Weddings are an excellent opportunity to upgrade your style, especially if suits aren’t a common item in your everyday wardrobe. Even if you do wear suits regularly, weddings allow you to get more creative with colors and accessories. However, weddings can also be a bit tricky. You’ll have to abide by the rules if the bride and groom if they have a specific dress code or wedding theme that they would like everyone to stick to. And you certainly don’t want to upstage the man of the hour. So, how do you create the ideal balance of dapper but appropriate? We are here to help you find the perfect wedding suit for any type of wedding.
The Perfect Wedding Guest Suit
First of all, you need to find out if there is a dress code. It’s always easier to find a suit if there is a dress code as you’ll have specific guidelines to work from. You can start by checking this Groomsmen Guide! Usually, the wedding invitation will state the dress code so you can get started right away. You'll probably the Ultimate Man's Wedding Shoe Guide to polish the attires. The most common types of dress codes are black tie, black tie optional, creative black tie, cocktail attire, and casual attire. What do all of these mean?
1. Black Tie
2. Black Tie Optional
3. Black Tie Creative
4. Cocktail Attire
5. Casual Attire
6. No Dress Code
1. Black Tie Wedding Attire
The black-tie attire is the most formal type of dress code, so you should wear a black tuxedo. Pair it with a black bow tie, white tuxedo shirt, and black patent leather wedding shoes. You can also wear a neat white pocket square, but make sure you’re folding it so that it doesn’t stick out too much (it should look like a thin white line above the pocket).
Choose a black tuxedo, this is the standard option for this dress code. Then you can decide what kind of lapel you want: peak and round lapel tuxedos are the most standard ones, take a look at this blog post to choose: round lapel vs peak lapel tuxedo. The tuxedo shirt is usually a wingtip collar shirt because this one is the standard one to wear a bowtie.
The perfect black tie attire: black tuxedo, white tuxedo shirt, black bow tie and cufflinks
2. Black Tie Optional
This dress code may seem a bit confusing, but all it means is that you don’t have to wear a tuxedo if you don’t want to. It may be indicated whether you should or shouldn’t, but if you’re in doubt ask someone. If you don’t need to wear a tuxedo, wear a dark suit instead. Black, dark charcoal or navy are all acceptable colors. Stick to a matching suit rather than mixing colors. Wear it with a white dress shirt, dark leather shoes, and a black bow tie or necktie. Like black tie, if you choose to wear a pocket square go for a subtle white one.
An option for black tie optional: navy blue 3-piece suit, white dress shirt, blue tie, and black belt
3. Creative Black Tie
As the name suggests, you can be more creative with this type of dress code. You don’t necessarily have to wear a tuxedo or stick to a certain color of suit. Think celebrities on red carpets: a dinner jacket tuxedo, tuxedo or dress shirt, black patent leather dress shoes for men, and a bow tie or necktie. For example, a white dinner jacket with black trousers and a bow tie. Or a burgundy dinner jacket with black trousers and a necktie. You can even choose a patterned or textured jacket, like velvet or paisley. To really stand out, consider elevating your outfit with modern dress shirts for men. These shirts are designed to blend traditional elegance with contemporary style elements, offering a fresh take on formal attire. Whether it’s a subtle print or a bold color, a modern dress shirt can be the centerpiece of your creative black tie ensemble.
CREATIVE BLACK TIE WEDDING GUEST SUIT
4. Cocktail Attire
This is another wedding dress code that allows more creative freedom. You should still wear a dark suit and dark leather shoes, but you can start adding in more colors and prints with your shirt and tie. For example, a light blue shirt underneath a navy suit or a deep plum shirt underneath a black suit. You can wear a patterned necktie (floral, paisley, striped, etc) to break up the solid colors in the rest of your look. Cocktail attire is when you can also start playing around with your pocket square more and using different, more prominent types of folds.
COCKTAIL ATTIRE WEDDING GUEST SUIT
5. Casual Wedding Attire
Don’t let the name fool you - this doesn’t mean you can wear a T-shirt and jeans (unless specified by the bride and groom, but this is very rarely the case). You should still wear a suit, leather shoes, and a dress shirt, but now you have the option of choosing any color you like. You may also choose a patterned dress shirt and skip the tie if you like. If you’re attending a spring or summer wedding, you can choose a lighter-colored suit like blue or beige. If the wedding is later on in the year, grey or brown are always good choices. If you prefer dark colored suits that’s fine too. Casual wedding attire gives you the most options in terms of color and style, but at the same time, you don’t want to stand out and be overly formal with a tuxedo jacket and/or bow tie. Find a nicely tailored suit in a color that you like and you’ll look great.
What To Wear When There Is No Dress Code
Here’s when it gets tricky. Nowadays there are so many different kinds of weddings and dress codes that it’s easy to get mixed up, that is why we created the Complete Guide to Selecting Groomsmen Suits. Even if the bride and groom specifically told you that you can wear what you want, a wedding is still a formal event and you should be putting in the effort to look polished and appropriate. You can also gauge the formality of the dress code based on the location of the wedding. If it’s taking place at a fancy church, hotel, mansion, country club, or banquet hall, chances are you should probably get a bit more dressed up. If it’s taking place in a park, garden, farm, or at a family home, it will probably be a bit more relaxed but that doesn’t mean you should skip out on a suit. A good rule of thumb is to stick to cocktail attire - you can’t go wrong with a nicely tailored, dark-colored suit. It will come in handy for many other formal occasions like special dinners, parties, and galas, so it’s an all-around good investment. Or if you know that the wedding will be colorful and in summer, wear a fashionable suit.
Tropical/Summer Weddings
Summer is probably the most popular season for weddings. The days are long and the sun is bright and warm, so it’s an ideal situation to tie the knot. Destination weddings in tropical locations are also growing increasingly popular. This is great for women who have the luxury of wearing breezy sleeveless dresses, but what’s a guy to do to keep cool and look amazing? Choose a light colored suit like light blue, light grey, or beige. Not only will it look seasonally/locationally appropriate, it will keep you as cool as possible as dark colors attract the sun. Outdoor tropical weddings are automatically less formal than indoor weddings (golden sand and palm trees always lend a relaxing atmosphere) so you can wear a colored or patterned dress shirt. However, you should still wear leather shoes and a necktie.
Vintage Wedding
Vintage Weddings are most common nowadays. Weddings are planned outside or at a vineyard. To dress well at a Vintage Weeding, Tweed is the key. Tweed fabric looks very rustic and creates the style you need to have. Wear brown tweed and combine it with light blue. You can choose if you want to wear a waistcoat or if you want to upgrade the look with a blazer. It is up to you!
What Colour Suit to Wear to a Wedding
When selecting a suit color for a wedding, context is key. The right choice seamlessly blends your style with the wedding's ambiance and formality. Here's a refined breakdown:
- Traditional Elegance: For classic or formal weddings, opt for timeless colors like navy blue, charcoal grey, or classic black. These colors exude sophistication and are versatile for various settings.
- Seasonal Harmony: Tailor your suit color to the season. Lighter shades like beige, light grey, or pastels work wonderfully for spring and summer weddings. In contrast, autumn and winter ceremonies call for richer tones like burgundy or dark green.
- Location Matters: A beach or destination wedding allows for more adventurous colors. Think about embracing tropical hues or brighter shades to complement the scenic beauty.
- Dress Code Dynamics: Always align with the wedding's dress code. Black and white for Black Tie; darker, muted tones for Semi-Formal; and perhaps a daring pattern or brighter color for Casual or Theme-based weddings.
Remember, the color you choose should not only be appropriate for the occasion but also make you feel confident and comfortable.
Styling Tips
- If you’re wearing a bow tie, tie it yourself. A true bow tie simply looks better than a clip-on (plus it will give you a sense of accomplishment).
- Wear a three-piece suit. It’s traditional wedding attire, plus it will make you look more put-together. And lastly, if you’re attending a summer or tropical wedding and get too hot you can remove your jacket and just wear the waistcoat. You’ll still look amazing.
- You may be allowed to wear sunglasses to a summer wedding but stick to classic styles (like aviators) in simple colors. You don’t want your sunglasses to overpower your look.
- Try and find out what the groomsmen are wearing so you can differentiate your outfit. They and the wedding planners have worked very hard to create a specific image, so let it be theirs and theirs alone.
5 Suit Ideas for Wedding Guests
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Classic Black Tie: Embrace the quintessence of formality with a sharp black tuxedo. Perfect for black-tie events, this look is about timeless sophistication. Accessorize with a silk bow tie and a crisp white pocket square for a touch of elegance.
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Sleek in Navy: Navy suits offer a modern yet safe bet for various wedding settings. Pair with a light-colored shirt and a contrasting tie to add personality. This versatile option works for both daytime charm and evening finesse.
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Charming in Charcoal: A charcoal suit stands as a versatile choice, balancing formality with style. Ideal for transitioning from day to evening celebrations, it pairs well with both bright and neutral accents.
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Summer Elegance: Opt for lighter shades like beige or light grey for warmer weather celebrations. Fabrics like linen can keep you comfortable and stylish. Complement with loafers and a breezy shirt for a relaxed yet refined look.
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Bold and Creative: For less formal or themed weddings, don't shy away from making a statement. Consider patterned suits or unconventional colors. The key is to strike a balance – be bold, but tasteful.
Each suit idea should be tailored to the occasion, ensuring you look dapper and appropriate. It's all about finding that sweet spot where personal style meets the wedding's ethos. A well-chosen suit not only enhances your appearance but also boosts your confidence, allowing you to enjoy the celebration to the fullest.
And lastly, make sure your wedding suit is properly tailored and as comfortable as can be. Being a wedding guest is all about having fun, so your suit should allow you room to dance the night away. Enjoy the festivities!
FAQs: Selecting the Perfect Wedding Suit
1. What Kind of Suit Should I Wear to a Wedding?
The ideal suit type depends on the wedding's dress code, location, and season. For formal weddings, a classic tuxedo or a dark-colored suit (navy, charcoal, black) is a safe bet. Summer or destination weddings allow for lighter colors and fabrics like linen. The key is to match the formality and style of the event while ensuring comfort.
2. Which Suit is Best for Marriage?
For the groom, a well-tailored suit that reflects personal style and complements the wedding theme is essential. Classic choices include a black tuxedo for formal weddings or a sleek three-piece suit in navy or charcoal for less formal events. Adding personal touches like a unique tie or a custom pocket square can set the groom's look apart.
3. What Makes a Good Wedding Suit?
A good wedding suit should:
- Fit Perfectly: Tailoring is crucial. A well-fitted suit enhances appearance and comfort.
- Match the Occasion: Align the suit's style and color with the wedding's formality, location, and season.
- Reflect Personal Style: Incorporate elements that showcase your personality, be it through color, pattern, or accessories.
4. What's the Difference Between a Wedding Suit and a Normal Suit?
Wedding suits often feature finer fabrics, more detailed tailoring, and unique accents suited for the occasion's significance. They might have a slightly more formal or distinctive design compared to regular suits used for business or casual events.
5. Is a 3-Piece Suit Too Much for a Wedding?
Not at all. A three-piece suit is a classic choice for weddings, offering a polished and cohesive look. It's particularly fitting for formal or traditional weddings but can be adapted for semi-formal settings by playing with colors and patterns.
6. Is it OK to Wear a 3-Piece Suit to a Wedding?
Absolutely. Wearing a three-piece suit to a wedding is both appropriate and stylish. It allows for versatility - the waistcoat can be a standout piece if you choose to remove the jacket.
7. Should I Buy a 2 or 3 Piece Suit?
This depends on your style preference and the wedding's formality. A three-piece suit adds an extra layer of sophistication and is versatile for various formal events. A two-piece suit is a classic choice that can be less formal and more adaptable to different occasions.
Extra Tips:
- Consider the Fabric: Lighter fabrics like linen or cotton blends are great for summer or outdoor weddings, while wool or tweed suits are ideal for colder months or vintage-themed weddings.
- Accessorizing: The right accessories can elevate your look. Consider cufflinks, a tie or bow tie, a pocket square, and quality leather shoes.
- Groomsmen Coordination: If you're part of the wedding party, ensure your suit complements the groom's attire and the overall wedding theme.
- Long-Term Investment: Choose a suit that not only fits the wedding but can also be worn for other formal events in the future. This approach offers better value and versatility.
By considering these factors and tips, you'll be well-prepared to select a suit that not only looks fantastic but also feels comfortable and appropriate for the special occasion. Remember, a wedding is a celebration, so your outfit should reflect both the joy of the event and your personal style.
