Wedding Guest Attire

April 16, 2013
Showing up at a wedding dressed inappropriately ranks up there with other horrifying nightmares we’d all like to avoid. Knowing what to wear to a wedding can be challenging, since no two weddings are the same.

Weddings vary based on their type, location, time of day, and time of year – all of which must be factored in when determining what to wear. Each wedding style comes with its own set of “dress code” rules, and since no one wants to be remembered as the guy who missed the memo, the following guidelines will keep you in sync, regardless of the type wedding you attend.

Formal Weddings: Typically an evening wedding after 6 PM, formal wedding wear includes both white and black tie tuxedos. The white tie tuxedo, once the only outfit worn to formal weddings, should now be reserved for the most formal of weddings, and should include a white shirt, vest, and tie. Black tie, less formal than white, but still considered formal, is most commonly worn to formal weddings, unless it’s a formal daytime wedding (before 6 PM), which permits wearing a dark suit.

Now, this is where it gets tricky, since not all black tie wedding requirements are the same. Based on the bride and groom’s preference and request, which should be stated on the invitation, you’ll be expected to comply with one of the following black tie options.

Black Tie Options

Black Tie – This requires a formal tuxedo in all its splendor, which is the only appropriate thing to wear. This is the time to play by traditional tuxedo rules, so no wavering on this one, gentlemen.

Creative Black Tie – Requires a tuxedo, but allows the opportunity to add your own creative flair. Limit your individualism to the shirt, tie, and accessories. Despite fashion “liberalism” – I use that word kindly – resist showing up to a wedding dressed like some of the celebrities we’ve seen on award shows that appear to be 1980 leftovers. A wedding is the place to show respect for the blissful couple… and yourself, as well.

Black Tie Requested / Optional – Lucky you, you get to decide whether to wear a tux or not. If not, make sure you dress as formally as possible, which means a dark suit. Keep it on the conservative side with a white dress shirt and appropriate tie.

Semi Formal

One-step down from the tuxedo wearing formal wedding, a suit is preferred, yet a dressy pair of slacks, jacket, dress shirt, and tie are also acceptable if you don’t own an appropriate suit. If the only jacket you own won’t do, a dressy sweater can be paired up with your outfit instead. Regardless, avoid dressing like you just left the office, and wear accessories that say wedding, not business meeting. Jewelry, pocket squares, tasteful shirt colors, and sophisticated, chic tie patterns are some of the details that will differentiate between the two. If you’re attending with a woman, this is the perfect time to wear a tie that compliments the color of her dress.

Depending on the time of day and season, suit colors in black, charcoal, gray, navy, tan and light gray, with or without pinstripes are appropriate. Choose darker colors for evening wear and lighter colors for daytime weddings, regardless of the time of year. Tan and light gray are typically warm weather colors that are not worn during the winter.

In addition to color, fabric choices need to be factored into the equation based on the time of year: heavyweight suits during cold months and lightweight suits during warm months. Wool is most commonly worn in winter, while light wool-blends, cotton, linen, and seersucker are worn in summer.

Casual and Destination Weddings

Casual —  This dress code means casual based on wedding standards – not “hanging with the boys” standards. So, jeans, cargo pants, shorts and t-shirts are out, unless specified on the wedding invitation. Instead, ramp it up a notch to casual slacks or khakis, a short or long sleeve, button-down shirt, or even a dark colored polo shirt. If the wedding is not a backyard cookout, on the beach, or in some other very casual venue, go with business casual, minus the jacket and tie.

Destination (Beach or Outdoor Chic) — It’s probably safe to say that most destination weddings are held on the beach, but not always. Whether it’s on the slopes of Aspen or a seaside resort, base your outfit on the destination’s weather and not your hometown’s. Beach and other outdoor weddings do not necessarily mean casual. Again, go with the suggested dress code, which will probably require a warm weather suit, like linen, or a nice pair of linen or cotton slacks. Suits should be accompanied by the typical accessories; however, some beach weddings don’t require a necktie. Slacks should be worn with a short sleeve, button-down shirt of equal quality, which should always be tucked in, unless the groom wears his shirt out. Speaking of shirts, avoid the outdated Hawaiian-style variety, regardless of the palm trees and warm breeze. Footwear should always be worn, unless stated on the invitation, and should never be too casual, so save the flip-flops for another time. Dress sandals are acceptable with slacks, but not with suits. Shoes worn without socks are also acceptable if you’re on the beach, whether they’re worn with a suit or slacks. (Please limit this style to beach weddings only!) Destination weddings are usually performed on the beach; however, that doesn’t mean the wedding reception or party is also held on the beach. The location and style of the reception is often the determining dress code factor, which, hopefully, is clearly stated on the invitation.

A Few More Pointers

  • Don’t out-dress the wedding party.
  • Never wear a white suit.
  • Dress on the conservative side by avoiding wild colors and patterns.
  • Make sure clothes are clean, in good condition, and are neatly pressed. Shoes must to be polished.
  • Choose comfortable clothing, especially if dancing’s involved.
  • See my article, Tuxedo Dress Code Etiquette, for more black tie information.

 

The first place to check for a wedding’s dress requirement is the invitation. Unfortunately, not all invitations include this information, so if you’re uncertain about what to wear, contact someone in the wedding party before the day of the wedding and find out. Don’t leave it to chance because you’ll probably guess wrong. Aside from not wanting to look out of place or like a major fashion faux pas, dressing appropriately shows respect to the bride and groom on their special day. Paying attention to wedding etiquette will ensure dress code safety and the personal confidence that when you arrive, heads will turn for all the right reasons!

by Aaron Marino

Featured video

If you’re one of the many plagued by the dandruff flake, then you know that dandruff is one of the most annoying hair issues today! If you’re really looking to stop dandruff flakes in their tracks, grab a dedicated dandruff-medicated shampoo like CONTROL that’s jam-packed with Coal Tar. We’ve tried them all, and bar none; Pete & Pedro’s dandruff shampoo is the best dandruff and anti-itch shampoo on the market today.
 

Pete & Pedro Control https://peteandpedro.com/products/control-anti-itch-dandruff-shampoo

Join 200,000+ email subscribers

getting exclusive advice every week

Connect With Me

My home with over 6 million subscribers

Follow for daily updates

Don’t expect any dancing!

Come say ‘hi’ on Facebook

Tweet along with me

Join my Facebook group

Listen to the alpha m. Podcast

6 million + YouTube subscribers, 1 billion + views.

Follow me on

ABOUT US

Aaron Marino (alpha m.) is the number 1 men’s lifestyle influencer with over 8 million followers combined across multiple social media channels.

On this website you’ll find all of alpha m’s content alongside more information about his businesses.

© 2021 I Am Alpha M. All Rights Reserved.