Wedding Attire for Men: A Dress Code Guide

Men’s Wedding Guest Attire: What to Wear and What to Avoid

When you’re invited to a wedding, one of the first things you’ll need to figure out is what to wear. Wedding attire for men seems simple, but the dress code can vary depending on the style and location of the wedding, so it’s crucial to strike the right balance between looking sharp and respecting the couple’s special day. In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of wedding dress codes for men, offering tips on what to wear and what to avoid.

1. Black Tie Wedding Guest Attire

What It Means: Black Tie is the epitome of formal wedding attire for men, requiring you to dress to impress. It’s the most formal dress code you’ll encounter at weddings, apart from White Tie.

What to Wear:

• Tuxedo: A classic black tuxedo is essential. You can even consider a dinner jacket! Pair it with a black bow tie, a white formal shirt, and black patent leather shoes.
• Accessories: Cufflinks and a pocket square add a refined touch.

Avoid:

• Loud or flashy patterns. Stick to the classics—this is not the time for bold colors or prints.

Our Recommendation: A Black Mohair Blend Tuxedo from Vitale Barberis Canonico ($1699)

2. Formal or Black Tie Optional Wedding Guest Attire [Read the Full Guide]

What It Means: This dress code is slightly less formal than Black Tie. While a tuxedo is still appropriate, a dark suit is also acceptable. This style of wedding attire for men is also a great chance to incorporate a vest.

What to Wear:

• Suit: A dark suit, preferably in black, navy, or charcoal, paired with a tie. A white dress shirt and polished dress shoes complete the look.
• Optional: You can opt for a black tuxedo if you want to stay on the formal side.

Avoid:

• Anything too casual, like jeans or bright-colored suits. The goal is to remain elegant and sophisticated.

Our Recommendation: A classic Solid Dark Grey Suit ($699)

3. Cocktail Wedding Attire [Read the Full Guide]

What It Means: Cocktail wedding attire for men is dressy but not overly formal, offering a chance to express your style while still looking polished.

What to Wear:

• Suit: A tailored suit in a darker shade like navy or charcoal. You can add a touch of personality with a patterned tie or pocket square, but keep it refined.
• Shoes: Polished dress shoes, such as oxfords or brogues, are essential.

Avoid:

• Very casual items like jeans, t-shirts, or sneakers. While cocktail attire is more relaxed than formal, it still demands a polished appearance.

Our Recommendation: A Navy & Maroon Glen Plaid Suit from Vitale Barberis Canonico ($1499)

4. Semi-Formal Wedding Attire

What It Means: Semi-formal is a step down from cocktail attire, allowing for a bit more comfort while still maintaining a smart look. Men’s wedding attire still tends to revolve around a jacket, so try making that the focal point of your outfit.

What to Wear:

• Outfit: A suit is appropriate, but you can skip the tie if you prefer. Alternatively, a sport jacket paired with chinos or dress pants works well. Darker colors are ideal, but lighter shades can work in warmer weather.
• Shoes: Dress shoes like loafers or derby shoes are suitable.

Avoid:

• Jeans and overly casual footwear. While semi-formal gives you more flexibility, it’s important to avoid anything that looks too casual or unpolished.

Our Recommendation: A Forest Green Twill Suit from Cavani ($1199)

5. Casual Wedding Attire [Read the Full Guide]

What It Means: Casual wedding attire for men doesn’t mean sloppy. You should aim for a neat and well-put-together look, but with more relaxed elements.

What to Wear:

• Outfit: Chinos or dress pants paired with a button-down shirt. A sport jacket can elevate your look, but it’s not necessary.
• Footwear: Loafers, brogues, or other dressy shoes are appropriate.

Avoid:

• T-shirts, jeans (unless specifically allowed), and casual sneakers. Even though it’s casual, you still want to look respectable and well-dressed.

Our Recommendation: A Grey & Purple Windowpane Sportcoat ($599) paired with a white shirt and navy slacks.

6. Beach Formal Attire

What It Means: For beach weddings, you’ll need to blend style with comfort, considering the sandy setting. Men’s linen suits for weddings are a very common choice.

What to Wear:

• Suit: A light-colored linen suit is ideal, or you can wear dress pants with a light shirt.
• Shoes: Loafers or dress sandals work well, but make sure they’re on the dressier side.

Avoid:

• Heavy fabrics, dark colors, and formal shoes like patent leather—these will not only look out of place but also be uncomfortable in the sand.

Our Recommendation: Beige Linen Sharkskin Suit by Cavani ($1199)

Key Tips to Remember

• Don’t Outshine the Groom: The number one rule for mens wedding attire is to avoid overshadowing the groom. Stick to classic styles and colors. While a sport jacket with solid-colored pants is fine, steer clear of anything too bold, like a pink plaid suit.
• Region Matters: Wedding dress codes can vary depending on the location. In some regions, like the South, jeans with a sport jacket and boots might be considered semi-formal wedding attire for men. However, in most other areas, this would be too casual.
• Seasonal Considerations: Choose lighter colors and fabrics for summer weddings, and opt for darker tones and heavier materials in the fall and winter.
• Formal vs. Semi-Formal: When in doubt, it’s better to be slightly overdressed. For formal events, stick to suits with ties and avoid very loud check patterns. For semi-formal events, you can skip the tie and opt for a sport jacket with chinos or slacks.

Hear from our Head of Merchandising on a couple more tips:

By following these guidelines for mens wedding attire, you’ll ensure that you look sharp and feel comfortable while respecting the significance of the wedding day. Remember, it’s not just about what you wear, but how you wear it—confidence and respect for the couple are key to making the right impression.

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