What to wear to a wedding

If you’re feeling lost on where to start when it comes to wedding suits, don’t worry, we've got you covered. Whether you’re the lucky groom, part of the bridal party or an attendee, here’s how to suit up and nail your style for the big day.  

The most important thing to establish before suiting up is the dress code. The first place to start is knowing the setting and vibe of the wedding, which usually informs the style of suit you’re going to wear.

BEACH WEDDING ATTIRE 

Think light, pastel colours with a crisp white shirt - but neutral, natural and ivory palettes work great too.

BLACK TIE WEDDING ATTIRE

A black tie occasion traditionally means a black tuxedo, paired with a clean white shirt and a matching black bow tie. Times are changing though – expect to see more vibrant colours and fabrics like velvet, satin and Jacquard tuxedos at more relaxed events. 

MODERN WEDDING ATTIRE

Modern usually just means a simple suit jacket and shirt. All suit colours are on the table, with accessories adding extra definition and pop to the look.

CASUAL WEDDING ATTIRE

Get creative with colour, tie optional. Suit separates are also a popular option at more casual events. 

FORMAL WEDDING ATTIRE

A formal wedding dress code usually means a full suit and tie – whether you choose a three-piece or a tuxedo is up to you. 

Seasons often signpost how you should dress at a wedding. Spring and autumn – the most popular seasons for weddings – provide the most flexibility when it comes to deciding what type of wedding suit you’re wearing.

That’s not to say you can’t wear a two-piece suit during winter, or a tux in summer. Express your creativity and personality through the way you dress, but remember to stay comfortable if you have to battle the elements.

Modern suits usually separate themselves from the pack with different jacket cuts and more tapered trousers, giving off a more tailored appearance. You’ll also find different types of lapels and jacket vents in more modern cuts, adding to its versatility and sharpness. 

THE FINISHING TOUCHES

Accessorising with a matching pocket square or boutonniere does plenty to accentuate the depth of a suit. Adding silver cufflinks or a tie clip also works well, too. 

The all-time classic – nothing else even comes close to a sharp tuxedo. Choose a classic black tux with a satin peak lapel, or mix things up with rich tones of burgundy or midnight blue.  

Our tuxedos are also available in different textures like Jacquard and velvet, as well as different lapel styles – shawl, peak and notch – so you can personalise your tuxedo jacket however you like. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to look and feel good in black tie attire – James Bond wore it for a reason. 

THE FINISHING TOUCHES

Complement your look with a simple bow tie, well-polished black leather shoes and a hint of metallic hardware. Lapel pins, pocket squares and cufflinks are great options to help finish your outfit. And most importantly, pair your jacket with a well-fitted tuxedo shirt – you can’t have one without the other. 

When it comes to a cocktail wedding, your wardrobe is your playground. Express your personality and experiment with colour, patterns and texture. Dress it up with a burgundy velvet jacket and black pants, or keep it slick with an open collared look in a suit that expresses your individuality.

THE FINISHING TOUCHES

You’ve got plenty of options to finish up a cocktail look, but remember to keep your outfit balanced. If you have a vibrant jacket, pair it with a black silk tie and a white dress shirt. If you’re sporting a more neutral jacket, add a dash of colour with a paisley tie or a tan leather belt. 

Sun, surf, sangria. There’s lots to love about a beach wedding, but heat is a new factor to consider. Cool off with more relaxed-fitting suits with lighter fabrics, and choose lighter tones like pastel blue, ivory or blush – a perfect match for the seaside. 

THE FINISHING TOUCHES

A single flower pin works wonders in adding some variety to your suit. Depending on the season and weather, ties are optional too. 

Wineries make for timeless photographs, so make sure you capitalise on the opportunity. Start with a modern men’s suit jacket or blazer and work from there. If the occasion calls for a formal touch, complete the suit with matching trousers. If it’s a more casual event, try working in suit separates to mix it up. 

THE FINISHING TOUCHES

Even if you’re wearing a smart, monocoloured suit, don’t shy away from bold floral wedding ties or a pocket square – as long as they match and mesh well with your finished look. 

A classic look simply means it’ll never go out of style. Three or two-piece suits are formal and elegant, and they never fail to get the job done. Navy is an ever-popular choice for a smart look, and a subtle jacket pattern (like a light check) works well to help your outfit pop. 

THE FINISHING TOUCHES

If you’re wearing a classic wedding suit, your tie and pocket square will help take your outfit to the next level. Reach for floral patterns in summer weather, and cooler tones in the chillier months. Don’t forget about your shirt too; a well-fitted, tailored shirt gives your outfit style and substance. Plus, it’ll look great when you ditch the jacket for the dance floor. 

Casual weddings have the most flexibility in their dress code. Let your personality shine through your jacket and shirt combo – tie optional. Casual wedding attire also allows for more bold patterns on your jacket to take centre stage. Match a checked jacket with a tailored collared shirt, and let your accessories do the rest of the work. 

THE FINISHING TOUCHES

Depending on how you’ve styled your look, leather dress shoes and loafers are the usual suspects. A pocket square also adds a point of elegance – just remember to match it with your tie (or shirt if you’re going tieless). 

Country wedding attire isn’t too different from what you’d wear to a modern wedding. A textured two-piece suit is an ever-popular option - tie optional. While most colours mesh beautifully with the countryside, neutral tones are a great match with a rustic barn or a flower-filled marquee. 

THE FINISHING TOUCHES

Just like modern weddings, accessories help add presence and flair to your outfit. A flower pin or boutonniere helps add a dapper burst of colour, and they’re a great way to inject your personality and flair into your look.

Groomsmen traditionally wear a suit (or depending on the occasion, a tuxedo) that either matches or complements the groom’s outfit. The differences in attire are up to the groom to decide. Sometimes they’re subtle changes involving a tie or boutonniere palette swap with a similar jacket, and for others, groomsmen wear completely different outfits altogether. 

THE FINISHING TOUCHES

A groomsmen’s wedding outfit is designed to complement both the groom's and bridesmaid's attire. That’s not to say you can’t inject personality into your outfit; play around with accessories – cuff links, footwear and tie clips are good options – to bring out your style.

If you’re looking to catch some eyes on the dance floor, start with your suit. Avoiding classic shades like navy and grey will win you points with the other attendees – just don’t outshine the groom. 
For summer weddings, aim for lighter tones for your jacket and shirts. When it gets colder, tap into darker colours – richer hues are huge hits.

THE FINISHING TOUCHES

Make sure your outfit is up to scratch a few days before the wedding – iron your shirt, shine your shoes and have your jacket and trousers on hand. The same applies to your accessories, too. The last thing you want is to rock up late because you’ve misplaced your tie.

Got questions on wedding attire?
We're here to help

Two words – dress code. It’s a safe bet to wear a suit jacket or a blazer to a wedding in general, but whether you choose to wear suit separates or a blazer and chinos depends on the style of wedding itself.

Suit-less weddings usually call for a simple shirt and trousers combo – there’s no need to worry about a tie or other jacket accessories. If it’s going to be hot, pick lighter linen fabrics, chinos or tailored shorts. For colder weather, make sure to pack a smart overcoat – our range of peacoats would do just the trick. 

If you’re a guest at a wedding, you have one job – don't outshine the groom. Avoid wearing white and anything that glitters. If you’ve got access to insider information, make sure your outfit doesn’t match the groomsmen either. 

Usually no, and especially no if you’re referring to aged jeans with ripped kneecaps. But again, it depends on the time, place and dress code. If the event is erring on the casual side, a pair of tailored pants that toe the line between jeans and chinos could be a safe bet – just check in with your partner (and maybe the bride and groom) beforehand. 

Here’s a list of things to avoid if you’re a guest: 

Exercise some common sense when it comes to colours. Don’t show up in black from head to toe, and don’t go overboard with colour – find a happy medium that expresses your personality and brings out your own style. 

Hats aren’t usually part of the dress code. 

Sandals, flip flops and sneakers. Even if you’re attending a casual wedding, always wear some form of semi-formal footwear as a bare minimum. 

Want to turn some heads this wedding season? You can book a Politix in-store styling session here.