Stylish Wedding Attire For Men

[ 29 January 2008, 10:00 ]

[Guest post by Audrey]

“Help! I’ve been invited to a wedding and I have no idea what to wear!”

This is a situation that many males in the world face every day. The problem is a two-pronged attack, too: not only are there are so many rules, regulations and other things to take into consideration when choosing what to wear, but the consequences for a poor outfit choice can be pretty severe. Also, it’s pretty obvious when you’ve made a fashion faux pas at someone’s wedding because it’ll seem like everyone but you in attendance has understood some sort of secret code and has turned up in uniform, leaving you as the proverbial sore thumb.

Even worse is that attitudes towards the ceremony (and even weddings in general) have changed a lot over the past decade or so. Back in my parents’ heyday, I’m sure my dad had one or two cheap suits stashed at the back of his closet for the safe option if anyone happened to tie the knot. These days you’ve got to put a little more effort in unless you’re going to play the role of the inconsiderate male friend. But just keep in mind, a lot of brides have attractive single bridesmaid friends and other guests — so why wouldn’t you want to be looking like the strapping young buck that you are? Of course, you should be looking your best at all times though, right?

I must admit, even I’ve been known to panic at the thought of planning a wedding outfit. What’s worse is that the rules of wedding attire and etiquette change as you get older. I’ve personally just reached that age where friends of mine are getting hitched, so the last wedding I attended was actually the first time that I was the guest, not just a friend-of-the-family’s son. So of course I was equal parts nervous and excited at the prospect of my outfit being my choice and decision for a change, instead of having my parent’s disapproving looks when I try and head out the door. Of course, it was interesting to have the bride tell me at the reception “I saw you from the altar! You look so amazing today! Thankyou!”

So, you’re invited to a wedding. How are you supposed to know what the so-called dress code is for a wedding you’ve been asked to attend? And how do you plan yourself accordingly? Well okay, let’s get you sorted out.

Know your bride and groom

Okay, it’s time to get your Sherlock Holmes on. Check out the wedding invitation. Believe it or not, there’s a possibility that the dress code is written right there — and once you know that, you’re halfway there. Black tie, casual, semi-formal, formal. These are the sorts of words you’re looking for, and this will help you decipher their meanings.

If there’s no dress code listed, there’ll still be ways for you to suss it out. Maybe there’s a theme to the wedding invitation and envelope. If the invitation has fancy writing or intricate calligraphy, it’s quite a formal affair you’re heading off to. A fun invitation with a colourful photo of the happy couple means it’ll be a little more casual. There’s a lot of little hints you can find on the invite which may solve all your problems.

If all else fails and you’re still confused, just think — if you’ve been invited to someone’s wedding, it means either you or your partner are important to the bride and groom. So chances are that you see them or talk to them regularly and they wouldn’t think twice about you picking up the phone and calling them. So you should do just that! Send an SMS or an e-mail. Break out the carrier pigeons if you’re technologically impaired. Just swallow your man-pride and get in contact with them or their family and ask them straight out what sort of dress code it is. You won’t look stupid, I promise. If anything, it shows them you have an active interest in them and their special day. And that makes you a great friend.

Know your wedding

It’s important to realise that a wedding doesn’t just mean sitting in a stifling church, listening to an old priest drone on before all the women in the place tear up and the groom finally may kiss the bride. Beach weddings, backyard weddings, shotgun weddings with Elvis in Las Vegas… Modern weddings have become a celebration of a couple and their love for each other, and people are getting really creative at personalising their special day. And once you know the dress code, it’s up to you to dress appropriately for it.

Above are three outfits: one for a beach wedding, one for a more conservative wedding and the third for a really casual wedding (which is actually the outfit I wore to my friend’s wedding where she spotted me during the service). Each of the outfits above are suitable for a guest at a modern wedding, but they’re also distinctly different.

Obviously outfit #2 would be disastrous for a beach wedding. While everyone is out up to their knees in a beautiful tropical ocean with floating lotus flowers all around, you’ll be sitting on the shore because you can’t get your new fancy shoes wet. Outfit #1 is the obvious choice, of course. But you must admit that linen pants and Havianas aren’t common wedding attire.

My point is that you may have to think outside the square in order to make the best choice. And make sure you’re well informed before the actual event to make sure that you’re dressed and prepared accordingly.

Know your outfit and know yourself

God is in the details, as they say. Likewise, your outfit’s not going to do you any justice if you don’t pay attention to all the little things. Whether it’s a formal, casual, black tie or nudist wedding (believe it or not, they do exist), a wedding is an important event. You’ll want to be clean and tidy and a nice-smelling, lovely, charming man. So while most of this goes without saying, I’m still going to say it anyway. Just in case you forgot.

Shine your shoes. Iron your shirt. Clean and cut your nails. Get a haircut. Have a shave. Clean yourself. Wear deodorant and aftershave… And don’t skimp on the clean socks and underpants.

Be sure to invest in something new — whether it be the tie or some cufflinks, some new shoes or comfy new socks. A wedding is always a great excuse to splurge on something for yourself too. It’s a celebration after all!