| n deciding what to wear to a wedding, you can | | | | suit in a light color (e.g. blue or tan). For a beach |
| probably get a good idea of what’s | | | | wedding you can go tie less with a simple blazer |
| expected from the appearance of the invitation. | | | | and light colored dress pants. |
| Formal lettering printed on thick parchment in | | | | Spring/summer evening wedding: Don’t |
| fancy calligraphy, or an invitation with a more | | | | wear a heavy wool suit for a spring or summer |
| home made look about it with quirky lettering and | | | | wedding, even if it’s an evening ceremony. |
| graphics? Take your cue from the invitation and | | | | Opt for a dark colored suit in grey, black, navy, |
| remember that the time and venue of the | | | | or charcoal. |
| wedding will also have a bearing on what’s | | | | Fall/winter day wedding: A wool suit in a dark |
| expected of you in terms of dress. | | | | color such as navy or grey is more appropriate |
| However, if your hosts have decided to leave | | | | for a wedding in cooler weather. |
| nothing to chance and the invitation states what | | | | Fall/winter evening wedding: You will need to use |
| to wear to the wedding, the following are the | | | | your powers of judgment for this one if no dress |
| basic rules governing the main dress codes: | | | | code is stipulated. If the wedding invitation is |
| Black tie only: This is a formal look requiring a | | | | formal, then a tuxedo may be your best bet. |
| tuxedo (black jacket with satin lapels), pants | | | | However, if the invitation is simple and casual, |
| (usually with satin stripe down the side), a bow | | | | then opt for a basic dark colored suit. |
| tie, and a cummerbund. | | | | Accessories |
| White tie: This is even more formal than black tie | | | | Tie: If wearing a tuxedo, a silk or satin black bow |
| only, and is typically a tux with tails, a top hat, | | | | tie is the traditional accessory, although a solid |
| overcoat, and a cane. This attire isn’t that | | | | black tie and vest can be worn instead. |
| common nowadays, but some people do still | | | | Belt: Keep it simple slim, black and shiny. A belt |
| request it at weddings. | | | | isn’t needed for a tuxedo and formal |
| Black tie preferred: Stick with a dark colored suit. | | | | wear, as a cummerbund or waistcoat and |
| Black tie optional: This is mostly requested for | | | | suspenders are usually the preferred option. |
| daytime weddings. Choose a cotton, tweed or | | | | Shoes: As with the belt, keep them simple. A pair |
| linen suit in a dark color. | | | | of black, plain toe oxfords are the preferred look, |
| If your hosts haven’t stipulated what to | | | | although for a day wedding brown can be worn. |
| wear on the invitation, then dress for the season | | | | Always err on the side of conservatism. |
| and the time of the ceremony. A daytime | | | | Remember that elegance and sophistication is the |
| wedding typically takes place before 6pm, an | | | | appearance you want to achieve with what you |
| evening wedding after 6pm. | | | | wear to a wedding. And finally, if you’re |
| Spring/summer daytime wedding: Wear a linen or | | | | traveling a considerable distance to the ceremony, |
| twill suit. Consider the wedding venue: If it’s | | | | try to arrange to change into your outfit once |
| a Mediterranean country in the summer, then | | | | you arrive so that your overall look is as smart |
| it’s perfectly acceptable to wear a linen | | | | as it can be. |