Setting the dress code for your wedding? There are lots of options available, from glamorous black tie to a more laid-back ‘smart casual’ dress code.
One of the most popular choices is cocktail attire, which sits somewhere between the two. It balances formal elegance with contemporary style, making it perfect for any kind of celebration where you want to dress up a bit.
But what kind of cocktail wedding suit should you choose as the groom? If you’re attending as a guest, you’ll also need a steer on what kind of outfit fits this particular dress code.
What Is A Cocktail Reception Wedding?
A cocktail wedding reception is more relaxed and informal than a traditional wedding. The main difference is that there’s usually no sit-down dinner service. Instead, guests can mingle freely, sit where they like and enjoy food and drink from the buffet or bar.
Think of it like a party, offering fun and freedom while still retaining the glamour and ‘specialness’ you’d like for your big day.
There’s no typical venue for a cocktail reception wedding, but you’ll often find them set in summer marquees, country house venues, rooftop bars and hotel lounges.
What Does Cocktail Attire Mean for a Wedding?
Not everyone is familiar with what to wear at a cocktail wedding, as it’s not always clear from the same what kind of dress it refers to.
Here’s a breakdown of what ‘cocktail attire’ dress code means, particularly in terms of what wedding suit you might want to choose:
- Formality level – think of cocktail attire as one step down from black tie, where suits are expected but a tuxedo may be too formal.
- Colour palette – the ideal tones for your suit are navy, charcoal, mid-grey, or seasonal tones such as forest green or dusty blue. If it’s summer or you’re having (or attending) an overseas wedding, something in a paler colour like our Groom Stone Naples suit would be ideal.
- Fabrics – think linen blends, lightweight wools and textured weaves, which photograph well in both day and night lighting
- Accessories – ties and pocket squares can add finesse to the look, but a bow tie may be a step too far. Leather shoes or loafers are the best footwear choice.
What Should Men Wear to a Cocktail Attire Wedding?
A two or three-piece tailored suit is ideal for a cocktail attire wedding. There’s not really any such thing as a specialist cocktail suit for weddings, so you may be best sticking to wedding suit collections geared towards grooms, groomsmen and fashion-conscious guests.
If you’re looking for something a little special (especially if you’re the groom), take a look at our Exclusive to Groom collection – each piece is designed, made and sold by us here at Groom Hire.
When dressing for a cocktail wedding, the key is balance. You want to look refined, but not overly formal. The fit needs to be perfect, so you’ll feel comfortable and look on-point all day long.
The Best Suits for Cocktail Weddings
In need of some inspiration? Here are some ideas for suits that would be perfect for a wedding with ‘cocktail attire’ on the invitation:
- The classic navy suit
Navy is the most versatile choice for a cocktail wedding, as it works for day and night as well as indoor and outdoor venues. A style like the Groom Navy Naples Suit looks fantastic with a white, cream or pastel shirt, with a silk tie and pocket square adding those refined finishing touches.
- The light blue or stone suit
Perfect for spring and summer weddings, these lighter colours feel fresh and relaxed, yet still elegant. Go for a linen blend or lightweight wool suit to help you stay cool on hotter days, while still maintaining structure. Finish the look with tan shoes and a small number of carefully chosen accessories.
- The forest green or olive suit
If you want something a little different, a forest green or olive-toned suit makes a statement without being too bold. These earthy tones are especially suited to outdoor weddings, and pair beautifully with neutral accessories. Our Groom Forest Naples Suit is the perfect example of this kind of style, and a popular choice among well-dressed guests.
Can You Wear a Black or Navy Suit to a Cocktail Wedding?
If you’re the groom, you can of course wear a black or navy suit to your own cocktail wedding.
You can even step up the glamour a notch and slip on a tuxedo for the later part of the evening – something like our Groom Ezra Peak tuxedo offers a good mix of sharp contemporary style and classic elegance. This can help you keep your look within the realms of ‘cocktail attire’, without slipping too much into ‘black tie’.
If you’re a guest, you may be best playing it safe with a well-tailored suit, unless of course the happy couple gives you the go-ahead beforehand that a well-cut tuxedo would be a suitable choice.
