The question of how to dress for a wedding guest is not so obvious, because wedding guides for men usually talk about the groom's clothes. But there are a few other wardrobe rules for guests to better present themselves. A guest's poor attire is sometimes considered a sign of disrespect for the bride and groom. Even if it seems unimportant, remember that for some it may mean if you tried to look elegant and correct. If you're looking for advice on how to dress for a wedding as a guest, you will find it in this wedding style article.
How to dress for a wedding or put on classics
While at a few weddings, I noticed that most of the guests unfortunately don't know how to dress properly for a wedding. Many of them use details that reduce the formality of the wardrobe at any cost. They act as if they are afraid they will look too elegant. In many cases, men, even when they decide to buy a suit, choose one that has a non-standard cut, an extravagant design, or is made of fabric that is too shiny. We need to figure it out, first read our article about the men's dress code.
The rules of men's clothing clearly define what is appropriate for a special occasion and what is not. But you don't need to be an expert, someone in the store will advise you, right? Not always like this. The sellers in most stores lack knowledge and recommend what they think looks great. Meanwhile, there are many mistakes that you run the risk of making.
The perfect wedding guest wardrobe
We 'miss' the nightmare of jackets with five buttons under the neck or suits with contrast piping. And even elegant things can be unsuitable for a wedding. For example, a black suit that is only suitable for a funeral. And the wedding almost always takes place during the day and has nothing to do with mourning! When it comes to footwear, a less formal derby in a bold color doesn't go well either. Tie sets for a couple with a groom made of the same material and the same color are not a good idea. This is a simple task, and yet it has no justification in the formal dress tradition.
With basic knowledge, you can go to a store with well-defined needs. And do not believe the offers of sellers to buy an inexpensive suit with an admixture of synthetics in the fabric. Such suits look “cheap” and understanding people will immediately figure you out from the crowd and christen you a person with a modest income and bad taste. Read this guide and you will surely know how to dress for a man's wedding guest.
Two-piece suit for a wedding
Best Suits You Can Wear for a Wedding
A classic suit will be a good choice for a wedding. The best choice is dark blue, dark gray, or graphite. As we said, forget about black. Don't risk a tuxedo because you might dress more formally than the groom. It is he and his beloved who should be in the spotlight. You do not want someone to mistake you for the groom. It is best to have a suit with two buttons and standard open lapels. You can also consider sharp lapels, but remember that in such a suit there is a risk of looking more elegant than the groom. For the same reason, skip the double-breasted suit, which is considered more formal than single-breasted.
Interestingly, some companies offer suits with 2.5 buttons. This decision belongs to the Italian style. Actually only two holes are visible and the third is on one of the lapels. It is also a good choice for a wedding guest costume. The best fabric for a formal suit is wool, which is breathable and doesn't wrinkle much. Summer linen or cotton fabrics are also acceptable. But we would rather recommend a blend of wool than, for example, a suit made of cotton or linen. Such materials wrinkle quickly.
A well-tailored suit in navy blue or gray is a great investment. Will last for years, not just for the wedding. It can be folded and worn as a set with other pants or a shirt. This is the staple of every man's wardrobe.
Can a wedding guest wear a vest? First of all, it is a good choice. The choice is between single-breasted and double-breasted vests. A vest that contrasts with a jacket and trousers can be an especially interesting solution. For classic elegance, it is common to pair a light gray vest with a navy suit that looks impressive. The vest is also used in a coordinated set.
Having put on a vest, it is not necessary to button the jacket, this increases the comfort of wearing. The vest also keeps the tie in the correct position. Remember, however, that the vest is worn with suspenders. The belt sticking out of the vest is a mistake. Trousers must be free of loops.
Pants and blazer in a different color match
How to stylishly pair pants and a blazer
In many situations, you can replace the suit with a matched set. This means styling with a blazer and pants in different colors. This is a less formal choice for an occasion such as a wedding, but is currently acceptable. Well, unless the bride and groom belong to your family, then it would be more correct to stay in a suit.
The most classic matched set consists of a navy fine wool blazer and gray pants – called the club set. In summer, less dark chinos will also work well with a dark blazer. This set is suitable for those who would like to dress more casually. It would be unacceptable to wear jeans that you would rather set aside for another occasion.
Wedding Shoes – The Right Type of Shoes for a Wedding
Shoes should be formal enough for such a celebration.
The best choice for such formal events would be black oxfords. Shoes should be of the simplest shape with a minimum of stitching and embellishments. It is best to have the lace-up top closed at the bottom like Oxfords. This gives the shoe a simple and elegant shape.
In summer, you can wear classic, elegant moccasins, so-called penny loafers, made of smooth leather if you wish. Suede will be too informal for this occasion. Black shoes are considered the best for formal occasions. They are combined with dark blue and gray trousers, that is, with the colors that we usually choose for a wedding.
Brown shoes are a risky choice and some people find it inappropriate. On the other hand, if we are already opting for a less formal wardrobe, such as beige chinos or light gray, then black shoes will not work. Remember to polish your shoes thoroughly. The tips and heels should be well polished. With a little bit of gloss, add some shine to the entire styling.
Socks for wedding shoes
Even the choice of socks for a wedding should be approached delicately.
Socks are matched to shoes or trousers. Get creative and choose the color of your tie or pocket square socks. They should be made of smooth material. If you choose a pattern, don't be too extravagant. Peas seem to be a good idea – for example in the picture above.
Keep your socks high. The idea is to not show your lower leg when you sit down. To keep your socks in place all the time, you can invest in a sock garter. The most stylish additions of this type are the British brand Albert Thurston, worn by kings, presidents and of course Agent 007.
Wedding ceremony scarf
A classic white shawl is always irreplaceable, even at a wedding
When it comes to choosing a pocket square, some go crazy. Men rarely remember him, considering the handkerchief too extravagance. However, it is an essential element of classic elegance, honored by tradition. A pocket square can be an interesting piece of clothing, completing and complementing a style. If you don't know how to place it in your pocket, read our article – how to fold a pocket square in a jacket pocket.
A regular white shawl, preferably a linen one, is a good choice because this slightly rough material fits into the pocket. It does not slip as easily as silk. The game also includes shawls with edges framed in contrasting color. Geometric or even complex drawing will not be a mistake, but try not to make the drawing look flashy. Save bold decisions for other reasons. Remember to match the scarf to the outfit, but don't choose the same as the tie.
Wedding shirt
These 3 shirt options are more appropriate for a wedding.
Of course, men who come to the wedding in a short-sleeved shirt cannot be called elegant. Those who sell such shirts for suits should be punished somehow. Unfortunately, this trend is still observed in weddings. A classic long-sleeved shirt with cuffs under buttons or cufflinks is suitable for a wedding. As for the color, classic white is suitable. Also blue and pink are available. Avoid shirts in variegated colors, as well as too dark or shiny.
The shirt fastens with all buttons. A deep neckline is the prerogative of women, especially in formal situations. And don't wear a shirt over your pants! It should always be sunk into the pants, ironed and tight-fitting – no folds hanging over the belt. If the shirt is too wide at the waist, tuck it in to a tailor or tuck it in properly. By the way, there is a great solution for the shirt not to come out of the pants – suspenders for the shirt.
The right tie for a wedding
How to choose a tie for a wedding guest
The final piece of bridal wardrobe is a tie or bow tie. You cannot come naked in this kind of ceremony. A tie for a wedding set should be solid or with a delicate pattern. It is better to choose muted colors (blue, dark blue, crimson, gray). A bright tie is a mistake.
You also don't have to match the tie to the groom's outfit, that's bad taste. You are not twins whose mom buys the same clothes. Your connection with each other should be based on the fact that you are both dressed to the same level of formality. That's all.
A silk tie is most suitable for a wedding. You can also wear ties made from other natural fabrics (such as wool or cotton) for less formal outfits. Knitted ties are less formal. Either way, forget synthetics like polyester or microfiber. A tie should be an adornment skillfully crafted from quality material, not cheap imitation plastic. If you do not have knowledge and understanding yet, it is better to check the composition on the label, because even in seemingly decent boutiques you can find synthetic materials. Also, thin ties are not suitable for a wedding.
Finally
After reading this guide, you will probably no longer have any doubts on how to dress for your wedding guest. Wearing the right clothes is a show of respect for the bride and groom. And on dozens of funny photos after you will see how great they looked. Try it for yourself, don't waste time looking mediocre. If, despite the scale of this post, you have not received an answer to your question, do not torture yourself – write it in the comments. We will not leave questions unanswered!
