How to Stand Out as a Wedding Guest: What to Wear (2024)

How Long Should Men’s Suit Jacket Sleeves Be? Reading How to Stand Out as a Wedding Guest: What to Wear 6 minutes Next How to Wear Suit Vests: The Ultimate Guide

Attending a wedding calls for a perfect balance of elegance and individuality in your attire. With the right choice of a wedding suit, you can stand out while respecting the event's formality. At xSuit, we understand the nuances of selecting men's suits for attending a wedding. This guide is designed to help you navigate the myriad options and find the best suit for attending a wedding, ensuring you look your best on this special occasion.

Understanding the Theme and Venue

When it comes to selecting the perfect suit for a wedding, the theme and venue play a pivotal role. The location and overall aesthetic of the wedding can offer valuable clues about the expected dress code and appropriate attire. For instance, a beach wedding typically calls for lighter fabrics and more relaxed styles, while a formal ceremony in a grand ballroom demands a more classic and refined look.

Consider the setting:

  • Outdoor Venues: Opt for breathable fabrics like linen or lightweight wool in lighter shades to stay comfortable and stylish.
  • Indoor Formal Venues: Darker colors and traditional materials like heavier wools or blended fabrics are more suitable.

Remember, the key is to align your suit choice with the wedding's ambiance while maintaining your personal style.

Understanding the Dress Code

Navigating wedding dress codes can be a bit of a puzzle, but understanding them is key to choosing the right suit. Let's break down three common dress codes you might encounter at a wedding:


  • Black Tie or Formal: This is the height of wedding formality. For men, this means a classic black tuxedo, complete with a white dress shirt, vest, black bow tie, and black patent leather shoes. The goal is timeless elegance, so stick with traditional styles and avoid overly trendy elements.
  • co*cktail Attire: A step down in formality, co*cktail attire allows for more personal expression while still maintaining a formal edge. A dark, well-tailored suit is ideal – think navy, charcoal, deep green, or black suit. Pair it with a crisp dress shirt and a silk tie. Footwear should be formal, such as oxfords or loafers, and accessories can be used to add a touch of personality.
  • Semi-Formal: Semi-formal attire strikes a balance between formal and casual. While a suit is still recommended, you have more flexibility in choosing lighter colors and patterns. This can include a lighter gray or blue suit, paired with or without a tie, depending on the time of the event. Semi-formal attire is about looking polished without the rigidity of full formal wear.

In each category, the suit should not only fit the dress code but also your personal style. Comfort is key, considering weddings often involve long hours of socializing and dancing. With these guidelines in mind, you'll be well-equipped to select the perfect suit for any wedding.

Selecting the Right Wedding Suit

Choosing the perfect suit for a wedding isn't just about adhering to the dress code; it's also about expressing your personal style while ensuring you're comfortable throughout the event. Here are some tips to help you select the right wedding suit:

  • Understand Your Fit: Whether it’s a slim, modern, or classic fit, knowing what works best for your body type is crucial. A well-fitting suit flatters your physique and enhances comfort.
  • Fabric Matters: Consider the season and venue. Lighter fabrics like linen or cotton blends are great for summer or outdoor weddings, while wool and heavier blends suit cooler weather or indoor settings.
  • Color Choices: Neutral colors like navy, gray, and charcoal are versatile and elegant. For more adventurous choices, consider subtle patterns or unique hues that complement the wedding's color scheme. If you want to dive deeper into deciding the right color suit for weddings, check out our guide on that topic.

How to Stand Out as a Wedding Guest: What to Wear (1)

Accessorizing Your Suit

Accessories can make or break your wedding outfit. They are the details that add personality and style to your ensemble:

  • Ties and Bow Ties: Depending on the formality, choose a classic tie or a bow tie. The color and pattern should complement your suit without overpowering it.
  • Pocket Squares: Add a dash of elegance with a pocket square. It doesn’t have to match your tie, but it should harmonize with your overall look.
  • Shoes and Belts: Leather shoes are a must. The color of your belt should match your shoes. For formal weddings, opt for oxfords or derby shoes; loafers can work for less formal settings.
  • Cufflinks and Watches: These are subtle ways to express personal style. A sleek watch and a pair of sophisticated cufflinks can elevate your look.

What to Avoid at a Wedding

While you want to look your best, there are certain things to avoid to ensure you respect the occasion and the couple’s wishes:

  • Outshining the Hosts: The day belongs to the couple. Avoid overly flashy suits or accessories that might divert attention from them.
  • Ignoring the Dress Code: Always respect the dress code stated in the invitation. It’s a guide to what the couple expects from their guests.
  • Ill-Fitting Suits: An ill-fitting suit can be uncomfortable and detract from your appearance. Take the time to get your suit tailored for the best fit.
  • Inappropriate Footwear: Sports shoes, sandals, or overly casual footwear can undermine an otherwise perfect outfit. Choose appropriate formal or semi-formal shoes.

Remember, a wedding is an occasion of joy and celebration. Your attire should reflect the respect you have for the event while showcasing your personal style. With these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to looking your best and enjoying the celebration in style and comfort.

Dress Sharp And Shine as a Wedding Guest With xSuit

Choosing the best suit for attending a wedding is about striking the right balance between personal style and the event's formality.

At xSuit, our range of performance men's suits offers the perfect blend of style, comfort, and elegance. Whether you prefer a classic look or something more modern, our collection ensures you'll be the best-dressed guest without stealing the spotlight. Remember, it's not just about the suit, but how you wear it. With these tips, you're ready to make a memorable impression at your next wedding event.

How to Stand Out as a Wedding Guest: What to Wear (2024)

FAQs

How to Stand Out as a Wedding Guest: What to Wear? ›

Understanding the Theme and Venue

How to stand out as a wedding guest? ›

Wear a nice brand: If you're looking to stand-out from the crowd, Vogue recommends you 'name-drop a brand that's reassuringly niche'. Avoid fascinators: Vogue believes they 'only ever look half-hearted' so instead, suggests wearing 'crystal-frosted hair clips' or 'spectacular pillbox hats'.

How to look stunning as a wedding guest? ›

Also, we've got you covered with more wedding guest dresses and what to wear to a rehearsal dinner!
  1. Don't wear white. ...
  2. Try to avoid wearing the bridal party's colors. ...
  3. Consider the season. ...
  4. Don't go *too* casual. ...
  5. Dress up your pants. ...
  6. Cover your shoulders when applicable. ...
  7. Avoid going overboard.
Dec 15, 2023

What is appropriate to wear to a wedding as a guest? ›

Women should embrace wrap dresses, midi dresses or elegant jumpsuits. For men, if it's a daytime wedding, a light sport jacket, button-down shirt and relaxed chinos fit the bill. In the evening, go for darker colors, as later weddings tend to be more formal.

What is not appropriate to wear as a wedding guest? ›

It doesn't matter if the dress code requests "casual" attire, jeans, T-shirts, shorts, flip-flops, and sneakers are never appropriate to wear as a wedding guest. Show respect for the bride and groom by dressing formally. Sabatino suggests that men show up in a jacket and tie, even when the invitation says casual.

What is the number one rule as a wedding guest? ›

RSVP on Time

Few guest rules are set-in-stone as this one: You must RSVP—even if you can't attend—and you must do it by the deadline (or preferably earlier). “Being a gracious guest starts before the wedding with a quick response to the invitation,” says Christin Gomes, co-founder of Common Courtesy.

What is the best color to wear as a guest to a wedding? ›

Neutral shades are timeless options that won't detract from the wedding's formal atmosphere. For a more colorful look, consider wearing shades of blue, lavender, or pink to show that you're in the celebratory spirit. If the wedding is in a tropical destination, opt for colors like yellow, orange, and green.

Can I have bare legs at a wedding? ›

I have advised readers that while bare legs are fine even at the most formal events, hosiery also is perfectly acceptable as long as it's skin tone and sheer.

Is it okay to wear black to a wedding? ›

Black is usually best suited for formal celebrations, as the color is "very conservative and very polished-looking,” Smith shares. Couples usually specify the guest code at the bottom of their invitations and on their wedding website, so if you've been invited to a formal affair, black is a resounding “yes.”

Why can't you wear red to a wedding? ›

Turns out, wearing red to a wedding means to some that “you've slept with the groom.” “Old Wives' Tale, but yeah,” Mitchell explained. However, both wedding planners agreed on a more modern reason for not wearing red: It could be seen as a way to grab the attention away from the bride.

What color not to wear to a wedding? ›

Everyone knows the general rule about not wearing white to a wedding unless you're the bride. Along with that, I would say nothing even close to white, especially if you're in wedding pictures. Wearing too light of a dress in pictures may show up close to white.

What is the dress code if you are invited to a wedding? ›

Formal or Black Tie Optional

For men, they should wear a dark suit with a shirt and tie (if they don't wish to wear a tuxedo). Women should wear a floor-length gown, knee-length co*cktail dress, a pantsuit, or dressy separates.

How can I be the best guest at my wedding? ›

How To Be A Great Wedding Guest
  1. Respond to the RSVP.
  2. Be Excited.
  3. Follow the Dress Code.
  4. Read the Wedding Website.
  5. Make Sure Your Name is on Your Gift.
  6. Be Punctual.
  7. Let The Couple Have Their Time.
  8. Stay in the Moment.
Oct 22, 2020

How do you stand out on your wedding day? ›

You could push the envelope and go full colour but this doesn't mean you have to wear an all-out block colour. Clever use of coloured embellishments, contrasting lace, or a bright and bold colourful statement can completely change the look of a wedding gown, without looking gimmicky or trashy.

How do I make my wedding reception stand out? ›

10 Unique Touches To Make Your Wedding Stand Out
  1. WRITE PERSONALIZED LETTERS TO GUESTS. ...
  2. PROVIDE AN AUDIO GUEST BOOK. ...
  3. PAINT A UNITY CANVAS FOR YOUR CEREMONY. ...
  4. GATHER SONG REQUESTS. ...
  5. INCORPORATE A NEON SIGN. ...
  6. THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX FOR YOUR REGISTRY. ...
  7. honor YOUR FURRY FRIEND. ...
  8. PLAN A SURPRISE PERFORMANCE.
Jan 23, 2024

Who stands up for you at a wedding? ›

The best man usually walks ahead of the groom during the procession, and behind the ushers. He stands beside the groom during the ceremony. Like the maid of honour, the best man may be asked to sign the register as a witness.

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