When it comes to mens wedding attire, today’s gentlemen have many more options than the standard black tuxedo to choose from. Modern suits have come a long way in regards to style, fabrics, and colors and there is a wide variety of wedding themes to consider.
This makes choosing the perfect men’s wedding suit a little more confusing. But we are here to help. Keep reading to find inspiration for vintage, boho, rustic, and many more wedding styles. We prepared for you a guide from men’s suits to accessories.
Our samples will make sure that you look your best and show up matching the rest of the groom’s party. We’ll also throw in some advice about staying comfortable and when it’s okay to bend the rules a little.
Brides Often Ask
Is it rude to wear jeans to a wedding?
It’s rare for jeans to be considered proper men’s wedding attire. Most non-traditional weddings still require a certain level unless otherwise specified. In cases where jeans are acceptable, make sure that they are clean and pressed, and paired with a blaze or golf shirt.
Is it appropriate to wear sneakers to a wedding?
While sneakers are generally considered casual footwear, their appropriateness for a wedding depends on the wedding’s dress code and the couple’s preferences. Sneakers may be suitable for a more casual or outdoor wedding, but for formal or traditional weddings, it’s advisable to opt for more formal footwear like dress shoes.
What Not to Wear to a Wedding?
- White jackets: Men’s wedding guest attire in the summer can be relaxed, but never white. Unless you are part of the groom’s party and it’s a communicated theme, the only one permitted to wear white is the bride.
- Shorts: Regardless of how casual is and where the venue is, shorts are never welcome. A wedding is a formal ceremony that demands at least a minimum level of formality and respect.
- Open-toe shoes, sandals, or flip-flops: Open-toe shoes, like sandals or flip-flops, are acceptable men’s wedding attire when the locale is at the beach. However, it’s a best practice to check with the bride and groom first to confirm. Formal shoes are called for in every other circumstance.
- Anything distressed, torn, or ripped:
Distressed clothing is a big trend these days, but this style has no business appearing at a wedding. For weddings, do your best (even if it’s not a formal suit) to choose clothing that is clean, wrinkle-free, and at least slightly conventional. - Logos, graphics, and flashy prints:
The easiest way to succeed at dressing for a wedding is to keep it simple. Stick to flat colors and modest patterns while avoiding anything overly loud and recognizable logos.
By Dress Code:
Black Tie Style
Suits
A black tie dress code signifies a high level of formality for weddings. A standard mens black tie wedding attire ensemble includes a black tuxedo, a crisp white dress shirt, a black bow tie, and sleek black patent leather shoes.
Shoes
Black patent leather oxfords are the quintessential choice, their high shine perfectly complementing the tuxedo. They provide a sharp, formal finish and are a hallmark of this dress code.
Accessories
A black silk bow tie and a white pocket square beautifully complement the tuxedo. Cufflinks, a black patent leather belt, a formal dress watch and black dress socks complete the look.
White Tie Style
Suits
A white tie wedding epitomizes absolute elegance and represents the pinnacle of formality in men’s wedding attire. The required attire for men includes a black tailcoat, white shirt, white vest, and a white tie. Despite the abundance of white, the aim is to achieve a pristine and polished appearance.
Shoes
In white tie men’s attire, the most formal of all, shoes should be impeccably polished black patent leather Oxfords. These high-gloss shoes are essential to complete the ensemble, which includes a black tailcoat, black trousers, and a white bow tie.
Accessories
A white bow tie and white waistcoat, accompanied by a crisp wing-collared shirt, are essential. Don white gloves for added elegance. Consider cufflinks, a black top hat, and a formal black silk scarf for colder weather.
Formal Style
Suits
Selecting an outfit that aligns with a mens formal wedding attire is straightforward. It’s essential to bear in mind that dark hues are inherently more formal than lighter ones, and traditional styles are reliably stylish choices. Opt for a dark suit or tuxedo for daytime weddings. In warmer weather, consider a lighter fabric like cotton for comfort.
Shoes
Traditional choices include black patent leather oxfords for a tuxedo, while dark leather oxfords or derbies pair well with a formal suit. Monk straps and loafers are acceptable for less strict formal events.
Accessories
A black silk bowtie and a white silk pocket square are classic choices to complement a tuxedo. Cufflinks, a dress watch, and a formal leather belt add sophistication.These accessories enhance the elegance of formal attire.
Semi Formal
Suits
A semi-formal wedding presents a chance to enjoy a stylish wardrobe. A dark suit in navy or charcoal gray works well for most occasions. If a suit isn’t in your closet, a dress shirt and dress pants are suitable alternatives. However, avoid overly casual items like jeans or khakis.
Shoes
Popular options for shoes with men’s semi-formal wedding attire include oxfords, loafers, derbies, monk straps, and brogues. These options bridge the gap between casual and formal footwear. Besides, these shoes offer versatility and style.
Accessories
Consider a silk tie or a well-chosen pocket square to complement your dress shirt and suit. A classic wristwatch is an elegant choice. Don’t forget a leather belt. These carefully selected accessories complete your semi-formal look with style and sophistication.
By Wedding Theme:
Bohemian Men’s Style
Suits
Boho wedding themes have become extremely popular. They lean away from traditional weddings and into a more free-spirited, minimalist event. Having much more flexibility, grooms may not know where to start. In cooler months, look to tweed. This option embodies a lot of the characteristics of boho decor. In warmer months, choose lightweight fabrics and look at natural earth tones.
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Shoes
The bohemian wedding theme is all about connecting with nature, free-spiritedness, and election. This approach is slightly rebellious yet holds solid respect for culture and tradition. Let your mens semi formal wedding attire lean into the nature-based color scheme by dawning mens wedding shoes brown or boots. Extra style points for suede material.
Accessories
Boho weddings arguably offer the most fun accessories. Since being eclectic is a major hallmark of the wedding style, mens boho wedding attire is only limited by your imagination. Treat yourself to a feather boa, plaid bow tie, suspenders, or a feather boutonniere. If you’re not sure where to start, look through traditional garb from different cultures and borrow what speaks to you.
Rustic Style
Suits
Sheer fabrics and vintage vests are popular rustic wedding mens attire. Rustic weddings are rather casual events, allowing you to pair formalwear with some of the more relaxed items in your closet. A black jacket and jeans, an Italian cut suit over a T-shirt, and a black tie with a hat are all great examples.
Shoes
The rustic wedding style doesn’t shirk tradition, but it is a little rough around the edges. It’s a down-to-earth mentality that appreciates the simple things in life. Brown suede shoes, cowboy boots, and black leather shoes are all excellent choices. To maximize the appropriateness, choose wooden soles.
Accessories
There’s a large overlap with cowboy culture, adding a layer of self-sufficiency and ruggedness. To fit in with a rustic theme, embrace a variety of textures and an assortment of men’s Western wedding attire. A cowboy hat, wool necktie, earphone vests, and colorful boutonnieres are all welcome here.
Casual Style
Suits
Mens casual wedding attire is typically lighter colors, but not as a rule. This ensemble can be pretty much anything that’s slightly fancier than your day-to-day. A white shirt with a jacket, khakis with a button-down shirt and nice belt, or a standard suit with a few buttons left undone all qualify as fantastic casual men’s suit options.
Shoes
A casual wedding theme lands in the exact center of a beach bum and a black tie gala. A certain level of formality is expected but the rules are extremely relaxed. As far as casual mens wedding shoes go for your men’s wedding attire, avoid open toes and avoid black patent leather. Sneakers are okay if they are a flat neutral color, but the sweet spot is loafers.
Accessories
Casual wedding themes call for a minimalist approach to accessories. Stick to the basic cufflinks and wristwatch. Boutonnieres are definitely accessible but do your best to keep it modest. A foolproof choice that many men make is to clad themselves with a standard suit but drop the tie and socks for a more relaxed look.
Beach Style
Suits
Summer weddings are a great opportunity for fun and color when it comes to mens beach wedding attire. Off-white, seersucker, and light blues are very popular. Whatever your choice, make sure that the fabrics breathe well, and feel free to lose the shoes for beach weddings.
Shoes
Mens beach wedding shoes can be a tricky topic for mens summer wedding attire. Many men want to be formal but don’t want to compromise their ability to walk or deal with the heat. They want comfort and practicality but don’t want to be disrespectful. The perfect compromise is a pair of sockless running shoes, loafers, or derbies.
Accessories
When attending a beach wedding, it’s fun to offset the casual shedding of traditional attire with exaggerated accessories. Sunglasses are definitely an acceptable option. Add bright splashes of color with textured boutonnieres, a loud tie, or an oversized pocket square. To lean into a more subdued color pallet, trade in your vibrant colors for neutrals and earth tones.
Western Style
Suits
Cowboy hats and boots, vests, leather, bolo ties, big buckles, and blue jeans are all hallmarks of Western wedding mens attire. However, just because there are iconic Wild West aspects to the wedding doesn’t mean that formality isn’t involved. These cowboy components are often paired with suit jackets and other formal attire to dress up the look.
Shoes
Cowboy boots are finding homes beyond barn and country weddings. They are making appearances at rustic, boho, and a trending theme referred to as #BootsAndBling.
There are 5 core categories of cowboy boots and several sub-categories, each created for a specific function. If it’s your first time buying boots like this, we suggest you do some research to get familiar with what will work best.
Accessories
When dressing for a Western wedding theme, men have it easy. Close your eyes. What you see is exactly what’s recommended. Go ahead and indulge in the denim, 10-gallon hat, wooden bowtie, and oversized belt buckle.
Vintage Style
Suits
Vintage weddings are tons of fun! Treat yourself to old-timey patterns, vests, pocket watches, suspenders, hats, and antique boutonnieres. Vintage men’s wedding attire is typically a little richer in color and features distinct patterns and textures. You’ll stand out in a bad way if you do this solo, but if the entire groom’s party is in on it, you’re going to have a blast.
Shoes
Aside from traditional formal weddings, vintage mens wedding shoes are widely welcomed in men’s wedding attire. Authentically vintage dark brown and black shoes are most at home at boho and rustic weddings. New designs inspired by the past are best suited to more formal wedding themes.
Accessories
Vintage accessories work best when they are heirlooms. Normally unassuming items like tie clips, lapel pins, and cufflinks will demand attention with their charm. Recounting that it’s what your grandfather wore at his wedding will immediately add an entire personality to your whole outfit.
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