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How to dress for a wedding?

Choosing the right outfit for a wedding is quite a challenge for many men. It is not only a matter of personal style, but above all an expression of respect for the bride and groom and the nature of the ceremony itself. The decision of what to wear depends on a variety of factors, including the dress code, the time of year, the venue where the reception takes place, as well as the style of the wedding itself. This comprehensive guide is designed to guide every man through the process of choosing the perfect outfit, regardless of the circumstances.

Understanding wedding dress codes

The basis when choosing the right outfit for a wedding is to understand the different levels of formality of clothing, which can be ranked from the most elegant to the most casual, allowing for comfort and style. tags. There are several types of dress code, which differ in the degree of formality, and knowing them will make it easier to make a decision . The key clue about the expected outfit is the information contained on the wedding invitation. Sometimes the bride and groom decide on a themed wedding or specify their preferred style of clothing, which should also be taken into account when choosing the styling .

White Tie – when a tailcoat is mandatory.

White tie is the most formal men’s evening wear, also known as a full evening dress or dress suit. It is synonymous with the highest elegance and requires strict adherence to certain rules. A men’s white tie outfit consists of a black tailcoat (also known as a dress coat), worn over a white shirt with a heavily starched or quilted (piqué) front. In addition, there is a white quilted vest and a white bow tie tied around the standing collar (wing collar). The outfit is complemented by black high- or medium-waisted trousers, with two silk stripes (gallon) on the outside of the legs, covering the seams, and black patent leather shoes (court shoes). Accessories such as a black top hat, white gloves, a white scarf, a pocket watch, a white pocket square and a boutonniere are also allowed. White tie is obligatory on the most formal occasions of the evening, such as lavish dinners, balls, royal ceremonies or very formal weddings . In Poland, however, it is a dress code that is extremely rare at weddings.

Black Tie – elegance in black.

Black tie is formal evening wear, slightly less formal than white tie. This is the more common dress code at elegant parties, including weddings. A man dressed in black tie should wear a black tuxedo jacket with satin lapels and fitted black tuxedo pants with a satin stripe on the outside of the legs. The shirt should be white, formal, preferably in the style of Marcella or pique, with a classic collar and double cuffs fastened with elegant cufflinks. A black silk bow tie is a must. The whole is complemented by black patent oxfords or other elegant formal shoes. Optionally, you can add a black vest (matching the suit) or a black tuxedo belt (never together) and suspenders if the tuxedo pants do not have belt loops. Although black tie is a formal dress code, it allows for some modern touches, such as a colorful pocket square or unique cufflinks. Nevertheless, for a wedding it is recommended to stick to the classic version: a black tuxedo and a bow tie . In the colder months, you can consider swapping your shirt for an elegant turtleneck.

Formal Attire – a classic for special occasions.

Formal attire is formal attire, often confused with black tie . In the context of weddings, formal attire usually means the need to wear a fitted suit, formal shirt and tie . A three-piece suit, made of luxurious worsted wool, silk, cashmere, alpaca or structured cotton or linen, will be perfect to emphasize men’s fashion. tags. The safest colors are classic black, gray or navy blue, but dark shades of burgundy or green are also acceptable. Flashy patterns and too casual materials should be avoided. The shirt should be white and the tie should be silk. In winter outfits, you can choose a flannel tie, and in summer cotton or linen . A shirt with French cuffs is necessary to wear cufflinks. The footwear is black or dark brown lace-up shoes made of smooth leather, not patent or suede . Accessories that will complete the formal outfit are a silk pocket square and suspenders in a subdued color, which in this case replace the belt .

Cocktail Attire – semi-formal elegance with character.

Cocktail attire is a semi-formal outfit, elegant but less rigid than formal attire, perfect for a wedding without a suit. . This is a popular dress code at weddings, allowing for more freedom in choosing clothing. A man can opt for a formal suit in a muted shade such as navy blue, gray, brown, or even a delicate check to look elegant for a wedding. Another option is the coordinated set, consisting of a jacket and trousers made of different materials . The shirt should be plain, without visible patterns, in white, blue, ecru or light pink. A classic tie, single-color or with small patterns, or a casual bow tie is acceptable. If the wedding is social, you can give up the jacket in favor of a vest. Suitable footwear is oxfords, derbies, monks or loafers. Remember to match the color of the trouser strap and watch to the color of the shoes. It is important to avoid a black suit with a white shirt that is too formal, and too casual clothes such as jeans or T-shirts .

Casual Attire – freedom with class.

Casual attire for a wedding means a casual outfit, but still elegant and classy . It is an informal style that usually does not include typically formal accessories such as a tie, bow tie or cufflinks . You can allow yourself more freedom in terms of color, but the base of the outfit should be long, elegant pants, such as chinos, fabric pants or dark jeans without abrasions. A long-sleeved shirt goes well with it, which can be unbuttoned or with rolled up sleeves, plain or with a delicate pattern. Depending on the season and the nature of the wedding, you can also wear a polo shirt or turtleneck. A light jacket (linen, cotton, sports) or a stylish vest will be a good complement to the outfit. Suitable footwear is loafers, loafers, elegant sneakers or derbies . You should avoid tracksuits, printed T-shirts, sneakers (unless the wedding is very casual), as well as black, which symbolizes mourning . It is worth finding out in advance what outfits the bride and groom prefer.

Key elements of men’s wedding styling

Regardless of the dress code, there are several key elements that are worth paying attention to when completing a men’s wedding outfit.

A suit – the basis of an elegant look.

A suit is the most popular and often the best choice for a wedding, regardless of the type of celebration . When choosing it, the quality of the material and the right cut are crucial.

What color suit to choose for a wedding?

The safest and most versatile colors of suits for a wedding are navy blue, gray and graphite . Navy blue is versatile and suits most occasions, both formal and less formal. A gray suit is a good option for weddings taking place during the day, giving more freedom in the choice of accessories . Graphite is elegant and will also work well for many celebrations . For summer and outdoor weddings, beige or light gray suits will be perfect. A black suit is suitable for weddings with a black tie dress code, but otherwise it is usually reserved for the groom. Avoid too bright or neon colors, which may be inappropriate for this type of celebration, especially at an elegant wedding reception. .

The material of the suit and the season.

The choice of suit material should be dictated by the season and the degree of formality of the wedding. The best choice in terms of quality and versatility is wool, which is breathable and comfortable to wear . Viscose is light and elegant, making it a good choice for warmer weather . For summer and less formal weddings, linen or cotton suits will be ideal, although it should be remembered that linen creases easily . It is also worth paying attention to the lining material, it is best to choose viscose or acetate .

Cut and fit – how to find the perfect suit.

The key to an elegant look in a suit is its proper cut and fit to the figure. A suit should be neither too loose nor too tight to emphasize elegance in men’s fashion. If necessary, it is worth using tailoring services to perfectly match the suit to your figure . The length of the pants should be such that they gently fold over the shoes, and the sleeves of the jacket should end about 1-1.5 cm before the cuff of the shirt. Depending on your preferences and occasion, you can choose a single-breasted or double-breasted jacket.

Shirt – elegance in every detail.

A long-sleeved shirt is more formal and fits most weddings, regardless of their style or season . Short-sleeved shirts are generally unacceptable with a blazer and considered less elegant .

White shirt – a timeless classic.

A white shirt is the safest and most elegant choice for a wedding, matching any color of suit. Remember that the shirt should be carefully ironed .

Colorful and patterned shirts – when can you afford them?

For less formal weddings, you can opt for shirts in light shades of blue, pink or lily . Delicate patterns such as stripes or fine checks are also acceptable, especially at weddings with a more casual character . Black shirts should be avoided, which may look too sad or mournful, unless in a casual outfit with a bright suit . The color of the shirt should be matched to the style of the wedding and the season .

Types of collars and cuffs.

The choice of collar and shirt cuffs also matters. The Italian collar goes well with the tie, the broken collar is perfect for a bow tie , and the classic collar goes well with a narrow tie . A collar with buttons is less formal . Likewise, button cuffs are less formal than French cuffs, which require cufflinks and add elegance .

Tie or bow tie? – the dilemma of an elegant man.

The choice between a tie and a bow tie should be dictated by the dress code and style of the wedding .

How to choose a tie with a suit and shirt?

When choosing a tie, pay attention to its color, pattern and material. The color of the tie should be subdued and matched to the suit and shirt, but it can also be a color accent. For less formal occasions, classic patterns such as stripes, polka dots or small flowers are acceptable, but too dominant patterns should be avoided. The material of the tie (silk, wool, cotton, linen) should be adapted to the season and the formalities of the ceremony. The standard length of the tie is about 148-150 cm, and its width should be proportional to the collar and lapels of the jacket. The tie should reach the belt buckle. Ties that are too long or too short should be avoided.

When is a bow tie a better choice?

A bow tie is traditionally worn with a tuxedo (black tie) and a tailcoat (white tie). For less formal weddings, especially those in a rustic or boho style, you can wear a bow tie in an interesting color or pattern . It is important to choose the size of the bow tie according to the shape of your face .

Shoes – the foundation of men’s elegance.

Elegant shoes are an inseparable element of men’s wedding styling.

What shoes go with a suit for a wedding?

A suit for a wedding goes well with many types of shoes, depending on the degree of formality. The most formal are oxfords, perfect for a suit and tuxedo. Derbies are less formal, but still elegant and go great with a suit . Brogues, with their decorative perforations, go well with less formal outfits . Monks, fastened with buckles , are stylish and semi-formal. Loafers and loafers are more casual and fit casual and smart casual styles, especially for outdoor and boho style weddings. Elegant sneakers can only be worn to very casual weddings, in moderation . Patent leather shoes are reserved for tuxedo and white tie .

The color of shoes and the color of a suit.

The color of the shoes should match the color of the suit. Black shoes are the most versatile and go well with a black, navy and gray suit. Dark brown shoes go well with a navy blue, gray and beige suit. Light brown and beige shoes are perfect for bright suits for summer and outdoor weddings . Remember that the color of the belt should always match the color of the shoes to look elegant for a wedding. . Avoid pairing brown shoes with a black suit.

Accessories – details that make a difference.

Accessories complement the men’s wedding styling and add character to it.

Pocket square – how to choose and fold it?

A pocket square, a decorative handkerchief in the pocket of a jacket, is an important detail. Its material (silk, linen, cotton), color and pattern should be carefully selected. The pocket square can refer to a tie or a bow tie, but it does not have to be identical. For less formal occasions, you can afford more expressive patterns and colors . There are many ways to fold a pocket square, from the classic flat fold for formal occasions, to a more casual puff arrangement for less formal parties .

Belt – a practical and classy accessory.

A belt is not only a practical element, but also an important addition to men’s styling. Its color should always match the color of the shoes. Leather belts are the most elegant, and the buckle should be subdued and elegant . For very formal outfits such as formal attire or black tie, it is recommended to wear suspenders instead of a belt .

Cufflinks and other accessories.

Cufflinks are essential when a shirt has French cuffs . Other accessories to consider include an elegant watch on a leather strap or bracelet, socks (long, in the color of your shoes or pants, avoid white socks with dark suits and brown shoes with a navy blue suit), a boutonniere (for special occasions, the color should match the styling, white is usually reserved for the groom), is an important piece of clothing at an elegant wedding reception. , a white silk scarf with a white tie, can be a perfect piece of clothing for an elegant wedding party. , a hat (for rustic or outdoor weddings) and a tie, which can be a less formal alternative to a tie for outdoor weddings .

Wedding styling depending on the nature of the ceremony

The nature of the wedding has a huge impact on the choice of the right styling. It is worth adapting your outfit to the place, season and style in which the party is organized.

A traditional wedding in an elegant hall.

For a traditional wedding taking place in an elegant hall, the best choice will be a classic suit in navy blue, gray or graphite. Add a white or light shirt, a subdued tie, elegant leather shoes (oxfords or derbies) and a pocket square. If you are close to the newlyweds, you can consider wearing a three-piece suit . Usually, a tuxedo is not worn for such occasions, which is more suitable for very formal weddings with a specific dress code or is reserved for the groom .

Outdoor wedding – lightness and comfort.

For an outdoor wedding, it is worth betting on lighter and more airy materials and brighter colors. A good choice will be a light suit (beige, light gray, blue, linen or cotton) with a white or pastel shirt (linen or cotton). You can give up the tie or choose a tie with a more casual character, and optionally wear a bow tie. Suitable footwear is loafers, loafers or elegant sneakers . You can also opt for a coordinated set, such as a light jacket and darker pants, or vice versa . Dark and heavy suits should be avoided, which can be uncomfortable in warmer weather .

A rustic or boho style wedding – natural materials and earth tones.

Rustic or boho style weddings are characterized by a relaxed atmosphere and closeness to nature. The ideal outfit for a man is a suit in earth colors (beige, brown, green, blue, gray or even checked), a shirt in a natural shade (white, cream, pastel, linen or cotton, it can be with a delicate pattern) and a bow tie or tie in natural colors or with floral motifs. Suitable footwear is loafers, derbies or brogues. You can also consider wearing suspenders and a vest (often patterned or in a contrasting color). Sometimes you can give up the jacket and wear only a vest and shirt . Accessories that will go well with this style are a hat (e.g. fedora or trilby) and a pocket square with flowers or an interesting pattern .

Themed wedding – how to match the theme?

If the wedding has a specific theme, the most important thing is that the guest’s outfit is consistent with it, which will emphasize the fashion at the wedding party. It is worth paying special attention to the invitation, which often includes clothing tips, and if in doubt, consult with the bride and groom . For example, for a vintage wedding, you can wear a jacket with a distinctive pattern, a patterned shirt and retro-style shoes, and for a beach wedding, a light linen suit or elegant shorts and a polo shirt. Regardless of the theme, the outfit should be elegant and appropriate to the nature of the ceremony .

What to avoid when dressing for a wedding as a guest?

There are a few rules to follow to avoid fashion faux pas at a wedding, including thinking about the right outfit.

Unacceptable colors and styles.

First of all, you should avoid wearing white, beige and ecru clothes, which are traditionally reserved for the bride . Black, which symbolizes mourning, should also be avoided, unless in specific casual or black tie styles. You should refrain from overly extravagant or controversial outfits that could distract from the bride and groom, and instead choose an elegant outfit. tags. Jeans are generally not recommended unless the dress code is very casual and with the consent of the bride and groom. It is also unacceptable to combine a short-sleeved shirt with a jacket, as well as to wear shiny disco-style clothes, which can be an interesting piece of clothing at a fashionable wedding party. Overly casual clothing such as T-shirts, polo shirts (unless smart casual or casual) and sneakers (unless in a very casual style) are also not suitable for a wedding where an elegant outfit is expected. tags. It is also worth avoiding too deep necklines .

Common mistakes in men’s wedding styling.

A common mistake is an ill-fitting suit that looks sloppy and does not meet the expectations of an elegant outfit for a wedding. tags. You should also pay attention to the color of the socks, which should match your shoes or pants, avoiding white socks with brown shoes and a navy blue suit. It is also unacceptable to combine brown shoes with a black suit. The tie should be neither too long nor too short. It is worth remembering the rules of fastening the jacket: unbutton it when you sit down and fasten it when you are standing. Unbuttoned shirt collar when wearing a tie is also a mistake. You should be moderate in the choice of patterns and avoid combining more than one item of clothing with patterns. For very formal outfits, the pocket square should not be the same color as the tie. At formal parties, it is not appropriate to take off your jacket.

Summary

Choosing the right outfit for a wedding is a key element of preparing for this special ceremony. By following the above tips, every man can find the perfect outfit that will not only be elegant and stylish, but also appropriate to the nature of the wedding and the dress code. Remember to be guided by the information on the invitation, and if in doubt, consult the bride and groom. Have fun!