Wedding Guest Dress Code for Men: What to Wear to Every Type of Wedding
- Maria Pastor Paz
- May 19
- 4 min read
Weddings are joyful celebrations—but when that invite lands in your inbox, one question inevitably follows: What should I wear?
Whether you’ve been invited to a beach wedding, a countryside garden party, or a formal affair in central London, the wedding guest dress code for men can feel like a puzzle. No one wants to be the guy who’s overdressed—or worse, the one who clearly didn’t try.
In this guide, I’ll break down the most common wedding dress codes for men in the UK, and show you how to look sharp, feel comfortable, and still let your personality come through—whatever the season or venue.
UNDERSTANDING MEN'S WEDDING GUEST DRESS CODES
🎩 Black Tie / Formal
This is the most traditional, elevated dress code, and it’s usually reserved for evening weddings in upscale venues like historic buildings or luxury hotels.
What to Wear:
A black or midnight navy tuxedo, white dress shirt, black bow tie, and polished black shoes.
Optional (but recommended): a cummerbund or low-cut waistcoat for authenticity.
A dark suit in wool or wool-silk blend is also acceptable if you don’t own a tux—just keep accessories refined.
Style Tip: Keep grooming sharp and facial hair neat. Polish your shoes. This is your moment for classic, timeless elegance.
Avoid: Mismatched suits, casual shoes, and loud accessories. This is the one dress code where subtlety wins.
🍸 Cocktail / Semi-Formal
This is a common dress code, and it gives you the chance to inject a bit more personality while still dressing with intention.
What to Wear:
A well-cut two-piece suit in navy, charcoal, or even lighter tones like dove grey (ideal for spring/summer).
A crisp shirt in white, light blue, or subtle print.
A tie is usually expected—but if it’s a more relaxed setting, you can swap for a silk pocket square and open collar.
Style Tip: Pay attention to fabric. A lightweight wool or linen-blend suit keeps you cool and looks effortlessly elegant in warmer weather.
Avoid: Suits that are too tight or dated, bold patterns that compete with the setting, and trainers of any kind.
🌿 Smart Casual
This is where a lot of men get stuck. Smart casual doesn’t mean lazy. It means you can ditch the tie if the rest of your outfit is polished.
What to Wear:
A blazer or unstructured jacket with chinos or tailored trousers.
A smart shirt—Oxford, poplin, or even a quality polo in summer.
Loafers, brogues, or clean minimal dress sneakers if the invite feels very relaxed.
Style Tip: Stick to neutrals and soft tones—sage green, dusty blue, and stone work well for spring weddings. Finish with a great belt and well-fitted shirt (no gaps at the collar or pulling at the buttons!).
Avoid: Denim, short-sleeved shirts that look too casual, and any footwear you'd wear to the gym or pub.
🌼 Garden Party / Countryside Wedding
Romantic, rustic, and usually with unpredictable UK weather—country weddings call for thoughtful layers and practical footwear, especially if there’s walking across fields involved.
What to Wear:
A lighter coloured suit (taupe, olive, light blue) in linen, cotton, or seersucker.
Pair with a soft pastel or floral-print shirt for a playful seasonal nod.
Suede loafers or brogues work well—just make sure they’re waterproofed if rain’s on the cards.
Style Tip: Add character with a patterned tie, pocket square, or textured lapel pin. This is the perfect setting to have a little fun with your look.
Avoid: Anything too formal, overly dark, or stiff. The setting is romantic—your outfit should feel easygoing but polished.
🌊 Beach Wedding
Laid-back but still stylish, beach weddings offer more flexibility—but you still want to look like you made an effort. This is not the time for flip-flops and logo tees.
What to Wear:
A linen or lightweight cotton shirt (long-sleeved, rolled up), paired with chinos or linen trousers.
Optional: an unstructured blazer for the ceremony, removed later for dancing.
Leather sandals, espadrilles, or woven loafers that can handle sand.
Style Tip: Stick to natural tones—stone, white, pale blue—and embrace texture over formality. A casual wristwatch or wooden-bead bracelet adds a relaxed finish.
Avoid: Synthetic fabrics, heavy colours, and anything you'd wear to an office. This is breezy, beachy elegance—not resort wear.
HOW TO DRESS WELL WITHOUT LOOKING LIKE EVERYONE ELSE
Most men default to a navy suit and plain tie—and while that’s safe, it’s also forgettable. Here's how to stand out (in a good way):
1. Fit Comes First
It doesn't matter how expensive your outfit is—if the jacket doesn’t sit right on your shoulders or the trousers are too long, it won’t look stylish. Tailoring is everything. If in doubt, get your outfit altered.
2. Pay Attention to the Details
Your belt, socks, shoes, and accessories should all feel intentional. Don’t let worn-out shoes or a cheap tie ruin an otherwise great look.
3. Adapt to the Venue
Weddings at a country house and weddings at a warehouse gallery in East London won’t have the same dress expectations. Check the venue online, and adjust your outfit accordingly.
CAN YOU WEAR BLACK? OR TRAINERS? OR NO TIE?
Good questions. Let’s break them down:
Can I wear black? Yes, but ideally for evening or formal weddings. Make it look intentional—black suit, black shirt, black tie is bold and elegant. Black shirt + grey trousers? Less so.
Trainers? Not unless it’s a clearly casual or creative wedding—and even then, they must be spotless and stylish (think Common Projects, not gym shoes).
No tie? Acceptable for smart casual or some cocktail events—but make sure the shirt is sharp and the collar structured. A casual shirt and no tie can read lazy.
What you wear to a wedding isn’t about impressing strangers or sticking rigidly to rules—it’s about showing up respectfully, feeling confident, and looking like the best version of yourself. A great outfit doesn’t scream for attention—it speaks quietly, but leaves an impression.
Still unsure what to wear for your next event? I help men create wardrobes that work—whether it’s one great outfit or a strategy for an entire wedding season.
Because when you know you look good, you carry yourself differently—and people notice.
Comments