Wedding Attire for Men: The Complete Guide

Weddings are special occasions that call for top-notch style and thoughtful choices. As a man attending a wedding, it’s essential to dress appropriately for the occasion and make a memorable statement with your attire. Whether you’re a part of the wedding or an invited guest, finding the perfect wedding outfit requires careful consideration and attention to detail.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about wedding attire for men. From formal to casual, wedding role and body type considerations, and even the nitty-gritty of different wedding themes and seasons, we’ll be sure to cover all your bases. So let’s dive in and discover how to achieve the perfect wedding look that reflects your personal style and respects the ambiance of the event.

Formal Wedding Attire

Formal weddings call for an elevated and sophisticated dress code. The two most common options for formal wedding attire are black tie and white tie.

Black Tie Attire

Black tie is the epitome of elegance and classic style, and doesn’t offer much wiggle-room (which can actually help make your choice a little easier). It requires a tuxedo, which consists of several key elements. At its foundation is a well-fitted black dinner jacket with a satin lapel, typically in a peaked or shawl style. Pair that with matching trousers, a crisp white dress shirt (French cuffs are a must), and topped off — of course — with a black bow tie. Then, complete your ensemble with black patent leather shoes and black dress socks and you’re set.

Accessories play a significant role in black tie attire. Don’t forget to add the finishing touches with elegant cufflinks, a tasteful pocket square, and perhaps a formal boutonniere to complete the ensemble. These small details can elevate your black-tie outfit and make a lasting impression.

White Tie Attire

White tie is the most formal dress code for weddings and is reserved for only the most prestigious and elegant affairs. It leaves even less room for error than black tie attire, requiring a full evening tailcoat ensemble. The key elements include a black tailcoat with tails that extend to the knees, formal striped trousers, a white wing-collar dress shirt, and a white bow tie. Patent leather shoes and black dress socks are essential to maintain the ultra-formal aesthetic.

White tie attire is steeped in tradition and offers a timeless and regal look. It is commonly associated with royal events and high-profile ceremonies. If you have the opportunity to attend a white tie wedding, embrace the occasion and embody the grandeur that the dress code implies.

Semi-Formal Wedding Attire

Semi-formal attire — also referred to as cocktail attire — strikes a balance between formal and casual, allowing for more versatility and expression of your personal style.

When selecting a semi-formal outfit, a suit is a must. If you want to make sure you’re up to code, pick a well-tailored suit in a classic color like navy, steel gray, or lighter shades of gray. Then just throw in a crisp dress shirt in a complementary color, a tie or bow tie to elevate the look, and a time-tested pair of leather dress shoes.

Casual Wedding Attire

Casual weddings offer more relaxed and laid-back dress codes, allowing you to showcase your personal style while still looking polished and appropriate.

For a casual wedding, you have lots of flexibility in what you can wear. For a hot-tip, nothing says snazzy yet comfortable like a stylish sport coat or blazer paired with some dress pants or chinos — then just pick out a well-fitted button-down or a patterned dress shirt and you’re good to go. You should also be good in a tan suit if you prefer to stay a little more formal.

Casual weddings provide an opportunity to experiment with colors, patterns, and textures. Consider incorporating vibrant hues, subtle patterns, or interesting fabric textures to showcase your individuality and embrace the casual atmosphere.

Seasonal Considerations for Wedding Attire

The season in which the wedding takes place plays a significant role in determining the appropriate attire. Different seasons call for specific colors, fabrics, and styles to find that harmony between being comfortable and stylish. Here are some recommendations for weddings in different seasons.

Spring Wedding Attire

Spring weddings often evoke a sense of freshness and renewal. It’s common to choose lighter colors and fabrics for spring weddings, like pastel shades, lightweight suits or blazers, and floral or paisley patterns. You can also add a touch of elegance with a colorful tie or bright pocket square.

Summer Wedding Attire

Summer weddings call for outfits that are both stylish and comfortable in warm weather (especially if the wedding’s outside), so you’ll want to choose lightweight and breathable fabrics like linen or cotton over wool or tweed, for example. Lighter color suits — like light gray, beige, and light blue — are common for summer weddings. For a more relaxed summer wedding, you can even consider dress shirts with tailored shorts and loafers.

Fall Wedding Attire

Fall weddings often feature a cozy and warm atmosphere. Embrace autumn colors with outfits in rich shades like burgundy, deep green, or burnt orange. Fabrics like tweed or corduroy add texture and depth to your ensemble. Layering with a vest or a cardigan can also be a stylish option, depending on the vibe of the wedding.

Winter Wedding Attire

Winter weddings offer an opportunity to showcase elegance and sophistication. You’ll probably want to opt for heavier fabrics like wool or velvet for your suit or blazer, depending on how cold it’ll get at the event. Darker colors like navy, charcoal gray, or deep burgundy are fitting for the season, and you can add some warmth and style with a cashmere scarf or leather gloves. If you need a little extra warmth, layering with a tailored overcoat or a stylish scarf can add a touch of sophistication while keeping you comfortable in colder temperatures

Other Types of Wedding Attire

Weddings come in various styles and themes, each with its own unique dress code. Let’s explore some popular wedding attire options for men.

Traditional Wedding Attire

Traditional wedding attire is timeless and classic. It often features a black or navy suit paired with a white dress shirt and a conservative tie. This attire is suitable for formal or semi-formal weddings and gives an air of tried-and-true sophistication.

Modern Wedding Attire

Modern wedding attire embraces contemporary trends while maintaining an overall polished look. It allows for more style experimentation and personalization. Consider opting for tailored suits in unique colors, patterned shirts, or even tasteful accessories to add a modern touch to your wedding ensemble.

Destination Wedding Attire

Destination weddings offer an opportunity to incorporate the local culture and climate into your attire. Lighter fabrics, linen suits, and breathable shirts are often ideal choices for destination weddings in tropical or warm locations, for example. Try to find an outfit that allows you to dress comfortably while keeping the formality of the event in mind.

Accessories for Wedding Attire

Accessories play a crucial role in elevating your wedding ensemble and adding those finishing touches. Here are some essential accessories for men’s wedding attire.

Shoes

Regardless of the wedding’s dress code, you’re definitely going to want to wear some shoes. If in doubt, no one will fault you for showing up in some classic leather dress shoes in black or brown.

Ties & Bow Ties

Ties and bow ties are statement pieces that add personality to your outfit. Pick out a tie or bow tie that complements the color scheme and style of your overall look. Just make sure they’re tied properly (or avoid the fuss altogether by ordering a pre-tied tie).

Pocket Squares

A pocket square is a small accessory that can make a noticeable impact. With a pocket square that complements the colors and patterns of your outfit, you can add a pop of color and elegance folded up neatly in your suit pocket.

Cufflinks

Cufflinks are a great way to show off attention to detail. They can be subtle and understated or bold and eye-catching, depending on your preference and the formality of the event.

Groomsmen Attire

Groomsmen play an important role in a wedding, and coordinating their attire with the groom and with each other helps ensure a cohesive and visually appealing look for the wedding photos.

Coordinating with the Groom and Other Groomsmen

Coordinating groomsmen attire involves aligning the color palette, style, and formality level with the groom’s outfit. Communication is the key to achieving a cohesive look that complements the overall wedding theme.

How to Choose Groomsmen Attire for a Cohesive Look

When selecting groomsmen attire, consider the wedding theme, color scheme, and the groom’s outfit. Ensure that the groomsmen attire is complementary while still allowing the groom to stand out. This can be achieved through matching suits or by incorporating coordinating elements like matching ties, pocket squares, or boutonnieres.

Wedding Attire for Special Roles

Different roles in a wedding party require specific attire to reflect their significance and maintain the overall aesthetic. Here are some ideas for specific roles.

Father of the Bride or Groom Attire

As a father of the bride or groom, your attire should complement the formality and color scheme of the wedding. Coordinate with the groom or other members of the wedding party to ensure a cohesive look to make sure you don’t stand out more than you want to.

Ring Bearer and Flower Boy Attire

For the youngest members of the wedding party, comfort and style are essential. Choose age-appropriate attire that aligns with the overall wedding theme. A cute tradition is to pick out miniature versions of the groomsmen or the groom’s outfit for a charming and coordinated look.

Wedding Attire for Different Body Types

Understanding your body type and selecting appropriate wedding attire can enhance your overall appearance and boost your confidence for the event. Here are some tips for dressing based on different body types.

Dressing for Your Body Type

For various body types such as athletic, slim, or broad, you’ll want to select a suit that flatters your physique. While it might seem obvious, this one detail can affect your entire look — a well-fitted suit enhances your silhouette and exudes confidence, but a poorly fitted suit can make you feel self-conscious. Plus, your choice of patterns and colors can create visual illusions to enhance or minimize certain features.

When choosing a tuxedo especially, you’ll want to pick a lapel style that flatters your body type. For taller individuals, a single-breasted jacket with a shawl lapel creates a sleek and proportionate silhouette. Those with a shorter stature may prefer a double-breasted jacket, as it adds visual height. Consider your body type and select the appropriate lapel style to enhance your overall look.

Menguin makes fit a top priority when you’re ordering your suit or tux — it’s kind of our thing. Take advantage of Menguin’s free home try-on to make sure your suit hits you in all the right spots and is tailored to your body before the big event.

Plus-Size Wedding Attire

Finding comfortable and flattering wedding attire is important for plus-size men. Well-fitted suits with structured shoulders and jackets can help skim the body without being too tight, and darker colors and vertical patterns can create a slimming effect. Menguin offers a wide selection of big and tall tuxedo and suit sizes, ranging from 3T to 6XL, and so you can look and feel confident for the big day.

Wedding Attire for Different Wedding Themes

Matching your attire to the wedding theme adds an extra layer of style and coherence between your look and your surroundings. Here are some popular wedding themes and their associated dress codes.

Beach Wedding Attire

Beach weddings call for attire that is both stylish and suitable for the coastal environment (and, hopefully, sunny weather). Lightweight and breathable fabrics such as linen or cotton will probably be your best bet, and you can choose light colors and pastel shades to reflect the beachy ambiance. If it’s a more casual beach wedding, consider wearing lightweight suits or dress shirts with tailored shorts.

Rustic Wedding Attire

Rustic weddings often embrace a natural and vintage-inspired aesthetic. Earthy tones, textured fabrics like tweed or chambray, and patterned shirts should all fit in just fine here. And accessories like suspenders or a stylish hat can add a rustic touch to your ensemble.

Vintage Wedding Attire

Vintage-themed weddings can be a great mix of fun and elegant. Depending on the specific era, consider tailored suits, classic patterns like houndstooth or pinstripes, and accessories like pocket watches or suspenders. Incorporating appropriate vintage touches into your outfit that capture the essence of the chosen era can be a great talking point among guests.

Summary

So there you have it. Of course, choosing the right wedding attire is an important aspect of attending a wedding, and by considering factors like the season, the wedding’s theme and dress code, and your specific role, you can create a stylish and appropriate outfit that brings out your personality without making you self-conscious.

If you’re still confounded by what to wear, maybe you can coordinate with someone in the wedding party or other guests to make sure you know what to expect. Just be sure to dress according to your body type to boost your confidence and ensure a flattering fit. Remember, dressing well for a wedding is a way to show respect for the couple and celebrate their joyous occasion. Ordering your fits from Menguin can take lots of the headache out of fit and matching, so you can just focus on enjoying the celebration and making some lasting memories!

FAQs

What should a man wear to a wedding?

The appropriate attire for a wedding depends on the formality and theme of the event. In general, a suit or a tailored blazer with dress pants is a safe and stylish choice. Coordinate your outfit with the wedding colors and consult the dress code if provided.

Can men wear black to a wedding?

Yes, men can wear black to a wedding — it may even be expected for formal or black-tie events. However, it’s important to consider the wedding theme and the level of formality. For less formal weddings, consider a dark navy or charcoal gray suit as an alternative to black.

Should groomsmen match the groom?

Coordinating the groomsmen attire with the groom’s outfit is a common practice to achieve a cohesive look. While they don’t need to wear identical suits, incorporating matching elements such as ties, pocket squares, or boutonnieres can create visual harmony. If you’re not sure, it’s probably best to reach out to the groom or your fellow groomsmen to get an idea of what they’re planning to wear.

What accessories should I wear with my wedding outfit?

Essential accessories for a wedding outfit include well-polished shoes, a tie or bow tie, a pocket square, a belt, and cufflinks.