Ultimate Guide to Men's Wedding Attire: What to Wear

What do men wear to a wedding? It all depends on the wedding dress code — and when you adhere to the dress code, you show your respect for the bride and groom. Wedding dress codes can range from formal black tie occasions to relaxed, casual affairs. 

In addition to the guidelines of the dress code, you'll want to choose your attire based on the venue, the season, and the time of day of the wedding. This comprehensive guide not only covers the 5 main wedding dress codes but provides styling tips for different types of weddings. From venue and seasonal attire suggestions to ideas for handsome accessories, read on to ensure your wedding attire will be fashionable and stylish.

WEDDING STYLE

Wedding Dress Codes for Men: From White Tie to Casual

The wedding invitation will most likely state the location, the time, and the dress code for the ceremony. The dress code will be your guide on what to wear. The most common wedding dress codes, from most formal to most relaxed include:

• White Tie
  
• Black Tie
  
• Formal
  
• Semi-formal or Cocktail
  
• Casual

White Tie Attire

The height of formality, the white tie dress code outlines very specific elements of attire:

• Tuxedo with tails.
  
• White cotton or linen wedding bow tie.
  
• White waistcoat.
  
• Patent leather dress shoes.

Black Tie Attire

Black tie is still a very formal dress code, but not as formal as white tie. The typical black tie attire includes:

• A black tuxedo.
  
• A white tuxedo shirt.
  
• A black silk bow tie.
  
• Formal black dress shoes, either velvet or patent loafers or black patent lace-ups.

Formal (Black Tie Optional) Attire

Often, a formal wedding will offer black tie as an option, but still the attire is elegant and usually restrained. Formal attire specifies:

• A dark wedding suit in black or very dark navy.
  
• A crisp white dress shirt.
  
• A silk tie, usually in a solid color such as dove gray, ivory, or deep burgundy.
  
• Black dress shoes.

Semi-Formal or Cocktail Attire

A semi-formal dress code allows for more flexibility in your attire. You can wear brighter colors and attractive patterns that express a more lighthearted attitude. Clothing for a semi-formal wedding will include:

• Suit jacket or blazer.
  
• Dress pants.
  
• Dress shirt.
  
• A silk tie in a favorite color or interesting pattern.
  
• Dress shoes, not necessarily black.

Casual Wedding Attire

Even when the wedding dress code specifies 'casual', you'll wear a polished outfit that looks thoughtful and put together. You can choose more casual fabrics, brighter colors, and add some flair to your look. Casual wedding attire includes:

• A dress shirt.
  
• Slacks or chinos.
  
• Dress shoes.
  
• A tie is optional.

Dressing for Different Wedding Venues

While following the wedding dress code, the venue can also influence your attire choices.

You'll likely put together a slightly different look for a casual wedding held at the beach compared to a casual wedding at a country club.  

Beach Wedding Attire

Beach weddings are usually planned for late spring, summer, and early fall when the weather is typically warm, possibly hot and humid. You'll look polished while staying comfortable by choosing lightweight fabrics like cotton and linen that are breathable and will help you remain cool. 

Select colors that align with the beach — a shirt in a sandy beige, a tie in a gentle blue or soft green. Avoid wearing an all-white outfit — you don't want to outdo the bride.

If the wedding will be held directly on the sand, consider appropriate footwear. Consider loafers without socks, fashionable sandals, or if the invitation will be shoes-optional, don't forget that pedicure!

Outdoor Garden Wedding Attire

Unless the garden wedding dress code is white tie or black tie, enjoy wearing fabrics and colors that echo nature. Go with an oatmeal linen jacket and a light-colored dress shirt.

Add some nature-inspired style with a floral silk or linen tie, and a pocket square that mimics garden colors.

Seasonal Wedding Attire Tips

Always adhere to the dress code, but choose fabrics and colors appropriate to the season.

Summer Wedding Attire

For a summer wedding, choose lighter colors and more breathable fabrics such as cottons and linens with open weaves that allow air to circulate.

Winter Wedding Attire

Opt for wool flannel or gabardine in rich seasonal colors. Layer with a vest, or for very chilly days, add a merino thermal layer.

Essential Accessories for Wedding Guests

Even if a tie is optional, donning a necktie and pocket square will definitely elevate your look.

Ties and Bow Ties

You'll wear a bow tie at white tie and black tie weddings. A necktie, typically in a subtle solid color is appropriate for a formal or semi-formal dress code wedding. For a casual wedding, a more colorful or a patterned tie will be a great choice.

Pocket Squares

No matter the dress code, if you'll be wearing a jacket, definitely add a pocket square. Be sure to follow the key rule to choosing a pocket square — do not match the pocket square to your tie.

Pocket squares should complement your shirt and tie. For example, if you're wearing a pearl gray silk tie with a dark suit and white dress shirt, a light lavender pocket square with a very subtle micro pattern would be a great option.

Pocket squares can be folded in multiple ways but the following three stylings are excellent for a wedding:

• The Presidential or Straight Fold is conservative and the most formal folding technique. 
  
• The Three Point Fold adds visual interest with three corners of the square peeking out of your pocket. Use this fold for formal and semi-formal dress code weddings
  
• The Puff Fold is a flouncy technique that pops out of your pocket like a flower. It's a bit showy and probably best worn for a cocktail party or casual dress code wedding. 

Wedding Attire Dos and Don'ts

Whether formal or casual, weddings are joyous occasions. But there are some attire dos and don'ts you need to be aware of.

DO:

• Follow the dress code — wear subtle, polished attire that doesn't take focus away from the bride and groom.
• Honor the cultural traditions of the bride's and groom's families.
• Dress for the venue and the season.

DON'T:

• Wear white
  
• Wear clothing that's too flashy or revealing.
  
• Wear attire that's too casual.

Finding the Perfect Wedding Guest Outfit at The Tie Bar

The dress code is your magic key to dressing appropriately for any wedding. Be sure to understand the differences between the 5 dress codes we've explained in this guide. Also consider the season of the ceremony and wedding venue so you'll feel confidently comfortable in your perfect wedding guest outfit. 

Are you ready to find the ideal wedding attire? The Tie Bar has a range of handsome options, from tuxedos to linen jackets and dress shirts to exquisite ties. Explore the Tie Bar's wedding collection for your perfect outfit. You'll find everything you need to look your wedding guest best.

FIND YOUR PERFECT WEDDING OUTFIT