So, you’ve been invited to a wedding, and now you’re faced with the task of trying to find something to wear. If you are the best man or a groomsman, you’ll be given specific instructions regarding the attire. But if you’re attending as a regular guest, it’s up to you to choose an appropriate outfit for this special occasion.
Skip the Black Suit
It’s best to avoid wearing an all-black suit to weddings. Even if it’s clean and tailored to fit your body, black suits are typically too formal for wedding guests, which is why it’s best to choose a slightly more casual outfit. You obviously shouldn’t arrive to the venue wearing blue jeans and a t-shirt, but you also shouldn’t wear a suit that’s as formal or more formal than the groom’s attire.
Check the Invitation
Wedding invitations will often reveal information about the bride and groom’s preferred dress code for guests. If it’s a destination wedding that’s taking place at the beach, for instance, the invitations may state “beach wear,” in which case it’s perfectly fine to show up wearing khakis, sandals and a button-up t-shirt. If it’s a traditional wedding, however, it may say “semi-formal” or “black tie.” Regardless, you should check the invitations to see if a dress code has been specified.
When in Doubt, Wear a Suit
You really can’t go wrong with a traditional men’s suit when attending a wedding. A blue (not black) suit is an excellent choice for wedding guests, as it’s stylish, classic and formal, yet not too formal. Just remember to have your suit dry cleaned or pressed beforehand, as wrinkles will have a negative impact on your entire appearance.
Of course, there are alternatives to wearing a suit, such as a button-up dress shirt, indigo jeans, and a necktie. If you plan on taking this route, wear formal or semi-formal dress shoes to complete the look. We’ve talked about this before on our blog, but brown or black-colored oxfords are a great choice of formal footwear for men.
Choose Colors Based on the Season
A good rule of thumb to follow when choosing attire for a wedding is to base your colors on the season during which the wedding is occurring. For summer and springtime weddings, for instance, it’s best to wear lighter colors, whereas darker colors and heavier fabrics are recommended for the cooler fall and winter months.
References:
http://cladwellguide.com/blog/what-to-wear-to-a-wedding-for-men