What to Wear to a Wedding
Weddings are typically the best events you will attend all year. Eating, drinking, dancing and meeting new people, all while spending time with the people that are closest to you - they are down right fun! So why not look great while doing it. This article is targeted at wedding guests, not the groom or bridal party. I will cover that in another post down the line.
Weddings can often be the most challenging events to dress for. Unless the attire calls for black tie, there are many decisions that must be made to finalize your outfit. Personally, I stick to three key factors when deciding what to wear to a wedding: dress code, destination and temperature.
I will begin with one comment about black tie weddings, which here in America, make up a healthy portion of all weddings. Stick to a classic black tuxedo and do not, under any circumstances, wear a white dinner jacket. Just like you must assume the blackjack dealer always has a 10, you must assume that the groom will wear a white dinner jacket, and it is solely reserved for him. Trust me, I’ve learnt the hard way.
Other dress codes are fairly straight forward - or are they? Cocktail, smart casual, country club, Baha beach. The list is endless and sometimes random. Whichever is the case, your tired blue or grey work suit likely won’t do the trick. However, you don’t have to overthink it.
First things first, no matter the dress code (unless it is less than 25 people and on a beach) you should always wear a jacket. This is my general rule of thumb, you can never be overdressed for this special occasion. Cocktail will always require matching jacket and trousers (a suit), alas even a waistcoat if the weather permits it! Although you could get away without a tie, it is best to wear one. A casual option like a knit or grenadine tie works splendidly to avoid looking like you are going to the office.
Navy plain weave worsted wool suit from Charles Paige Atelier (fabric from Dormeuil)
White linen shirt from Charles Paige Atelier
Brown silk knit tie from Tom Ford
Brown suede butterfly loafers from J. Fitzpatrick Footwear
Semi-formal weddings allow you to break up your fabrics from top to bottom. Feel free to don a bold blazer and dress trousers with loafers. In saying that, a casual (or unconstructed suit) will work just as nicely. Unless you feel at ease with a tie, it is best to pass on the neckwear.
Wool, silk and linen glen plaid jacket from Charles Paige Atelier (fabric from Caccioppoli)
Royal blue linen trousers from Charles Paige Atelier (fabric from Caccioppoli)
White linen button-down shirt from Charles Paige Atelier (fabric by Thomas Mason)
Blue denim pochette from Stòffa
Destination and temperature work in tandem and play a crucial role in your outfit preparation. As most weddings occur during the summertime, you need to dress accordingly. Lightweight suiting and jacketing fabrics will help prevent the dreaded pit sweat marks when you remove your jacket on the dance floor later in the evening. The added level of comfort here cannot be ignored, especially as this is usually a 7+ hour event.
Navy seersucker suit by Charles Paige Atelier (fabric by Loro Piana)
White linen button-down shirt from Charles Paige Atelier (fabric by Thomas Mason)
Pochette and neckerchief both from Drake’s London
Cary Grant Sunglasses from Oliver Peoples
Think of anything including solaro wool, seersucker, cotton, linen or fabric blends with silk, all of which will provide ample heat regulation in the warmer months. A patterned pochette will substitute amply for a neck tie - keeping you up to the dress code standard.
At Charles Paige Atelier, we look to make our wedding suits as light as possible, which magnifies the properties of a summer weight cloth. Canvassing is reduced to a minimum single chest piece, shoulder padding and lining is removed, and in some cases lining is also removed from the trousers (depending on the fabric).
Regarding footwear, loafers or slippers (think Stubbs & Wootton/Boudoin & Lange) with no socks never go amiss during summer, they look great with tailored trousers and are generally comfortable for the whole evening. Sneakers are a no fly zone, as are sandals. This should be obvious.
Brown solaro suit by Charles Paige Atelier (fabric by Loro Piana)
Light blue denim shirt by Charles Paige Atelier
Pochette from Berg & Berg
Gregory Peck Sunglasses by Oliver Peoples
Happy wedding season!