you stand out.
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Accessories thoughtfully
If you're wearing a tuxedo, stick to the classics: a white flower in the buttonhole, white gloves, and a top hat in the same colour as your suit. For a black-tie wedding, a crisp ivory dinner jacket with fancy black trousers is a stylish option. You can also experiment with different textures, patterns, and fabrics to add personality to your outfit. For instance, a printed silk evening scarf can offer a touch of refined elegance.
If you're the best man, adapt your look to the groom's. Match the colour of your suit to his, or at least wear the same colour shirt. You could also coordinate your tie with the Maid of Honour's dress. If you're attending a barn wedding, consider a more casual look with suspenders and a bow tie, or a shirt and vest combo with no jacket.
When choosing accessories, consider your comfort zone and personal style. If you're fashion-forward, you might want to plan a double-breasted suit with all the trimmings. But remember, the groom should always be the dressiest man in the room, so don't go overboard with your accessories and upstage the happy couple.
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Be comfortable and confident
Weddings are a great opportunity to flex your personal style. However, it's important to balance this with comfort and confidence. You want to look and feel good, without upstaging the happy couple.
If you're the groom, you'll likely want to wear a suit, at the very least. It is your wedding day, after all! If the wedding is in a relaxed setting, like the beach, you can afford to be more casual. If your bride is wearing a simple dress, you can also be more casual. But if she's in a full formal gown, you'll want to match that formality.
If you're the best man, you should adapt your look to the groom's. Wear a tuxedo or morning dress if he is. If the wedding is before 6 pm, you'll need to choose between a tuxedo or a morning dress, and after that, it's a tailcoat. If you have free rein, a three-piece suit in a dark shade of grey or blue is a good choice. Wool or a wool-silk blend will ensure you stay comfortable and look sophisticated. If the wedding is in a warm location, opt for a light and breathable fabric.
If you're a wedding guest, you'll want to understand the dress code. Many weddings are more relaxed these days, but it's important to respect the couple's wishes. If the dress code is black tie, you'll need to wear a tuxedo or a tropical dinner jacket. If it's more relaxed, you can take some fashion risks and show your personality and style. A well-tailored suit in a classic colour like navy, charcoal, or grey is a good option, but a more adventurous colour can also work if chosen well. Ensure your suit fits perfectly, and experiment with textures, patterns, and fabrics to add personality.
Ultimately, you want to feel comfortable and confident in what you're wearing. Choose shades that complement your skin tone, hair, and eye colour. And if you're fashion-forward, go for that double-breasted suit!
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Frequently asked questions
The key to being the best-dressed man at a wedding is to understand the dress code and respect the couple's wishes. Dress to impress with a well-fitted suit, pay attention to the details, and accessorise thoughtfully.
Common wedding dress codes for men include "black tie," "formal," "cocktail attire," "semi-formal," and "beach formal." Each dress code has its own set of guidelines, so be sure to pay attention to the invitation or ask the couple if you're unsure.
When choosing your outfit, consider the season and the theme of the wedding. Dress according to the mood of the event, with light colours and fabrics for a beach wedding and darker hues and richer fabrics for a fall or winter celebration. Remember to dress smartly without upstaging the groom.
Accessories can elevate your wedding attire and make you stand out. Consider a cravat, a printed silk evening scarf, a stylish lapel pin, or fun shoes. Accessories like hats, handbags, and jewellery can also be rented to create a fully coordinated look.
