Choosing the Perfect Wedding Wear

So you have received a wedding invitation, and now you need to figure out what to wear to the said event. There are of course many types of weddings and all of them call for a different level of dress, so make sure you carefully read the invitation to see what type of attire they are asking for, and then dress accordingly. Below are some tips and pointers for wedding wear.

THE SUIT

Suits are pretty much a must have for any man’s wardrobe, and they certainly come in handy when wedding season rolls around each year. As to what type of suit you should wear, this depends on the type of wedding you are going to, as explained below:

Black Tie Only - Even if you are only a guest at this type of wedding you will need at least a basic tuxedo, consisting of black jacket, trousers (generally having a silk stripe down the side), a bow tie and cummerbund.

White Tie / Full Evening Dress - This type of dress is takes black tie and jazzes it up a notch. Your tuxedo needs to have tails for this event, along with a top hat, cane, overcoat and a white tie. These weddings are usually rare unless you have friends in the upper circles, so rather than invest in this ensemble you may want to look for a rental.

Black Tie Preferred - If you don’t have a tux, and aren’t in the wedding party, then a nice charcoal or black suit will be fine for this type of wedding.

SUITING THE SEASON

If the wedding invitation doesn’t tell you what type of dress is preferred then your best bet is to dress according to the season and the time of day that the wedding is being held.

Daytime – Spring or Summer - This is a perfect occasion to break out a nice lightweight, linen suit. If you are lucky enough to be at a beach wedding, then losing the tie and going with a blazer and dress pants is perfectly acceptable. Stick to neutral colors like cream, blue or grey.

Night Time – Spring or Summer - Keep cool with a comfortable, cotton suit rather than a wool suit which will get much to warm when you break out your moves on the dance floor. Night time means that you should go for dark colors as well.

Daytime – Fall or Winter - Depending on how cool it is you can choose a cotton or wool suit in darker colors such as black, navy or charcoal.

Night Time – Fall or Winter - This is a tough call, and you should look at your invitation for more clues. Is it casually worded, or in a more formal language? Do you know someone in the wedding party you can call? If you have no other information then be safe and go with a tux, you’ll look smashing even if you’re the only outside of the wedding party wearing one.

ACCESSORIZING YOUR WEDDING WEAR

Ties - Do not be tempted to go with a clip on, or a ready-made bow tie. This is someone’s special day and you should want to look your best for it. Not to mention that weddings are one of the best ways to meet women. Get a nice black silk tie, or a black satin bow tie to go with your tux, and practice tying it well before the event.

Belts - Tuxes require no belt because of the cummerbund, waistcoat and/or suspenders, but for a classic suit you should wear a thin, black and shiny belt. Save the cowboy belt buckle for your own wedding.

Cufflinks - This accessory adds just the right touch to your suit or tux, and shows that you really care about your appearance. If you aren’t in the wedding party, then silver or gold cufflinks should suit the occasion just fine.

Shoes - Plain black oxfords are fine all around, and you can choose to wear brown ones for a daytime event. Avoid fancy embellishments or wing tips.