Ditching the Suit for a Wedding

So, you’ve been invited to a wedding? Whilst female guests scour the shops for something stylish and suitable, you’ve got a choice of two suits in your wardrobe. Like other men, you reach for the trusty suit whatever the formal occasion. You can’t go wrong with a suit jacket and a pair of trousers, but you’re wearing something similar to everybody else.  Here are a few ways to break away from the tradition of wearing a full suit to a wedding. You’ll be more comfortable, and you’ll look just as smart:

Summer Weddings

Chinos and blazers are amongst the more casual, but still acceptable, items of clothing for male guests to wear at a wedding. You no longer need to wear a tie, or a full suit, to look the part. If the wedding invitation specifically requests smart clothes then you should go with the traditional suit, but as people become more relaxed about their weddings it’s very unlikely that you’ll be the only guest to break away from convention.

You should still wear a long-sleeved shirt, rather than something short-sleeved. Once you’re at the wedding, you’ll be able to judge the mood and to determine whether or not you’ll feel comfortable rolling up your sleeves. Unfortunately, short-sleeved shirts are still too casual for most weddings.

Winter Weddings

A roll-neck knitted jumper in a neutral colour will look great with a pair of black trousers. Get a nice chunky knit Superdry jumper, and you’ll be able to look smart whilst feeling a little smug when your fellow guests all start to look uncomfortable in their restricting suit jackets.

Many summer fashions are also suited to winter weddings, if you’ll be spending most of your time indoors. Again, consider wearing a blazer and shirt, or a long-sleeved shirt and pair of chinos, rather than a full formal suit.

Respect the Occasion

The venue often provides a clear indication of how casual you can be. Don’t stray too far from traditional wedding wear if you’re attending a wedding at a church. At a hotel you can afford to be a bit more relaxed, but it’s worth getting an idea about the wedding’s overall atmosphere and the kinds of people that are usually there.

It used to be that men could only be expected to wear black and white at a wedding. Over time, more colours crept in. Now, at certain weddings, you can comfortably wear coloured chino pants without feeling out of place. Always keep in mind, however, that a wedding is a very important occasion and that you’ll need to look presentable for the dozens of photographs that are taken on the day.

Ultimately, the easiest way to know what to wear is to base your decision on the couple getting married. If they take a relaxed approach to everyday life, then you can safely assume that their wedding will also be relaxed. If they’re the type to organise a grand formal ceremony, then you’ll probably want to stick to a tried and tested look. Don’t be afraid to ask the bride and groom what their dress code is, if it’s not been written on the invitation. It’s important that you enjoy the day, and don’t feel out of place.

Sarah Mitchell is a fashion writer, recently married and thrilled to see her guests parade a variety of styles at the wedding.