How to Dress for a Wedding: A Guide for Men

Every year there are over two million wedding ceremonies in the US. Chances are you’ll be invited to at least one or two of them each wedding season.

It’s easy to know how to dress for a wedding when you’re the bride or the groom. However, it’s not always easy to know how to dress for a wedding as a guest.

If you’re wondering about outfits for men for a wedding (and how to decipher the dress code on the invitation), we’re here to help. Here are four common dress code requests and how to dress for a wedding if you’re male.

1. A Black Tie Affair

Get ready to rent a tux if you see “black-tie” printed anywhere on the invite. This is as classy and formal as it gets, so you’ll want to stick to tradition and go with a classic black tuxedo.

You’ll also be donning a bowtie, cufflinks, and polished black shoes. If you feel so inclined, complete the look with a pocket square, waistcoat, or cumberbund.

Side note: Resist the urge to break the mold with a bright suit or loud patterns (i.e., Harry and Lloyd in Dumb and Dumber). If the invite says black-tie, play by the rules.

2. Black Tie Optional

This is one notch down on the dress code meter, but it’s still highly formal. A tux would still be the norm here, although there’s a bit of wiggle room if you’re worried about cost.

Stick with the darkest, classiest suit you own (think black, dark gray, or navy blue). Keep your accessories clean and minimal and, once again, avoid anything loud or bright. You’ll want to blend in with the crowd, not stand out.

3. Semi-Formal or Cocktail

Your choices here depend much on the locale and time of year, but you definitely have more flexibility than with a formal attire request. In fact, this would be the perfect setting to show off your custom tailored clothing.

Think a nice suit (dark or light), with a collared shirt, tie, and polished shoes. If you’re dead-set against the tie, complete your look with a pocket square instead. Feel free to add a bit of color with your shirt or tie, but again — don’t overdo it.

4. Beach Formal

Even if the ceremony is taking place on the sand, the word “formal” means you’re still expected to wear a suit and tie. Because of the inherently casual setting, though, feel free to wear a lighter suit (beige, tan, light gray) or a more summery material, such as linen.

There’s no place for sandals or shorts here, so don’t even think about it. If you’re worried about getting sand in your shoes, opt for a pair you can comfortably wear without socks.

How to Dress for a Wedding: Now You Know

Weddings are as distinct as the couple who’s getting married. Whether you’re invited to a black-tie wedding, a casual backyard ceremony, or anything in between, use the tips above to help you choose the best outfit.

How to dress for a wedding isn’t the only topic on the table today. Keep browsing our blog for great advice on fashion, shopping, and more!