What to Wear as a Man to a Summer Wedding

Getting married soon? Here's what to wear as a man to a summer wedding!

Summer is here! That means long, beautiful days and pleasant temperatures. We understand why most weddings take place during this season. People are generally in better spirits, and you have the opportunity to enjoy drinks and dining in the open air. As a guest at a summer wedding, however, you face a challenge: what do you wear? You want to look stylish and well-dressed, of course, but without breaking a sweat. We'll help you with inspiring tips to find the perfect summer wedding outfit as a man.

General dress code rules for men at a wedding

When you think of summer, you might immediately picture shorts, flip-flops, and cheerful short-sleeved shirts. That's fine for your leisure time, of course, but a wedding is a formal occasion. So dress appropriately. Keep these general dress code rules for men at a wedding in mind:

• Pay attention to accessories. Wear a bow tie or pocket square, for example. Bonus points if you match the colour with your shoes!
• Wear the right shoes. With an anthracite or blue suit, black and brown shoes always work well. Wearing a light grey suit? Then light brown shoes are also a good option.
• White socks are a no-go. Although white is a fresh colour that goes with almost everything, white socks are not suitable for a wedding. Socks with a fun pattern, on the other hand, are perfect!

How formally you dress depends on the dress code. Check our etiquette page for everything you need to know about dress codes. Even if there's no dress code, the bride and groom generally expect you to look your best. Wear festive but neat clothing, such as a shirt with a blazer. Synthetic fabrics allow little air circulation and can cause sweat stains – not very chic! Choose breathable materials like linen and cotton to keep yourself cool.

Summer chic as a dress code for men

A light outfit is always a good idea for a summer wedding. But what exactly do you wear? If the dress code is summer chic, it's customary for men to wear a suit in light, summery colours. Think light green or pastel pink. With the summer chic dress code, a blazer is not required. Feel free to leave it out if it's very warm. Choose a plain shirt or a shirt with a summery print. Besides the blazer, you can also skip the bow tie or necktie. Instead, leave the top buttons of your shirt open for a more relaxed look. This makes the whole outfit feel lighter!

No dress code? Don't worry!

Is there no dress code and you really don't know what to wear? Don't worry. Keep in mind that you were invited because of your relationship with the couple, not because of your outfit. So don't stress about 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 – opt for your finest shirt combined with dark jeans or trousers. Make sure everything is free of holes and wrinkles, put on your best shoes, and you're all set!