When it comes to men’s wedding attire, the options have expanded significantly beyond the traditional black tuxedo. Today’s groomsmen can choose from a wide range of styles, fabrics, and colors that perfectly match the unique theme of their friend’s special day. With so many possibilities, selecting the ideal suit can be overwhelming. But fear not! We’re here to provide inspiration and guidance to help you make the perfect choice.
Our comprehensive guide covers everything from men’s suits to accessories, ensuring you look your absolute best while staying comfortable throughout the celebration.
Black Tie Style
Suits
A black tie dress code represents the epitome of formality for weddings. The traditional men’s black tie wedding attire is characterized by a sleek black tuxedo, a crisp white dress shirt, and a stylish black bow tie, paired with polished black patent leather shoes. This iconic ensemble embodies sophistication and elegance, making it a popular choice for formal events that demand a timeless and refined aesthetic.
Shoes
The crowning glory of men’s formal attire, black patent leather oxfords are the ultimate expression of sophistication. Their mirror-like finish is the perfect complement to a well-tailored tuxedo, creating a cohesive and stylish ensemble that exudes refinement. For a wedding, they’re more than just shoes – they’re a symbol of elegance and respect for the occasion.
Accessories
Incorporating a touch of elegance, a black silk bow tie and crisp white pocket square harmonize exquisitely with traditional tuxedo attire at a wedding. The ensemble is further refined by cufflinks, a sleek black patent leather belt, a sophisticated formal dress watch, and matching black dress socks, resulting in a cohesive and stylish overall appearance for the groom.
White Tie Style
Suits
A white tie wedding embodies refinement and epitomizes the apex of formality in men’s wedding attire, demanding a meticulous attention to detail. The quintessential male wedding guest ensemble consists of a black tailcoat, crisp white shirt, and a matching white vest, all culminating in an immaculate white bow tie. Despite the preponderance of white, the objective is to achieve a symphony of sleekness, where every component harmonizes to create an aura of sophistication.
Shoes
For the most formal of men’s wedding attire, an impeccable pair of black patent leather Oxfords is a must-have. These high-gloss shoes are the crowning glory that completes the sleek ensemble, consisting of a black tailcoat, matching trousers, and a crisp white bow tie. The polished finish gives the overall look a level of sophistication and elegance that’s hard to match.
Accessories
To achieve the ultimate level of sophistication in your wedding attire, start with the foundation: a white bow tie paired with a crisp wing-collared shirt and a white waistcoat. Don’t forget to add a touch of refinement with white gloves for an added layer of elegance. For colder weather, consider accessorizing with cufflinks, a black top hat, and a formal black silk scarf.
Formal Style
Suits
Choosing the right wedding guest attire for men can be a straightforward process. However, it’s crucial to keep in mind that dark colors tend to convey a more formal tone than lighter ones. Traditional styles of formal wedding attire for men are often safe and stylish choices. For daytime weddings, a dark-colored suit or tuxedo is an excellent option. When the weather is warmer, consider opting for lightweight fabrics like cotton for added comfort.
Shoes
For formal occasions, traditional choices include black patent leather oxfords that pair well with a tuxedo. Dark leather oxfords or derbies are also suitable for more formal wedding attire for men. For less stringent formal events, monk straps and loafers can be worn as acceptable alternatives.
Accessories
A well-tailored ensemble is elevated with thoughtful accessory choices, as exemplified in a classic combination of black silk bowtie and white silk pocket square. These harmonious pairings effortlessly complement the tuxedo, creating an air of refinement for the groom and his wedding attire guests alike.
Additional flourishes such as cufflinks, a dress watch, and a formal leather belt further amplify the overall sense of sophistication, imbuing the occasion with understated yet unmistakable elegance.
Semi Formal
Suits
For many men, the prospect of dressing up for a semi-formal wedding is an exciting opportunity to showcase their personal style. When it comes to choosing attire for such an occasion, a dark-colored suit in navy or charcoal gray is often a safe and stylish bet. If you don’t have a suit in your wardrobe, a dress shirt paired with dress pants can be a suitable alternative.
Nonetheless, it’s best to avoid overly casual items like jeans or khakis, as they may detract from the overall elegance of the event.
Shoes
When it comes to semi-formal wedding attire for men, selecting the right pair of shoes can be a crucial decision. Among the popular options are oxfords, loafers, derbies, monk straps, and brogues. These versatile footwear choices strike a balance between casual and formal wear, offering both style and versatility. They enable the wearer to effortlessly transition from relaxed to more dressed-up settings, making them an excellent choice for semi-formal events.
Accessories
Elevate your semi-formal look for a wedding by incorporating thoughtful accessories. A silk tie or a thoughtfully chosen pocket square can complement your dress shirt and suit perfectly. For an added touch of elegance, consider donning a classic wristwatch. Meanwhile, a high-quality leather belt will ensure your overall ensemble exudes refinement and poise. By carefully curating these finishing touches, you’ll achieve a stylish and sophisticated look that’s sure to impress.
Bohemian Men’s Style
Suits
Bohemian-inspired weddings have taken the industry by storm, offering a refreshing departure from traditional nuptials. With a focus on effortless elegance and minimalism, grooms may find themselves overwhelmed by the vast possibilities. During the cooler months, tweed is an excellent choice for men’s western wedding attire, as it embodies many of the boho aesthetic’s key characteristics.
In contrast, warmer months call for lightweight fabrics and earthy tones that evoke a sense of natural beauty. This laid-back approach to wedding fashion allows grooms to express their personal style while still maintaining a sense of sophistication.
Shoes
The bohemian wedding theme is characterized by a deep connection with nature, a free-spirited approach, and a touch of rebelliousness. This style blends respect for tradition with a willingness to push boundaries. To incorporate this aesthetic into your semi-formal wedding attire, consider pairing earthy tones with mens wedding shoes in shades of brown or boots made from suede material.
Accessories
When it comes to boho weddings, the possibilities for unique accessories are truly endless. The eclectic nature of this style means that men’s boho wedding attire can be as bold and creative as you like. Why not treat yourself to a statement piece like a feather boa, a patterned bow tie, or even suspenders? If you’re struggling to get started, draw inspiration from traditional garb from around the world – what speaks to you might just become your new go-to accessory.
Rustic Style
Suits
Rustic weddings offer a unique opportunity to blend formal and casual elements in men’s attire. A popular choice is to pair traditional pieces with sheer fabrics and vintage vests, creating a stylish yet relaxed look. For example, a black jacket can be paired with jeans for a timeless combination, while an Italian-cut suit layered over a T-shirt adds a touch of sophistication. Even a black tie can be incorporated with a hat for a chic country-inspired ensemble.
With rustic weddings being more about the celebration than the formality, there’s room to get creative and express personal style.
Shoes
Rustic weddings embody a laid-back, down-to-earth charm that celebrates simplicity and tradition with a rugged twist. This aesthetic is all about embracing the beauty in imperfection, much like a well-worn pair of brown suede shoes or cowboy boots. For men’s country wedding attire, rustic style suggests a more relaxed approach to dressing up. Wooden soles on black leather shoes or rugged boots are great ways to incorporate this theme into your overall look.
Accessories
Incorporating elements from cowboy culture adds a layer of rugged individualism to the rustic wedding theme. To achieve this aesthetic, men’s attire can feature a mix of textures and patterns. Consider incorporating items like a cowboy hat, wool necktie, earphone vests, and colorful boutonnieres to create a cohesive look.
Casual Style
Suits
While there’s no hard and fast rule governing men’s casual wedding attire, it’s generally characterized by lighter colors and a slightly dressier approach than everyday wear. For grooms and guests alike, a versatile range of options presents itself. A crisp white shirt paired with a tailored jacket, khakis accompanied by a button-down shirt and a stylish belt, or a classic suit with a hint of undone elegance all fit the bill as top-notch casual mens wedding attire choices.
Shoes
When it comes to casual weddings, the dress code often finds itself at an intriguing intersection of beachy vibes and sophisticated elegance. The result is a unique blend of formality and relaxation. For the groom’s footwear, this sweet spot means avoiding open-toed shoes and patent leather, which can come across as too formal. Instead, opt for loafers or flat-soled sneakers in neutral colors that won’t compete with the overall aesthetic.
This approach strikes the perfect balance between casual and classy, making it ideal for a laid-back yet stylish celebration.
Accessories
When it comes to accessories for a casual wedding, less is often more. Opt for simple cufflinks and a straightforward wristwatch that won’t draw attention away from the happy couple. For the boutonniere, aim for understated elegance rather than over-the-top flair. Meanwhile, a reliable choice for the groom is to stick with a classic suit, swapping out the tie and socks for a more laid-back vibe.
Beach Style
Suits
When it comes to men’s beach wedding attire, summer weddings offer a chance to have fun and incorporate vibrant colors. Off-white, seersucker, and light blues are top choices for a stylish and comfortable look. It’s essential that the fabrics allow for good airflow to keep you cool in the hot weather. And why not ditch the shoes altogether? For beach weddings, a relaxed and casual vibe is perfect.
Take a look at these trendy summer wedding attire ideas for men – they exude effortless elegance and comfort, making them ideal for hot summer days.
Shoes
When it comes to mens beach wedding shoes, finding the right balance between formality and comfort can be a challenge. Many men want to make a stylish statement without sacrificing their ability to walk or feel the heat. The quest for practicality and respectability often leads them to opt for sockless running shoes, loafers, or derbies – a versatile trio that checks both boxes.
Accessories
When attending a beach wedding, you can add some flair to the usual formal wedding guest attire by incorporating bold and playful accessories. One way to do this is with oversized sunglasses that make a statement. Another option is to add textured flowers or embellishments to your boutonniere, a brightly colored tie, or an oversized pocket square that adds a pop of color.
If you prefer a more subdued look, consider trading in bright colors for earthy tones and neutrals that blend seamlessly with the beach setting.
Western Style
Suits
While Western-inspired elements like cowboy hats, boots, and leather vests are staples of bohemian mens wedding attire, they don’t necessarily mean a lack of formality. In fact, these iconic pieces are often paired with suit jackets and other formal wear to create a stylishly dressed look. The result is a unique blend of rugged Wild West charm and sophisticated elegance, perfect for the modern groom who wants to make a statement on his big day.
Shoes
Cowboy boots have transcended their traditional country and western roots, popping up at rustic, bohemian, and even #BootsAndBling-themed events. While they may evoke images of rodeos and honky-tonks, there’s more to these iconic footwear than meets the eye. In fact, cowboy boots are categorized into five core types, each with its own unique characteristics and purposes. For those new to the world of cowboy boots, a little research goes a long way in finding the perfect pair.
Accessories
Men’s Western-inspired wedding attire is surprisingly straightforward to style. The key is embracing bold, rugged elements that evoke the Wild West. For a dashing look, opt for a denim-filled ensemble featuring cowboy hats, wooden accessories like bowties and belt buckles, and statement pieces with exaggerated silhouettes. This bold aesthetic will have you looking every bit the charming cowboy at your outdoor wedding.
Vintage Style
Suits
Vintage weddings offer an opportunity to bring back the charm of yesteryear. Incorporate nostalgic elements such as vintage patterns, richly colored vests, pocket watches, suspenders, and antique boutonnieres into your wedding attire. The key is to create a cohesive look with the groom’s party, ensuring that everyone is on board with the vintage vibe. This will not only make for great photos but also add an air of whimsy and romance to your special day.
Shoes
While traditional formal weddings may be the norm, vintage-inspired men’s wedding shoes have gained popularity as a unique and stylish addition to modern wedding attire. For bohemian or rustic-themed weddings, authentic vintage dark brown or black shoes are a perfect fit. On the other hand, newly designed vintage-inspired styles that pay homage to the past are better suited for more formal wedding settings.
The versatility of vintage mens wedding shoes allows them to complement a wide range of wedding themes and styles.
Accessories
When it comes to vintage accessories, there’s no better way to make them stand out than by giving them a personal history. Everyday items like tie clips, lapel pins, and cufflinks take on a whole new level of significance when they’re passed down through generations. For instance, if you wear your grandfather’s cufflinks that he wore at his wedding, it instantly adds a layer of personality to your overall look.
It’s as if the accessory is telling a story about the wearer’s heritage and family history.
Brides Often Ask
Is it rude to wear jeans to a wedding?
While jeans may not typically be the go-to choice for a traditional wedding, modern weddings often embrace non-traditional attire. However, even in unconventional settings, there’s usually a dress code in place unless otherwise stated. If jeans are permitted, it’s essential to ensure they’re clean and crisp, paired with a blazer or golf shirt to elevate the overall look.
Is it appropriate to wear sneakers to a wedding?
When it comes to sneakers at a wedding, it’s all about understanding the occasion’s dress code and the couple’s personal style. While they may be perfect for a casual or outdoor celebration, a more formal or traditional wedding calls for a more elegant choice, such as dress shoes. Ultimately, the right footwear decision will depend on the tone of the event and the bride and groom’s preferences.
What Not to Wear to a Wedding?
When it comes to men’s attire for summer weddings, there are a few guidelines to keep in mind. While the dress code may be more relaxed than during other seasons, certain rules still apply. For starters, avoid white jackets unless you’re part of the groom’s party and it’s been explicitly stated as a theme. The only person permitted to wear white is the bride. When it comes to shorts, don’t even think about wearing them.
A wedding is a formal ceremony that demands at least some level of formality and respect. Open-toe shoes, such as sandals or flip-flops, are acceptable for beach weddings, but be sure to check with the couple first to confirm. For all other settings, stick to formal shoes. Another important consideration is the state of your clothing. While distressed fashion may be trendy, it has no place at a wedding.
Aim for clean, wrinkle-free, and somewhat conventional attire, even if you’re not wearing a suit. Finally, avoid anything that’s too flashy or attention-seeking. Stick to flat colors and modest patterns, and steer clear of recognizable logos and graphics. By keeping your outfit simple and understated, you’ll be sure to make a good impression at the wedding.
