the Wedding Guide by TieMart
So you got a fancy wedding invitation in the mail, replied with a resounding "Yes, I will attend!" and now you're scratching your head about what to wear.
Check The Invitation
First things first, read the invitation. That's the beauty of weddings—most of the information you'll need to make the right wardrobe choices will be written down for you. If the wedding you're attending has an established dress code, you'll find it on the invite. (If it's not on the invitation, but a url for the couple's wedding website is included, be sure to look for a dress code there, too.)
But, if guidelines aren't provided there's no need to start hyperventilating. Unspoken wedding etiquette and common sense should rule the day. If you take a few simple bits of advice to heart you'll be looking good come ceremony time.
When And Where?
The venue and time of day should be a major guiding force in your wardrobe choices. Typically, if the wedding is during the day less formal attire reigns supreme. Lighter colors, slacks, a dress shirt and tie are probably okay for a daytime wedding, but you might want to have a jacket on hand just in case.
Night weddings generally require guests to have a more polished, formal appearance. Expect to wear a suit and tie.
Night weddings generally require guests to have a more polished, formal appearance. Expect to wear a suit and tie. If the nighttime wedding is black-tie, you're going to need a tuxedo or well-fitting black suit, at the very least. A formal black bow tie and a black or white pocket square are required for a black-tie wedding, too.
Don't overlook the season and wedding venue. You'll look a bit foolish at a casual beach wedding in July with a dark, heavy suit on. (See our post on summer wedding attire.) Vice versa, for a winter wedding in a cold-weather climate, don't show up in a crisp linen suit.
White Premium Pocket Square
Be Well-Groomed
No matter what the dress code is, being well-groomed is a must. Shower, brush your teeth, shave or make sure your facial hair is well maintained and trimmed. Get a haircut if you're looking a bit shaggy. Being clean cut may not be your thing, but the bride and groom will appreciate you stepping outside of your comfort zone for their big day.
Better Overdressed Than Underdressed
Always err on the side of overly formal. It’s a lot easier to remove a suit coat or tie if you feel overdressed than it is to conjure them out of thin air if you go too casual.
Always err on the side of overly formal. It’s a lot easier to remove a suit coat or tie than it is to conjure them out of thin air.
Also consider the happy couple's fashion sense. Are they conservative dressers or fashion-forward trendsetters? It’s very possible you have no clue, which is no big deal. But if you do, think about how they would dress as guests to their own wedding.
No matter what, never wear denim to a wedding unless the invitation specifically says to. In the perfect rustic barn venue, denim can look great on the guests and wedding party. But you don't want to be the one guy wearing jeans when no one else is.
Ties For Weddings
Ninety-five percent of the time, you're going to wear a tie to a wedding. The same considerations you take into account when choosing a tie for any occasion should apply when picking out a tie for a wedding you're attending. Namely, pick something that complements the suit and shirt you plan on wearing.
If you just don't know where to start (and the wedding is not a black-tie event), paisley ties are a great choice for formal occasions. The pattern is dressy, but can be a bit bold, too. Keep your look from going over the top by realizing that a paisley tie is the focus of your outfit. Wear a neutral shirt and suit (solid is best) in colors that complement the paisley pattern.
Black Clara Paisley Band Collar Bow Tie
About TieMart
TieMart offers budget-friendly wedding ties in a huge range of colors and patterns. You'll find accessories for your entire wedding party, from the groom and groomsmen to the ring bearer and father of the bride. Match your wedding colors by requesting free fabric color swatches today.
FREE COLOR SWATCHES
See tie colors in person before you buy with free fabric color swatches.
ABOUT OUR FAMILY
We are a family-run tie company based in Illinois. We've been in the biz since the late 90s, and have helped thousands of couples find the perfect wedding ties and accessories for their big day. Our Wedding Guide is our lil spot on the web to share that knowledge with you.
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As a seasoned fashion enthusiast and expert in wedding attire etiquette, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to guide you through the nuances of dressing for the special occasion outlined in the Wedding Guide by TieMart. I've closely examined the principles and considerations presented in the guide, offering you a comprehensive understanding of how to navigate wedding dress codes with elegance and style.
Let's delve into the concepts covered in the article:
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Check the Invitation: The guide emphasizes the importance of thoroughly reading the wedding invitation. As an expert, I can attest to the significance of this step. Invitations often provide essential information, including the dress code. Couples may even include a URL to their wedding website, offering additional details.
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When and Where: The venue and time of day play a pivotal role in determining appropriate attire. Daytime weddings allow for less formal attire, such as lighter colors and slacks. In contrast, evening weddings, especially those labeled black-tie, demand a polished and formal appearance, often requiring a suit or tuxedo.
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Be Well-Groomed: Regardless of the dress code, the guide insists on being well-groomed. This aligns with common etiquette. As an expert, I stress the importance of personal hygiene and appearance, advocating for showering, teeth brushing, shaving, and well-maintained facial hair.
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Better Overdressed Than Underdressed: The guide wisely advises erring on the side of overdressing, as it's easier to adjust by removing elements like a suit coat or tie if needed. I reinforce this principle, highlighting the importance of respecting the formality of the event.
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Consider the Couple's Fashion Sense: Understanding the couple's fashion sense is crucial. The guide suggests considering whether they are conservative or trendsetters. As an expert, I emphasize the significance of aligning your attire with the couple's style, even if you are unfamiliar with it.
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Ties for Weddings: The guide notes that ties are a staple for weddings and offers practical advice on choosing a tie that complements your overall look. It suggests paisley ties for formal occasions and provides tips on balancing bold patterns with neutral shirts and suits.
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About TieMart: TieMart is presented as a reliable source for budget-friendly wedding ties and accessories. With a wide range of colors and patterns, TieMart caters to the entire wedding party, as highlighted in the guide.
In conclusion, the Wedding Guide by TieMart serves as a valuable resource for anyone grappling with what to wear to a wedding. By adhering to the expert advice provided in the guide, you can confidently navigate dress codes, choose appropriate attire based on the venue and time of day, and ensure you look your best while celebrating the couple's special day.
