What Do Guys Wear to Weddings as a Guest: A Complete Guide
Stephanie Patterson
Table of Contents
Wedding season is upon us, and with it comes the question of what to wear. While women typically have a wide range of options, men may find themselves struggling to choose the perfect outfit.
The dress code for weddings can vary depending on the location, time of day, and overall theme of the event, which can make it difficult for men to know what to wear.
When it comes to weddings, it’s important for men to strike a balance between looking stylish and dressing appropriately. The dress code for a wedding can range from casual to black tie, and it’s important to know what is expected before choosing an outfit.
While a suit is a safe choice for most weddings, there are other options that can work depending on the dress code and location of the event.
Formal Weddings
Formal weddings are usually held in the evening and require guests to dress in their most elegant attire. Men should wear a dark-colored suit or tuxedo with a white dress shirt and a conservative tie.
Black is the most traditional color for a suit or tuxedo, but dark navy or charcoal gray are also acceptable.
When choosing a tie, it’s best to stick with a solid color or a subtle pattern. Avoid bright, flashy ties that draw too much attention. A pocket square is a nice touch, but it should complement the tie and not clash with it.
Shoes should be dressy and polished. Oxfords or loafers in black or brown leather are appropriate choices. Socks should match the color of the pants and be long enough to cover the calf when sitting.
Accessories should be kept to a minimum. A watch and a wedding band are all that’s necessary. Cufflinks and a tie clip can be added for extra style, but they should be understated and not too flashy.
Semi-Formal Weddings
For semi-formal weddings, men have a few options to choose from. A suit is always a safe choice, but it’s important to make sure the suit fits well and is tailored to the individual’s body type.
A classic black or navy suit paired with a crisp white shirt and a tie is a timeless look that’s appropriate for most semi-formal weddings.
If the wedding is in the summer or in a warmer climate, a lighter colored suit, such as gray or beige, can be a great option. Pair it with a pastel-colored shirt and a patterned tie for a pop of color.
For a more relaxed semi-formal wedding, men can opt for a blazer and dress pants instead of a full suit. A blazer paired with a dress shirt and slacks is a stylish and comfortable choice that’s perfect for outdoor or beach weddings. Add a pocket square or a tie to elevate the look.
When it comes to footwear, dress shoes are a must for semi-formal weddings. Black or brown leather shoes are the most appropriate choices. Avoid wearing sneakers or sandals, even if the wedding is outdoors.
Casual Weddings
For a casual wedding, guys have a bit more freedom to dress down while still looking sharp. A suit is not always necessary, but it’s important to still dress appropriately for the occasion.
For a daytime casual wedding, a pair of dress pants and a button-down shirt can work well. Avoid wearing shorts or anything too casual, as it may come across as disrespectful to the couple and the event.
If the wedding is in the evening, a blazer or sport coat can be added to the dress pants and button-down shirt for a more elevated look. A tie is optional, but it’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed.
When it comes to footwear, loafers or dress shoes are a safe bet. Avoid wearing sneakers or anything too casual.
Overall, the key to dressing for a casual wedding is to strike a balance between comfort and style. It’s important to dress appropriately for the occasion while still feeling comfortable and confident in your outfit.
Beach Weddings
Beach weddings are becoming increasingly popular, and they offer a unique and beautiful setting for a wedding. The relaxed atmosphere of a beach wedding allows for a more casual dress code, but it’s important to still look put together and appropriate for the occasion.
For men attending a beach wedding, lightweight and breathable fabrics are key. Linen or cotton suits in light colors such as beige, light grey, or even white are great options.
Pair the suit with a light-colored dress shirt and dress shoes or loafers without socks. If the wedding is more casual, a linen shirt paired with dress shorts or khakis and sandals can be appropriate.
Accessories can also add a touch of style to a beach wedding outfit. A straw hat, sunglasses, and a watch can complete the look. It’s important to avoid wearing anything too flashy or distracting, as the focus should be on the couple getting married.
Outdoor Weddings
Outdoor weddings can be a bit more casual than indoor ones, but it’s important to still dress appropriately. The location and time of day can also impact what you should wear.
If the wedding is taking place during the day, a light-colored suit or blazer with dress pants and a dress shirt is a good option for men. Pair this with dress shoes and a tie, and you’ll be all set. For a more casual look, you could opt for a dress shirt with slacks and loafers.
If the wedding is taking place in the evening, a darker suit is appropriate. You can also switch out the dress shirt for a dressier button-up shirt and skip the tie if you prefer a more relaxed look. Dress shoes are still a must.
For footwear, it’s important to keep in mind that you’ll likely be walking on grass or other outdoor surfaces. Avoid shoes with thin or slippery soles, and opt for something with a bit more traction.
If the wedding is taking place on the beach or in a more tropical location, you can go for a more relaxed look. A linen suit or blazer with dress shorts and a dress shirt is a good option. You can also skip the tie in this case.
Accessories for Men
When it comes to accessorizing for a wedding, men have a few options to choose from. The right accessories can elevate a simple outfit and make it look more polished and put-together.
Here are some popular accessories for men to wear to weddings:
- Tie or Bowtie: A tie or bowtie is a classic accessory that can add a touch of sophistication to any outfit. For a formal wedding, a black tie or bowtie is appropriate. For a semi-formal or casual wedding, a colorful or patterned tie or bowtie can add some personality to the outfit.
- Pocket Square: A pocket square is a small piece of fabric that is placed in the breast pocket of a suit jacket. It adds a pop of color or pattern to an outfit and can complement the tie or bowtie. Pocket squares can be folded in various ways, such as the classic square fold or the puff fold.
- Cufflinks: Cufflinks are small decorative fasteners that are used to secure the cuffs of a dress shirt. They come in a variety of styles and materials, such as metal, enamel, or precious stones. Cufflinks can add a touch of elegance to a formal outfit.
- Watch: A watch is a functional and stylish accessory that can complete a man’s outfit. For a formal wedding, a dress watch with a leather strap is appropriate. For a casual wedding, a sporty or casual watch with a metal or rubber strap can be worn.
- Belt: A belt is a practical accessory that can also add some style to an outfit. It should match the color and material of the shoes. For a formal wedding, a leather belt is appropriate. For a casual wedding, a canvas or woven belt can be worn.
Overall, men have a variety of accessories to choose from when attending a wedding. It’s important to choose accessories that complement the outfit and the overall dress code of the wedding. With the right accessories, a man can look stylish and put-together at any wedding.
Final Tips
Attending a wedding as a guest is always a fun and exciting event, but it can also be a bit overwhelming when it comes to choosing the right outfit.
Here are a few final tips to help guys make the right choice:
- Always check the dress code on the invitation before selecting an outfit. This will help you determine whether you should go for a formal or casual look.
- If you’re unsure about what to wear, it’s always better to overdress than underdress. A classic suit or blazer and dress pants will never go wrong.
- Make sure your outfit is comfortable and fits well. You don’t want to be adjusting your clothes all night or feeling self-conscious about how you look.
- Accessorize appropriately. A tie, pocket square, or watch can add a touch of personality to your outfit, but avoid going overboard with too many accessories.
- Don’t forget about your shoes. A pair of dress shoes or loafers will complete your look and keep you comfortable throughout the night.
- Lastly, be confident in your outfit choice and enjoy the celebration!
