Fashion Advice For Men: What to Wear to a Wedding

When deciding what to wear to a wedding, you can probably get a good idea of what's expected from the appearance of the invitation. Formal lettering printed on thick parchment in fancy calligraphy, or an invitation with a more home-made look about it with quirky lettering and graphics? Take your cue from the invitation and remember that the time and venue of the wedding will also have a bearing on what's expected of you in terms of dress.

However, if your hosts have decided to leave nothing to chance and the invitation states what to wear to the wedding, the following are the basic rules governing the main dress codes:

Black tie only: This is a formal look requiring a tuxedo (black jacket with satin lapels), pants (usually with satin stripe down the side), a bow tie, and a cummerbund.

White tie: This is even more formal than black tie only, and is typically a tux with tails, a top hat, overcoat, and a cane. This attire isn't that common nowadays, but some people do still request it at weddings.

Black tie preferred: Stick with a dark colored suit.

Black tie optional: This is mostly requested for daytime weddings. Choose a cotton, tweed or linen suit in a dark color.

If your hosts haven't stipulated what to wear on the invitation, then dress for the season and the time of the ceremony. A daytime wedding typically takes place before 6pm, an evening wedding after 6pm.

Spring/summer daytime wedding: Wear a linen or twill suit. Consider the wedding venue: If it's a Mediterranean country in the summer, then it's perfectly acceptable to wear a linen suit in a light color (e.g. blue or tan). For a beach wedding you can go tie-less with a simple blazer and light colored dress pants.

Spring/summer evening wedding: Don't wear a heavy wool suit for a spring or summer wedding, even if it's an evening ceremony. Opt for a dark colored suit in grey, black, navy, or charcoal.

Fall/winter day wedding: A wool suit in a dark color such as navy or grey is more appropriate for a wedding in cooler weather.

Fall/winter evening wedding: You will need to use your powers of judgment for this one if no dress code is stipulated. If the wedding invitation is formal, then a tuxedo may be your best bet. However, if the invitation is simple and casual, then opt for a basic dark colored suit.

Accessories

Tie: If wearing a tuxedo, a silk or satin black bow-tie is the traditional accessory, although a solid black tie and vest can be worn instead.

Belt: Keep it simple slim, black and shiny. A belt isn't needed for a tuxedo and formal wear, as a cummerbund or waistcoat and suspenders are usually the preferred option.

Shoes: As with the belt, keep them simple. A pair of black, plain-toe oxfords are the preferred look, although for a day wedding brown can be worn.

Always err on the side of conservatism. Remember that elegance and sophistication is the appearance you want to achieve with what you wear to a wedding. And finally, if you're traveling a considerable distance to the ceremony, try to arrange to change into your outfit once you arrive so that your overall look is as smart as it can be.

Tim Koon is a dedicated follower of fashion, particularly men's clothing and men's outerwear