A wedding soon? This is what you wear as a man to a summer wedding!
It is summer again! That means long days and pleasant temperatures. We understand that most weddings take place during this period. People are generally happier and you have the chance to enjoy drinks and dinner outdoors. However, as a guest at a summer wedding, you face a challenge: what do you wear? Of course, you want to look stylish and well-dressed, but without sweating on your back. We help you with inspiring tips to find the perfect summer outfit for a wedding as a man.
General clothing rules for men at a wedding
When you think of summer, you might quickly think of shorts, flip-flops, and cheerful short-sleeved shirts. That is fine for your free time, but a wedding is a formal occasion. You should dress neatly for it. Therefore, keep in mind the general clothing rules for men at a wedding:
- Pay attention to accessories. For example, wear a bow tie or pocket square. Bonus points if you match the color with your shoes!
- Wear the right pair of shoes. With a charcoal or blue suit, black and brown shoes are always good. If you wear a light grey suit, light brown shoes are also a good option.
- White socks are not acceptable. Although white is a fresh color that matches almost everything, white socks are not suitable for a wedding. Socks with a nice pattern, on the other hand, are!
How smartly you dress depends on the dress code. For everything you need to know about dress codes, see our etiquette page. Even if there is no dress code, the bride and groom generally expect you to look your best. So wear festive but neat clothing, such as a shirt with a jacket. Synthetic fabrics allow little air and can cause sweat stains – not very smart! Therefore, choose airy materials like linen and cotton to keep yourself cool.
Summer chic as a dress code for men
An airy outfit is always a good idea for a summer wedding. But what exactly do you wear? If the dress code is summer chic, it is customary for men to wear a suit in light, summery colors. Think of light green or pastel pink. With the summer chic dress code, a jacket is not mandatory. So leave it off if the weather is very warm. Choose a plain shirt or a shirt with a summery pattern. Besides the jacket, you can also leave out the bow tie or necktie. Instead, leave the top buttons of your shirt open for a more casual look. This makes the whole outfit a bit airier!
No dress code? No worries!
Is there no dress code and you really don’t know what to wear? Don’t worry. Keep in mind that you are invited because of your relationship with the bridal couple, not because of your outfit. So don’t fixate on finding the perfect outfit, but make sure you look neat and festive. At a more informal wedding, you can – if you don’t have a suit – choose your nicest shirt combined with dark (denim) trousers. Make sure everything is free of holes and wrinkles, put on your neatest shoes, and you are all set!
