Okay guys, let's talk wedding outfits. I've been to more weddings than I can count – as a guest, groomsman, even an awkward plus-one – and wedding what to wear men is the eternal question. You don't want to be underdressed next to Uncle Bob in his tux, but you also don't want to sweat through a three-piece suit at a beach ceremony. Been there, regretted that.
First Things First: The Wedding Dress Code
This isn't about your personal style. It's about respecting the couple's vision. I learned this the hard way when I showed up in a navy suit to a "tropical casual" wedding where everyone wore linen shirts. Cringe.
| Dress Code | What It Actually Means | Your Go-To Outfit | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Tie | The rarest and fanciest. Think royal weddings | Tailcoat, white waistcoat, white bow tie, patent oxfords | $500+ rental, $2000+ buy |
| Black Tie | Formal evening weddings | Tuxedo, black bow tie, cummerbund, patent shoes | $150-$300 rental, $500-$1500 buy |
| Formal / Black Tie Optional | Luxury day or evening events | Dark suit (navy/charcoal) or tuxedo, dress shoes | $100-$200 rental, $300-$800 buy |
| Semi-Formal | Most common evening weddings | Suits (any color), tie optional after 6PM | Own or $80-$150 rental |
| Cocktail | Daytime/outdoor mixers | Blazer + trousers, bold shirt, loafers | $50-$100 rental (blazer only) |
| Casual | Beach/barn/backyard weddings | Pressed chinos, linen shirt, clean sneakers or boat shoes | Own closet |
Pro Tip: No dress code on invite? Check the venue website photos or discreetly ask the groom. Church wedding usually means suit, brewery wedding means smart casual.
Building Your Wedding Outfit: Piece by Piece
Ever notice how some guys look effortlessly sharp? It's not magic – it's nailing the basics.
The Suit / Jacket
My biggest mistake? Buying a cheap polyester suit for my first wedding. It wrinkled like tissue paper and I looked like a melted candle in photos.
- Fit is king: Shoulder seams at your shoulder bones, jacket cuffs showing 0.5" shirt sleeve
- Colors:
- Navy - Works for 90% of weddings
- Charcoal - Best for evening
- Burgundy/Brown - Fall weddings only
- Materials: Wool breathes best (year-round), linen for summer (expect wrinkles), velvet for winter formal
Never Do This: Wear black suits to daytime weddings unless required. You'll look like you're heading to a funeral.
Shirts & Neckwear
This is where personality shines. At my cousin's wedding, I wore a classic white shirt while my buddy rocked pale pink. Both worked because...
| Shirt Type | When to Wear | Tie/Bow Tie Options | Care Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spread Collar (formal) | Black tie, formal daytime | Standard tie or bow tie | Dry clean only |
| Point Collar (versatile) | Most wedding types | All tie widths, bow ties | Machine wash cold |
| Button-Down (casual) | Cocktail, casual events | Skinny tie or no tie | Hang dry to avoid shrinkage |
Neckwear rule of thumb: Match formality (silk ties for formal, knitted for casual). And please – no clip-ons unless you're under 12.
Shoes Matter More Than You Think
I ruined a pair of suede loafers in a dewy garden ceremony. Learn from my pain:
- Formal: Oxfords (cap-toe or plain) in black/brown
- Semi-Formal: Derbies, monk straps, loafers
- Casual: Clean leather sneakers, boat shoes, boots
- Color Coordination:
- Black shoes → Black/gray suits
- Brown shoes → Navy/brown/tan suits
Break shoes in 2 weeks before the wedding. Blisters are not accessories.
Essential Accessories Checklist
Forgot a belt once and spent 6 hours hiking up my trousers. Don't be me.
| Accessory | Essential? | Budget Options | Luxury Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belt | ✓ | Target ($20) - match shoes exactly | Saddleback Leather ($100) |
| Watch | ✓ | Timex Weekender ($40) | Tissot ($400+) |
| Pocket Square | Highly Rec | Amazon 6-pack ($15) | Kent Wang silk ($40) |
| Cufflinks | French cuffs only | Macy's ($25/pair) | Tateossian ($150+) |
| Socks | ✓ | Happy Socks ($12) | Pantherella ($25) |
Seasonal Wedding Attire Solutions
Summer Wedding What to Wear Men
Outdoor July wedding? I nearly passed out in a wool suit before switching to:
- Unlined wool/linen blend suits (try SuitSupply $399)
- Light blue or ecru cotton shirts
- NO synthetic fabrics – you'll sweat through in 10 mins
- Loafers without socks (only if dress code allows)
Winter Wedding Attire
December wedding = layers are survival tools:
- Flannel or tweed suits (Spier & Mackay $349)
- V-neck sweaters under jackets
- Overcoat (not your ski jacket!) for venue transitions
- Leather gloves and wool scarf in neutral tones
Body Type Adjustments
As a broad-shouldered guy, I used to look like a squeezed sausage in slim-fit suits. Key fixes:
| Body Type | Suit Jacket | Trousers | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tall & Slim | Double-breasted, peak lapels | Cuffed, mid-rise | Vertical stripes |
| Muscular | Classic fit, soft shoulders | Straight leg, no taper | Spread collar |
| Stocky | Single-breasted, dark colors | Flat front, no pleats | Point collar |
| Short | Short jacket, no pocket flaps | No break at shoes | Small patterns |
Tailoring is non-negotiable. $20 hemming makes a $200 suit look like $1000.
What NOT to Wear: Wedding Fashion Fails
Seen at actual weddings (names withheld to protect the guilty):
- Graphic tees under blazers (unless it's a punk-themed wedding)
- Shorts, even at beach weddings (opt for linen trousers)
- Sports jerseys (yes, really)
- Worn sneakers with suits (unless it's a fashion-forward crowd)
- Anything brighter than the bride (save neon for Coachella)
Affordable Options That Don't Scream "Cheap"
As a broke grad student, I survived wedding season with:
| Item | Budget Pick | Price | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suit | Haggar Premium Comfort | $120 | JCPenney |
| Dress Shirt | Amazon Essentials Slim Fit | $25 | Amazon |
| Shoes | Stacy Adams Madison | $80 | Dillard's |
| Tie | Uniqlo Skinny Tie | $15 | Uniqlo |
Rental tip: BlackTux rentals start at $95 but inspect EVERY piece upon delivery.
Groomsmen Specific Advice
Having been in 7 wedding parties, here's what I wish I knew:
- Ask about alterations costs upfront (one groom stuck us with $150/each!)
- Break in shoes BEFORE wedding day
- Pack fashion tape for suspenders/bow ties that slip
- Bring a portable steamer – hotel irons leave shiny marks
Last-Minute Wedding Attire Checklist
24 hours before the wedding, verify:
- Suit/jacket hung in bathroom during shower to de-wrinkle
- Undershirt packed (v-neck to avoid visibility)
- Shoes polished and soles cleaned
- Tie/bow tie practiced (YouTube tutorials save embarrassment)
- Emergency kit: Stain stick, mints, spare cufflinks, phone charger
Wedding What to Wear Men FAQ
Can I wear a black suit to a wedding?
Only for evening formal weddings or if specified. Daytime black suits read as funereal.
Are jeans ever okay for wedding attire?
Only if the invite explicitly says "denim encouraged" (rare barn weddings). Dark wash with blazer minimum.
What color tie for a wedding?
Safe: Navy, burgundy, gray. Avoid: White (bridal), black (mourning), neon (distracting).
Can men wear floral to weddings?
Yes! But keep it subtle – floral ties or pocket squares, not head-to-toe Hawaiian shirts.
Should I match my date's outfit?
Coordinate colors (e.g., her burgundy dress → your burgundy tie), but avoid literal matching.
How formal are destination weddings?
Usually more casual. Linen suits for tropics, smart casual for European cities. Always verify!
Final Reality Check
At my friend's wedding last summer, a guy wore a wrinkled shirt with no tie. Everyone remembered him – negatively. Your goal? Look polished but forgettable. The day isn't about you. Now that you know exactly what to wear to any wedding as a man, go enjoy the open bar responsibly.
Leave a Message