Skip to content

Cart

What to Wear to a Wedding as a Guest: A Guide for Men

A wedding can be a lot of fun, but it can also be a bit stressful. You want to look your best and fit in with the wedding party, but you don't want to take away from their wedding day by being too flashy or getting it wrong. This article is here for you!

We'll cover everything from what color tie to wear (black) and how long your jacket should be (sleeves just below the elbow), all the way down to whether or not you need an undershirt (yes). And if that's not enough, we have even more tips on how to dress appropriately for every wedding type: From your suit to your wedding shoes to your wedding accessories, we have it covered.

The Suit

Black suits are the most common formal attire for men. It may be meant as a Prom Suit a business suit, or a wedding guest suit. If you find black too typical, then you can also choose a dark gray or navy suit. When choosing a color for your suit, start with the wedding party; if you are at the wedding, wear whatever matches or complements their attire.

There are many different kinds and types of suits you could choose from, like All of these suits have their own uniqueness that would surely help you charm the crowd at the wedding event while not overshadowing the groom too much.

The Tie

If you are unsure what tie to wear, choose a black or gray tie that matches the color of your suit. This is one rule where it really pays off to have an understanding of wedding etiquette beforehand; don't risk ruining someone else's wedding by wearing green if
everyone else is in blue.

Shoes and socks

Wedding shoes and socks are the only wedding attire where we recommend you go with more traditional options, such as patent leather dress shoes and silk-cashmere blend tuxedo socks.

For a classic look, use this combination when wearing black or gray formalwear for weddings. The perfect blend of texture and comfort that will last all night long.

Shoes

For a formal wedding, patent leather oxfords or loafers are the best choices for men's wedding footwear; they look professional and will match almost any suit color. Comfort is key, here. You will be on your feet all day long and dancing the night away at a
wedding reception; you don't want to end up with black-and-blue toes or blisters by the time it's over!

Undershirts

When it comes to wedding attire, men need an undershirt. This is not the same as a t-shirt; it is meant for layering and is usually thinner and lighter than your everyday t-shirt. Traditionally, undershirts are ribbed because ribbed shirts can stretch more and are, therefore, more comfortable. So if you want to wear an undershirt, do not use a t-shirt because they are too big, too stiff, and too thick to be comfortable underneath a dress shirt.

Belts

Belts are meant for wedding suits, not wedding tuxedos. If you wear a black or gray wedding suit to the wedding, don't wear a belt. These wedding tuxedos are too formal, and a belt wouldn't look very good with them. Just like wedding shoes, wedding belts
should be made of patent leather; these will make you stand not out at the wedding party and wedding ceremony, but look good and feel comfortable.

Accessories (watch, cufflinks, etc.)

A wedding is a perfect time to add a touch of class and sophistication with wedding accessories such as cufflinks, watches, or even an elegant wedding tie bar. When choosing wedding accessories for your suit, choose items that complement each other in color and style.

So there you have it: a wedding guide for men. If this guide has helped you to get ready for a wedding, feel free to share it with your friends and family members who are attending the wedding too!

More from Weddings

Royal Wedding Rules: How to Dress Like a VIP Guest (Without Breaking the Bank)
affordable formalwear

Royal Wedding Rules: How to Dress Like a VIP Guest (Without Breaking the Bank)

Ever wondered how to dress for a royal wedding without spending a fortune? Attaining a VIP wedding guest style is entirely about understanding the nuances of tailoring, fabric choice, and strategic...

Read more
The Bride Wore a Vintage '90s Dress and a Belgian Lace Veil to Marry Underneath
1990s bridal fashion

The Bride Wore a Vintage '90s Dress and a Belgian Lace Veil to Marry Underneath

For a timeless, elegant, and affordable bridal look, pairing the clean architectural lines of a '90s vintage dress with an heirloom-quality Belgian lace veil is the ultimate formula, especially for...

Read more
Upcycling Heirloom Magic: How I Transformed My Mom's '80s Wedding Dress Into a Chic Bridal Mini
bridal fashion trends

Upcycling Heirloom Magic: How I Transformed My Mom's '80s Wedding Dress Into a Chic Bridal Mini

Repurposing a cherished family heirloom is the ultimate way to bring profound meaning to your big day. By taking on an 80s wedding dress makeover and turning a vintage wedding dress into a bridal m...

Read more
Why Everyone Will Be Wearing Lace Wedding Dresses in 2026
2026 bridal trends

Why Everyone Will Be Wearing Lace Wedding Dresses in 2026

Planning a 2026 wedding and wondering what silhouette will dominate the aisle? The verdict is in: everyone will be wearing a modern lace wedding dress. From the romantic sweep of an off-the-shoulde...

Read more
Ditching the Gown: Should You Wear a Pantsuit or Jumpsuit to Your Child's Wedding?
alternative wedding attire

Ditching the Gown: Should You Wear a Pantsuit or Jumpsuit to Your Child's Wedding?

As a mother of the bride or groom, you are no longer limited to wearing a heavy, restrictive dress. Modern weddings call for modern fashion, and two of the biggest trends right now are elegant pant...

Read more
Wedding Dress Rental vs. Buying: Which is the Smarter Choice?
bridal fashion trends

Wedding Dress Rental vs. Buying: Which is the Smarter Choice?

Weddings are incredibly expensive, and many modern brides are looking for ways to cut costs without sacrificing their dream look. Enter the wedding dress rental. This guide explores the pros and co...

Read more
How to Transition Your Mother of the Bride Dress from Ceremony to Reception
affordable formal dresses

How to Transition Your Mother of the Bride Dress from Ceremony to Reception

Your daughter’s wedding day is going to be one of the most emotional, beautiful, and longest days of your life. You need an outfit that looks highly formal and respectful for the ceremony, but feel...

Read more
Summer Wedding Color Trends 2026 and How to Score the Best Dress Deals
2026 wedding colors

Summer Wedding Color Trends 2026 and How to Score the Best Dress Deals

Summer 2026 is officially here, and it is bringing a massive wave of fresh, vibrant wedding colors that are completely changing the fashion game. Couples are tossing out boring, muted neutrals and ...

Read more
Floral Prints for Summer Weddings: How to Look Chic, Not Cliché
chic floral dresses

Floral Prints for Summer Weddings: How to Look Chic, Not Cliché

Florals for spring and summer are nothing new, but wearing them to a wedding without looking like a walking garden requires a little bit of fashion strategy. This guide covers how to perfectly styl...

Read more
What Colours Are Safe to Wear to a Summer Wedding? Your Complete Guide
pastel wedding outfits

What Colours Are Safe to Wear to a Summer Wedding? Your Complete Guide

Getting a summer wedding invitation is exciting, but figuring out exactly what color to wear can be incredibly stressful. You want to look amazing without accidentally upstaging the bride or wearin...

Read more
From Black Tie to Cocktail: How to Score the Perfect Wedding Guest Dress
black tie wedding attire

From Black Tie to Cocktail: How to Score the Perfect Wedding Guest Dress

Getting invited to a wedding is exciting, but figuring out what to wear can instantly cause panic. This guide breaks down exactly how to decode confusing dress codes, pick the most flattering color...

Read more
Heat-Proof Summer Wedding Guest Dresses You Will Love Wearing
breathable summer fashion

Heat-Proof Summer Wedding Guest Dresses You Will Love Wearing

Summer weddings are beautiful, but sitting in the sweltering sun in the wrong outfit can ruin the day. The secret to surviving a hot outdoor ceremony is choosing the right fabrics, the right cuts, ...

Read more
From Ceremony to Reception: The Best Convertible Wedding Dresses for the Modern Bride
ceremony to reception looks

From Ceremony to Reception: The Best Convertible Wedding Dresses for the Modern Bride

Modern brides want it all: a breathtaking, dramatic gown for the walk down the aisle, and a fun, easy-to-move-in outfit for the reception dance floor. Instead of blowing your budget on two entirely...

Read more
Wedding Guest on a Budget: Scoring the Best Evening Gowns in the Summer Sales
affordable evening dresses

Wedding Guest on a Budget: Scoring the Best Evening Gowns in the Summer Sales

Getting invited to a wedding is exciting, but buying a brand-new outfit can seriously hurt your wallet. This guide shows you exactly how to shop the summer sales to find stunning evening gowns with...

Read more
Why Crushed Velvet is the Only Fabric You Need for Winter 2026 Weddings
cold weather formalwear

Why Crushed Velvet is the Only Fabric You Need for Winter 2026 Weddings

Winter weddings are super romantic, but let's be real, finding a dress that actually keeps you warm without looking like you're wearing a literal blanket is the worst. For the Winter 2026 season, t...

Read more
2026-fashion

Wedding Guest Attire Guide: 2026 Trends & Style Tips

Discover the best wedding guest attire trends for 2026. Our guide covers dress codes, silhouettes, and styling tips to help you find the perfect affordable look.

Read more
affordable-formal-dresses

2026 Wedding Trends: Bridal, Bridesmaid & Guest Style Guide

Explore the top 2026 wedding trends for brides, bridesmaids, and guests. Discover sophisticated neutrals, soft pastels, and flattering styles at The Dress Outlet.

Read more
bridal party guide

How to Buy Bridesmaid Dresses Online: A Group Guide

Coordinate your bridal party with ease. Learn how to measure, time your orders, and ensure color matches when buying bridesmaid dresses online for your group.

Read more
2026-wedding-trends

2026 Bridesmaid Trends: The Ultimate Guide to Style and Value

Discover the top 2026 bridesmaid dress trends. From sunset colors to inclusive plus-size and maternity styles, find affordable, high-fashion looks for every body.

Read more
2026-wedding-trends

New Bridesmaid Dress Styles 2026: Trends & Bespoke Looks

Discover the top 2026 bridesmaid dress trends. From bespoke-inspired designs to new color palettes, find the perfect styles for your bridal party at The Dress Outlet.

Read more