The Do's and Dont’s of Wedding Attire
As a premier designer menswear company with over two decades of experience, Carpe Diem Men understands the importance of dressing appropriately for weddings.
Whether you're attending a black-tie affair or a casual beach ceremony, we're here to guide you through the do's and don'ts of wedding attire.
Our expertise in high-end menswear will ensure you look your best while respecting the couple's special day.
The Do's of Wedding Attire
1. Do Consider the Wedding Dress Code
Carefully review the dress code specified on the invitation.
Different dress codes require varying levels of formality:
Black Tie: A tuxedo is preferred.
Formal or Black Tie Optional: A dark suit is acceptable, but a tuxedo is still preferred.
Cocktail: A suit and tie are appropriate, with room for more colorful or creative choices.
Semi-Formal or Dressy Casual: A suit or dress pants with a collared shirt; tie optional.
Casual: Dress pants or khakis with a collared shirt.
2. Do Invest in Quality Pieces
At Carpe Diem Men, we believe in the power of well-crafted garments.
Investing in high-quality suits, shirts, and accessories ensures you'll always have appropriate options for various wedding scenarios.
Our collection of brands like Boss, Pal Zileri, and Coppley offers timeless pieces that will serve you well beyond a single event.
3. Do Pay Attention to Fit
Nothing elevates an outfit like proper tailoring.
Our in-house master tailor ensures that every garment fits you perfectly, enhancing your appearance and comfort throughout the event.
Here are some tips to look for to ensure your suit fits well:
Shoulders: The seam aligns with your natural shoulders; no lumps or bumps.
Chest: The jacket fits close without buckling at the lapels.
Collar: Sits snugly against your neck; stays in place when moving.
Sleeve Length: Ends just above the wrist, showing about a quarter inch of shirt cuff.
Waist: No pulling at the button; comfortable fit.
Vents: Stay closed when worn; no gaps.
Pants Fit: Sit comfortably at the waist; break slightly on shoes.
Overall Comfort: Allows for easy movement without restriction.
Balance: Front and back hems should be even or the front slightly longer.
4. Do - Embrace Wedding Appropriate Accessories
The right accessories can elevate your wedding attire:
For formal events, consider cufflinks, a pocket square, or a tasteful watch.
For semi-formal or casual weddings, you might add a stylish belt or subtle jewelry.
5. Do Consider the Time of Day
Evening weddings typically call for darker, more formal attire, while daytime events allow for lighter colors and fabrics. Our diverse selection of suits and separates can accommodate any time of day.
Book a wedding wardrobing consultation to get expert advice on appropriate wedding attire.
6. Do Plan for the Weather
Check the forecast and plan accordingly. For outdoor weddings, consider:
Lightweight, breathable fabrics for hot weather.
Layering options for unpredictable temperatures.
Appropriate footwear for the terrain.
Here’s a quick guide on how men should dress for weddings in different seasons to ensure they look stylish and appropriate for the occasion:
Wedding Attire by Season
Spring
Lightweight Suit: Choose breathable fabrics like linen or cotton.
Colors: Opt for pastels or light shades.
Accessories: Consider floral ties or pocket squares.
Summer
Similar to spring, choose breathable fabrics like linen or cotton
Light Colors: Go for light-colored suits or separates.
Footwear: Choose breathable shoes like loafers or clean, white sneakers
Fall
Medium-Weight Suit: Wool or blended fabrics for warmth.
Rich Colors: Earthy tones like burgundy, forest green, or navy.
Layering: Consider a stylish blazer or a light sweater.
Winter
Heavyweight Suit: Opt for wool or flannel for warmth.
Dark Colors: Choose deep colors like charcoal, navy, or black.
Accessories: Add a scarf or a stylish overcoat for extra warmth.
7. Do Respect Cultural Traditions
If attending a wedding with specific cultural elements, research appropriate attire beforehand.
Here are some general guidelines to help you prepare:
Black attire: In some cultures, particularly in parts of Asia, wearing all black to a wedding may be seen as inauspicious or associated with funerals. It's best to check if there are any color restrictions.
Red attire: In Chinese culture, red is traditionally worn by the bride. Guests, especially men, should avoid wearing predominantly red outfits.
Green attire: In some Islamic cultures, green is considered a sacred color. While not strictly forbidden, it's best to use it sparingly or check with the hosts.
Shoes: In Hindu and Sikh weddings, it's customary to remove shoes before entering the mandap (wedding altar area). Slip-on shoes are often preferred for convenience.
Modesty: For conservative religious ceremonies (across various faiths), it's generally advisable to dress modestly. This usually means avoiding overly revealing or flashy attire.
Cultural attire: In some cases, wearing traditional cultural attire may be encouraged or expected. However, if you're not from that culture, it's best to ask before wearing traditional garments to avoid cultural appropriation concerns.
8. Do Express Your Personal Style
While adhering to the dress code, don't be afraid to showcase your personality through subtle details like your choice of tie, pocket square, or cufflinks.
Our curated range of accessories allows for personal expression within the bounds of wedding etiquette.
9. Do Pay Attention To Grooming
A well-chosen outfit should be complemented by proper grooming.
Ensure your hair is neat, facial hair is groomed, and shoes are polished.
10. Do - Start Planning Early
Begin planning your outfit well in advance. This allows time for any necessary alterations or special orders. Our experienced team can help you select the perfect ensemble with plenty of time to spare.
The Don'ts of Wedding Attire
1. Don’t Ignore the Venue and Season
The location and time of year play crucial roles in determining appropriate attire. For instance:
Beach weddings may call for lighter fabrics and colors.
Winter weddings might require heavier materials and darker hues.
Outdoor ceremonies might necessitate comfortable footwear and layers.
Here are some important guidelines to keep in mind regarding venue and season.
Don't wear sandals or flip-flops unless it's a beach or a very casual wedding. (We still wouldn’t recommend it.)
Don't underdress for an outdoor summer wedding - opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics instead.
Don't forget layers for evening or outdoor fall/winter weddings.
Don't wear overly revealing clothing to religious venues or conservative settings.
Don't ignore dress codes - "black tie" means formal even if it's hot outside.
Don't forget appropriate outerwear for cold-weather or windy outdoor venues.
2. Don’t Upstage the Wedding Party
While it's important to look your best, avoid outshining the groom or matching the groomsmen. Stick to classic, understated elegance rather than flashy or overly trendy outfits.
3. Don’t Wear White or Off-White
Unless specifically requested by the couple, avoid wearing white, off-white, or very light colors that might be photographed as white.
This rule applies to both men and women out of respect for the bride.
4. Don’t Underdress
When in doubt, it's better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed.
Our collection of suits includes a diverse range of price points and styles, providing options for every level of formality while maintaining an understated elegance.
5. Don’t Wear Overly Casual Attire
Even for casual weddings, avoid wearing items like jeans, t-shirts, or sneakers unless explicitly stated in the dress code.
A personal stylist can curate a selection of smart-casual options that ensure you look polished while remaining comfortably appropriate for any occasion.
6. Don’t Forget About Comfort
While style is undoubtedly important for making a great impression, comfort should never be sacrificed.
A well-fitted suit or outfit allows for ease of movement, ensuring you can enjoy the celebration without feeling restricted.
7. Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
Start planning your outfit well in advance. This allows time for any necessary alterations or special orders. Our experienced team can help you select the perfect wedding wardrobe with plenty of time to spare.
8. Don’t Neglect the Basics
Always have these wedding attire essentials on hand:
A well-fitted dark suit.
A crisp white dress shirt.
Polished dress shoes.
A selection of ties and pocket squares.
At Carpe Diem Men, we're committed to helping you navigate the complexities of wedding attire with ease and style.
Our curated selection of high-quality menswear, combined with our expert tailoring services, ensures you'll be impeccably dressed for any wedding celebration.
Remember, the key to perfect wedding attire is balancing respect for the occasion with personal style.
By following these do's and don'ts, you'll be well-prepared to celebrate in style, whether you're attending a black-tie gala or a relaxed garden party.
Visit us at 569 Danforth Avenue in Toronto, where our experienced staff will be delighted to help you select the ideal wedding guest attire.
With Carpe Diem Men, you'll always be dressed to impress, honoring the couple's special day while feeling confident and comfortable.
