The Right Wedding Attire

What to wear to a wedding is sometimes harder than it initially seems. Most people, especially men, never really give it much thought until the day before or even the day of the event. What to wear to the wedding depends on several things. A simple point system will make it very easy to choose the right attire.

1. The time of the day
As a general guideline the earlier in the day the less formal the attire. This typically means lighter colors such as a beige colored suit compared to a dark gray suit better suited for a wedding later in the day.

Morning = 1 pt
Daytime = 2 pt
Night time = 4pt


2. Your relationship to the couple
The closer you are to the bride or groomsman the more you will be in the spotlight and the more important it will be to folow the right dress code the etiquette. It is better to overdress than to show up with a too casual attire. If you really want to be safe ask other guests that are in similar relationship to the couple of their attire.

Distant relationship = 1 pt
Friends = 2pt
Very close friends and distant family= 3pt
Immediate Family = 5pt


3. Location
The place of the wedding as well as the location of wedding party does have some impact on what the right dress code will be. A very traditional wedding, a reception at a church, or a exclusive wedding at a country club will call for a more formal attire.

Informal = 1 pt
Hotel = 2pt
Chruch, Luxury Hotel, Country Club = 3pt


The Right Wedding Dress Code Made Simple:

3-5 points
This means a quite casual dress code. A pair of nicely pressed beige colored slacks with a dress shirt and tie. Combine this with a pair of dress shoes and a belt and you are good to go. Although this is a quite casual dress code be considerate about color matching. Beige colored slacks should be combined with brown shoes and belt. In general the belt should always match the shoe color.

6-9 points
A somewhat more formal attire is appropriate for this type of wedding. Nicely pressed slacks in gray with black dress shoes, white or light blue dress shirt and elegant tie is a good choice.

10-12 points
Black tie attire is called for. Black tie attire doesn't mean you need to actually wear a black tie. A full suit however, combined with shirt and tie is a must. Wear a nice silk tie that is elegant and fashionable but not too festive or flashy. The festive single colored ties in silver, champagne color, back or white are reserved for the best men or the groomsman himself.