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what do guys wear to weddings as a guest | Wedding guest attire for men by Paul Brown

What do guys wear to weddings as a guest

Lt Blue Tweed Waistcoat
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Lt Blue Tweed Waistcoat

Blue Double Cuff Shirt
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Blue Double Cuff Shirt

Our new blog answers the question many men ask us: what do guys wear to weddings as a guest? There are several key parts to answering this question correctly and we will discuss each one in more depth. This includes:

1. Is there already defined dress code?

2. What is the groom wearing?

3. Location and month of the wedding?

4. Culture

Are there dress codes in place?

It might seem obvious but If you are uncertain then always check with the bride or groom. Normally if there is a dress code it will be stated on the invitation.

If the definition is clear i.e. black tie then it is a closed case. You know what to wear.

The issue of course arises when it is not obvious and words like “smart casual” are written on the invite. This can be very confusing and again we would recommend the first port of call would be to contact the bride or groom to confirm what this actually means.

We have come across a range of different smart casual options. If the word tie is ever used in the description then we strongly recommend a suit and tailored shirt. If tie is not explicitly used then other smart casual options are on the table like a nice pair of tailored chinos. You don’t necessarily need to wear a suit.

What is the groom wearing?

No male guest should look better dressed or smarter than the groom unless there is a clear stated dress code. Further this is a good starting point in determining your outfit. If the groom has gone for tails and a tie then you should opt for a lounge suit.

Location and month of wedding

The location is important as this can determine the style of the wedding. For example a wedding in barns that have a vintage style to them and in such cases tweed waistcoats and chinos are popular options. Further it is important to consider the month and climate of the wedding. If it is somewhere really hot then consider a tailored linen shirt instead of cotton and stay away from heavy wool or tweed.

If it is really hot or a beach wedding then consider a short sleeve shirt and or chino shorts. We would still recommend our long sleeve linen shirts and roll the sleeves up if it gets really hot. If shorts are ok with the wedding party then make sure they are quality tailored chino shorts. It is unacceptable to wear jogging shorts or shorts with an elasticated waistband. Key features of acceptable chino shorts include front slanted pocket and tailored rear welt pockets. The waist should be finished with loops for the option to add a belt. Also they should be finished with a front zip fly not button up.

Culture and people getting married

When there are no defined dress codes and you are not getting much information from the wedding party, then consider the culture of the wedding. Is it a British wedding which by nature is often more formal or an Australian wedding which is usually more casual. Also what are the bride and groom like? Are they casual by nature or always impeccably dressed? Remember you will likely end up in their wedding photos so you don’t want to stand out for the wrong reasons!

Other things you might wear as a wedding guest

The Waistcoat

Lt Blue Tweed Waistcoat
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Lt Blue Tweed Waistcoat

Tweed Herringbone Waistcoat
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Tweed Herringbone Waistcoat

The waistcoat is a key part to many weddings and if you are opting to wear one, it is really important you get it right. In fact, of all the items of clothing you will consider wearing, the waistcoat will usually define your wedding outfit and style. The reason for this is that unless the weather is really cold, you will take your jacket off quite early on in the proceedings. Therefore a nice tailored waistcoat is imperative. We offer a fantastic selection of tweed waistcoats that are also lighter enough to be worn for summer weddings. Options also include shawl and notched collar options in both twill and herringbone tweed.

Ties and handkerchiefs for men

When it comes to wedding attire, don’t turn up looking like you are ready for a day’s work. This is a special occasion and demands an outfit that shows you have made a real effort. Unless you have opted for a check or striped suit, we suggest going for an interesting tie. Try a paisley or floral design and consider cotton or wool instead of silk. Further, have a matching handkerchief to put in your front jacket or waistcoat pocket.

Avoid bright colours and consider the wedding palette

Most weddings will have a defined colour palette and it is best to keep consistent with this. You certainly don’t want anything that strongly conflicts. Personally we recommend sticking with safe colours that will not outshine the groom or bride. This starts with a navy or grey suit. Avoid black as it is not a funeral. For the shirt consider white or blue and then for chinos navy or a tan colour.

Bright colours like orange, pink and green should be reserved for your tie.

Shirt with Windsor collar as part of your guest attire

For those planning to wear a tie then we strongly recommend you go for a formal shirt with a Windsor collar. We offer white and blue. This spread collar with collar stays is specifically designed to accommodate a tie and knot and is a far better option than other shirt collar styles like a button down collar. .

When the tie comes off

If you are wearing a tie, it will almost certainly come off at some point during the day. Most likely on the dance floor. In such cases consider shirts with styling like our Bucklesham shirt or White double cuff shirt. By turning the cuffs up and revealing the collar interior, it creates a whole new style for the evening. The more casual the code, the more scope you have for outfits.

Coats for Men

If it is a really cold or wet day then a coat may need to be worn. In such cases we recommend our flagship men’s double breasted trench coats that are not only stylish but equally practical. They are made using a water resistant 100% cotton twill from British Millerain. The coat will keep you dry and warm and will not only look great as part of your wedding outfit but can easily transition between wedding, work wear and casual weekend wear. A truly great wardrobe investment!

Conclusion

Hopefully our blog has helped to clarify the key things to consider when choosing a men’s outfit for a wedding. If in doubt, always contact the wedding party first. If you are still unsure it is always better to be overdressed for such occasions than underdressed. Everyone will appreciate someone who has made an effort.

Price and Value

Our classic garments are always made in the UK from fine fabrics and are built to love and to last. They do not go out of shape or come apart after several washes so you can wear them again and again. Contrast this to much cheaper high street versions that end up stuck in your wardrobe after being worn just once, never to see the light of day as they were ill fitting or didn't survive the laundry. You pay a price up front but value is only apparent with the passage of time. The adage of ‘don't buy cheap, buy smart ‘fits here and you will do your bit for the environment as well.

Sustainability and Size

I cannot leave this blog without mentioning sustainability. It means many different things to many different people. It is well known that the fast fashion industry does enormous harm to the environment, particularly oil based fabrics and single use garments. You should consider this fact whilst shopping for your wedding outfit. Here at WISC we make classic garments that are built to last from natural fabrics to help minimise our impact. They are designed to be worn again and again without losing their shape or appearance. Multiple use also means that they become value for money. We also make most of our products to order so that unwanted stock is never a feature. Size is also a factor in sustainability. If clothes fit well they will be used a lot and the issue of returns for ill fitting garments becomes redundant. We stress this on our site and in addition to an extensive detailed size guide, we offer a special ‘design your own trouser’ section for this very reason. If you generally purchase off the peg chinos for example and try to make them fit, why not visit our website with your measurements and we will make you a pair. Going forward we continue to look at ways of improving our sustainability credentials further. You should also always consider recycling or donating any clothes you really don't want or need.

We Make a Wide range of Clothes

Here at WISC we make a selection of products for both men and women including trench coats, shirts and boxer shorts. All are made from the best material and manufactured to the same exacting standards. Our collections are on sale to view and buy online so why not pop onto our site and put something in your basket. You will be supporting British manufacture and of course they make great gifts too

Frequently asked Questions

What does Black Tie dress for a wedding mean?

Traditionally speaking, a black-tie dress code denotes a formal, evening occasion, where men are meant to wear tuxedos with a bow tie and women floor-length gowns. If a wedding is not specifically described as black tie then a tuxedo is not mandatory /p>

Should I wear a pocket square as part of my wedding guest outfit?

If you have the jacket for it, a pocket square is a great addition for a wedding. Make sure the pocket square is an appropriate colour though.

Do you make all of your wedding guest clothing in the UK?

Yes we design, cut and make all of our clothing, including tops and trousers at our own premises in Suffolk, UK

Do you Ship Worldwide?

Yes, we ship to 40 countries including the USA at favourable shipping rates. UK delivery is free


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