You can't beat a good wedding. Attending a sub-par wedding can be quite underwhelming but when you get a good one, and everything falls into place, it’s a joy from start to finish. It really is.
Aside from a diverse free bar, delectable menu, attractive singletons (if single yourself) and a strong music offering, another key factor that determines whether a wedding is a great or not, is your own outfit. It sets the tone for the day…
Before deciding on your plan of attack, Always give these four points a degree of thought:
Weather: Is there rain forecast (probably)? You gotta think materials, colour palate and footwear selection.
Location: Is it a city or country wedding? Again, colour and footwear selection is key.
Dress code: Have they specifically requested morning suits or black tie? If there's a dress code, Always adhere to it.
Guest Type: Are you invited for the entire day, or are you just kind of their friend, and only attending the evening fun.
Let's discuss your options...
A Suit
There's no denying a traditional navy or charcoal suit will Always work at a wedding but please differentiate from a combination you wear to the office.
It’s all in the details. Keep your shirt plain (probably white), perhaps textured with a button down or cutaway collar. Tie choice is key - I Always think a Paisley tie is a great option but whatever you go for, make sure the knot is tight and your top button remains done up for the entirety of the ceremony. A pair of polished oxford shoes will finish off the look elegantly.
Hot summers days can happen in the UK, usually when we least expect them. A navy-blue suit is tough going in searing heat – speaking from experience here.
Linen Suit
Whether it’s pure linen or a linen blend, this is probably your best option. I’ve previously spoke about two key words when it comes to this material - absorbency and hypoallergenic. Learn more about that here.
My advice would be to go for one of four colours – navy, tan, grey or light blue. All four work, either in two piece or three pieces, and are more than appropriate for any kind of wedding.
It's a game of contrasts when it comes to accessories. A minimalist suit deserves jazzing up through, however if your suit has a prominent pattern, keep the accessories low key.
A knitted tie is Always a great option for adding texture to a look - you can Always remove this later.
It's up to you but I would Always wear socks, unless you're donning loafers.
One last thing - linen trousers can often appear quite flare-like, so ensure you get them tapered in advance to maintain a slick silhouette.
Separates
In a nutshell; a jacket and trouser pairing thought-up by you, instead of a two or three-piece purchased combination.
If you’re bringing personality to the party, limit to your top half (and be respectful to the bride's mother), so you don’t end up hurting other guest’s eyes. A lightweight houndstooth or seersucker jacket, paired with tapered chinos or linen trousers will likely go down a treat.
When it comes to footwear, you pretty much have a free pass but I’d Always opt for brown. Whether it’s monks, derbies or loafers, in either suede of leather, just make sure they’re looking pristine. Women Always judge a man on shoe choice, so if you’re looking to bag a bridesmaid, do your groundwork.
Black Tie or Morning Suit
The more conventional approach, Never to be worn unless instructed to do so. There are tales of even the great David Gandy turning up in a morning suit when no one else did…thankfully he looks like David Gandy; you on the other hand, do not. So Always read the invitation!
These can be quite expensive hires, so my advice would be (if you can) take the hit and invest in your own.
Not only do you get to avoid the smell of other people, but you can tailor it, which is crucial to nailing either look. I predict you’ll wear each at least four times, so that’s already a pretty good ROI compared to hiring one.
If it ain’t broke don’t fix it – these are classic looks that have withstood the test of time for a reasons so don’t dick about with them. Personalise through tailoring and minimal accessories or variations – E.g. a Marcella cotton textured shirt or a flamboyant sock choice.
The standard is David Beckham at Meghan and Harry's wedding - get anywhere close to that and you're doing well.
When it comes to black tie, it’s Always Patent shoes.
And one final note; never upstage the groom.
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