When spring and summer arrive, so do the influx of weddings, and we love wedding season! These events are exciting and a joy to attend, and being ready for the day, especially for the groom, is about finding the perfect attire to wear.
In this article, we breakdown the different dress codes that may arise for different wedding, as well as which suit will best fit the theme.
The wedding dress codes at a glance
There are quite a few dress codes that may be required at a wedding. We’ve listed the key themes below so you know which suit to get for the occasion:
What is black tie attire for a wedding?
For a black tie wedding, a black tuxedo is likely going to be your best option. A sophisticated suit, it usually includes a vest, matching trousers, black bow tie, and black patent shoes. Other features to a tuxedo might also be peak lapels, trim on pockets and extra detailing which exude elegance.
What is a white tie wedding dress code?
This code is very formal attire for a wedding and is often associated with royal ceremonies. For this theme, it is best to wear an evening tailcoat, which creates a harsher line that cuts back towards the body, a white tailcoat shirt with a flap collar, as well as a white silk bow tie and black patent shoes to finish off this regal look.
What is a cocktail dress code for a wedding?
A cocktail dress code moves away from the more traditional suits and offers a fun and creative look. We recommend you wear a dark suit in blue or grey that could include patterns to suit your style whilst adding character to the look. The suit can also be worn with a light shirt and dark leather lace-up shoes, adding an element of high-class to a fun look.
What is smart casual attire for a wedding?
A smart casual look is a more chilled and laid back approach to the traditional attire at a wedding. This normally includes well-fitted, polished business wear with elements of casual attire, for example, a three-piece suit, which includes a shirt and jacket, followed by dark leather lace-up shoes. If you’re after more comfort in your look, dark jeans or chinos could also be worn for this theme.
The wedding guest outfit for every season
Spring wedding guest attire
Spring has sprung, which means it is the perfect time to embrace pastel colours. These can include a chilled pastel blue or soft pink for your suit. Lighter colours can be paired with a coloured tie or bow tie to create more of a fun and vibrant style for a spring wedding. One suit that would be a great fit for this season is our Jarrow Sage tweed suit which comes with a matching jacket and trousers. Accessorising this with a tonal tie will complete the sophisticated look. Spring weather can sometimes be sunny and sometimes on the cool side, so plan on wearing a suit made of a mid-weight fabric that will have you ready for both the warm and cooler weather. You could also wear a darker coloured suit, such as a blue or grey, and add a pastel colour through your tie to highlight the spring season.
Summer wedding dress code for men
Attending a wedding in the summer months can (almost) guarantee warm weather, so finding the right suit to accommodate the heat is important to achieve comfort and style. For this season, perhaps avoid wearing all white and instead choose a light coloured suit, like a neutral brown or light blue. A suit that’s made from linen or cotton will prevent you from sweltering in the heat on the special day. This could also be paired with an elegant summer hat to match your attire.
Autumn wedding guest attire
The autumnal season encourages richer colours and wearing great fabrics to compliment every man’s style. Choose a suit that embraces colour this season, from a range of autumnal colours such as a burnt orange, dusty pink or even an olive green. This season also comes with colder weather, therefore why not pair your suit with a smart coat, especially if the celebration takes place outdoors? For the shoes, dark leather brogues can complete your outfit for a distinguished autumnal look.
Wedding guest winter attire
A colder season calls for dark coloured attire, where you can embrace a three-piece suit in black or a dark blue for an elegant look. Plunging into freezing cold weather requires a look that will keep you warm and looking sophisticated, so try opting for a suit made from the following fabrics; flannel, tweed or wool. To complete the high-class look, you can pair your suit with a silk tie, adding a smooth look to your wedding guest winter attire.
Wedding guest outfits for men for every location
Church wedding guest attire
A traditional church wedding seeks a more refined and formal look to wear on a special day. The right wedding guest attire for a church wedding is a traditional dark suit. A grey or dark blue can emphasise the elegant style, with a white shirt and a tie or bow tie. By keeping minimalistic accessories, you can ensure a timeless, elegant look.
Registry office wedding dress code:
A civil wedding occasion might require a more smart casual suit. This normally includes well-fitted, polished business wear with elements of casual attire. A three-piece suit, complete with shirt and jacket, could be paired with fabric trousers or a casual suit followed by dark leather lace-up shoes.
Beach wedding dress code for guests
A beach wedding is the perfect excuse to wear your best summer attire and embrace the different colourful patterns on your suit. For this occasion, it’s expected to wear a light jacket with matching fabric trousers. One fabric to choose for a looser fit is linen trousers and a smart shirt, or polo shirt, in bright colours such as a light or pastel blue suit. The typical dress code for this wedding is a less traditional style. It is best to go smart casual by wearing a lightweight blazer and trousers. These can go with brown leather loafers for a more relaxed beach wedding attire.
The no-gos for your outfit as a wedding guest
Unusual looks
Adhering to a dress code is important, as you want to look appropriate on the bride and groom’s special day. So refrain from wearing any outfits that are too far out of the remit of what has been mentioned already in this blog. For example, no crazy accessories or extravagant clothing. To make your look classy and refined, you should keep your attire in a modern style by wearing traditional wedding suits for the occasion.
White suits or jackets
The general rule of thumb is to avoid wearing white at a wedding. It’s a colour that’s usually saved for the bride. If it’s your wedding day, then go for it and choose a white suite! But if you’re a wedding guest, stay away from white suits, jackets and even wearing white flowers on the lapel.
Ignoring the dress code
Most weddings will have a particular dress code to follow, and even if it is a ‘smart casual’ code, you should definitely not turn up to the special day in trainers or a T-shirt. Men’s attire should always be based on the theme of the wedding to respect the bride and groom’s wishes.
If there’s no code to follow, then the simplest and safest option as a guest is to wear a classic grey, dark blue or black three-piece suit. Pairing this colour of suit with a smart white shirt and tie will complete this timeless elegant attire for a wedding. Choosing the simple and classic look will ensure you still have a modern flare and refined style when attending the wedding.