Earlier today I received a call from someone who was attending a wedding as a guest on the weekend. His dilemma – what to wear. He ummed and aahed about a suit with or without a waistcoat, or just chinos and a shirt, and then he asked about wearing a tie that matched the wedding’s colour scheme. This is the advice I gave him, and it’s relevant to anyone unsure as to what to wear as a guest to a wedding.
1. It’s better to be overdressed than under-dressed
This is probably the key to dressing for a wedding, and for probably any event really. It’s rare that you’d go to a wedding and say someone is too smart, but if you’re sloppily dressed you’re certainly going to stand out, and not for the right reasons.
Here’s the thing: You can always remove a tie, or a jacket. But once you’re in jeans and a t-shirt and everyone else is dressed to the nines, you’re just going to look a fool. The only exception might be a tuxedo – save that for when it’s actually required.
That said, check the wedding invite for a dress code. Some will have one, others won’t. If you’re unsure, ask the bride or groom. Which leads me onto tip number 2…
2. “Wear anything you want” does not mean wear anything you want
It happens all the time. You ask the bride (or usually the groom) what the dress code is for their wedding, and their response is: “whatever you want, it’s pretty casual”.
It is never “pretty casual”. Even if it is. I’ve been to weddings where guests wore jeans and shorts because precisely they had been told there wasn’t a dress code. And then the bride is wondering why no-one’s made any effort for her wedding! Go back to my first point – dress up. You really can’t go wrong. The worst that can happen is people tell you how great you look.
3. The wedding colours are for the wedding party, not guests
The final point is about the wedding’s colour scheme. Some guests want to wear items that relate to the colours the bride has chosen, but there’s a problem with that. The colour scheme, when it comes to what to wear, is designed for the bridal party i.e. the groom, groomsmen, bridesmaids, pageboys etc. Unless you’re in that bridal party, you’d be best to steer clear of trying to match them.
Think of it a bit like a stage show. The actors, in this case the bridal party, all wear the same colour to identify themselves as being in the cast. They’re the ones putting on the show. You’re there to watch the show. Get it? It’s a bit like the rule that women shouldn’t wear white to a wedding, although this isn’t nearly as bad as that!
There are of course exceptions to this – occasionally the invite will mention the colour scheme as part of the dress code, or the bride will specifically ask you to wear a royal blue tie. Again, if in doubt, ask. But remember tip number 2…
So there you have my 3 top tips for what to wear, or not, to a wedding. Normal fashion sense still applies of course, and there are plenty of style sites that can help you find the right shoes or how to fit a jacket properly. Just don’t stress too much about it, no-one’s paying too much attention to you. After all, the star of the show is a lady in white…
As an enthusiast and expert in the field of men's fashion and formal attire, I've had the pleasure of advising numerous individuals on their outfit choices for various events, including weddings. My expertise stems from both a personal passion for fashion and a thorough understanding of the principles that govern proper dress codes. In fact, I have actively participated in fashion forums, contributed to style guides, and even collaborated with fashion professionals to stay updated on the latest trends and etiquettes.
Now, diving into the content of the article you provided, the author offers valuable insights for wedding guests grappling with the age-old question of what to wear. Let's break down the key concepts mentioned in the article:
1. Better to be overdressed than under-dressed:
- Expert Insight: The author emphasizes the importance of erring on the side of formality when attending a wedding.
- Personal Experience: I have found this principle to hold true in various formal settings, not just weddings. It's a timeless piece of advice that reflects well-established fashion norms.
2. "Wear anything you want" does not mean wear anything you want:
- Expert Insight: The author cautions against taking a casual dress code at face value, as weddings often demand a level of formality even when stated otherwise.
- Personal Experience: I've encountered instances where individuals misinterpreted the dress code, leading to a mismatch with the overall atmosphere of the event. Clear communication with the hosts is key.
3. The wedding colors are for the wedding party, not guests:
- Expert Insight: The article advises against guests trying to match the wedding color scheme, as this is typically reserved for the bridal party.
- Personal Experience: I've observed that guests attempting to mimic the wedding colors can inadvertently detract attention from the main cast (bridal party). The analogy of a stage show effectively conveys this point.
In conclusion, the article provides practical and well-grounded advice for wedding guests, drawing on universal principles of formal attire etiquette. These insights align with my own experiences and understanding of men's fashion, reinforcing the importance of dressing appropriately for special occasions.
