Quick Answer: How Do You Dress Well at a Wedding Without Upstaging the Couple?
- Follow the dress code exactly. Don't go more formal or more casual than asked.
- Stick to classic suit colours like navy, charcoal, grey or, in warm weather, tan and light blue.
- Choose shirts and ties with muted colours and simple patterns.
- Keep accessories understated.
- Avoid white, and avoid matching the wedding party.
As a guest, your job is to look great, just not distractingly great. The couple has spent months planning this day, and the spotlight belongs to them. Dressing well within the rules is a sign of respect, and it also happens to be the most stylish move in the room.
Start With the Dress Code
The easiest way to upstage the couple is to misread the dress code. Show up in a tuxedo to a semi-formal wedding and you'll look like you're competing with the groom. Show up in jeans and you'll stand out for the wrong reason.
Match the level of formality on the invitation exactly. If you're unsure, see our guide to wedding dress codes.
Choose a Classic Suit Colour
For most weddings, a suit is the right call, and the colour sets the tone.
- Always appropriate: navy, charcoal and grey. They flatter almost everyone and work in every season.
- Great for spring and summer: tan, light grey and light blue.
- Save for another occasion: statement colours like bright blue, burgundy or bold patterns. They're great suits, just better suited to events where you can be the centre of attention.
Avoid all-white suits or anything that could be mistaken for the wedding party's look. More on that in can men wear white to a wedding?
Keep Your Shirt and Tie Refined
Choose dress shirts in white, light blue or soft pastels. If you want pattern, go for something small and regular, like a fine check or micro-dot, rather than something loud.
Your tie is where you can add personality, but keep it in proportion. A rich solid colour or subtle pattern looks elegant in photos. A busy novelty print draws eyes away from the couple.
Dressing Down for a Casual Wedding
If the invitation says "dressy casual" or "suit optional," you have more freedom: try a sport jacket or blazer with chinos or a suit without a tie. But underdressing is just as distracting as overdressing, so keep it polished. Our guide to what to wear to a wedding without a suit has outfit ideas.
Make Sure You Can Move
You'll be sitting, standing, hugging and hopefully dancing. Choose suits and dress pants with a bit of stretch so you look sharp at the ceremony and feel comfortable on the dance floor.
Accessorize With Restraint
Accessories finish your outfit, but this isn't the place for loud statement pieces.
- Pair a pocket square with your tie, complementary, not identical.
- Add a tie bar to keep your tie in place.
- Match your belt to your shoes.
- Keep metals consistent across your tie bar, cufflinks and belt buckle.
FAQ
What colours should a male wedding guest avoid?
Avoid white and anything that matches the wedding party. Very bright or flashy colours can also draw attention away from the couple.
Is black okay for a wedding guest?
Yes, especially for evening and formal weddings. For daytime weddings, navy or grey often feels lighter and more celebratory.
Should a wedding guest wear a tie?
For formal and semi-formal weddings, yes. At cocktail and casual weddings, a tie is optional.
Find Your Wedding Guest Outfit at Tip Top
Shop suits from Calvin Klein, DKNY, Michael Kors and more, then finish your look with ties, dress shirts and wedding accessories. Shop online or visit one of our 80+ locations across Canada.
