Guide

Wedding guest: how to dress properly

12.6.2019

Translation: machine translated

As the dress code on invitation cards usually reads like hieroglyphics, I'll tell you how to decipher it correctly. This way, you won't look out of place at the party and will score points with the bride and groom... and the bridesmaids.

"Six months in advance": that's the golden rule when it comes to sending out wedding invitations. That should be enough time for all invited guests to keep the day free to think about their outfits. What strikes me: Many male colleagues put off choosing an outfit until day X is just around the corner and they start to falter. I'll tell you what you should definitely avoid from an outfit point of view and give you tips on how to dress appropriately based on the wedding location.

Tip 1: Time management is everything

Start planning your outfit around one month before the wedding. In other words, try on the suit you already have to see if it still fits. If it's too big or too small, you'll have to bite the bullet and buy a new one. It's best to set aside a half-day of shopping for this, including a companion. A second opinion never hurts. If you have everything you need, iron your shirt and co. a week before the party. This is also a good time to polish your lace-up shoes. If you do these things, you won't be unnecessarily stressed on the day of the wedding.

Tip 2: The right colour choice

Socks are generally one of those things. Avoid white and flesh-coloured models under your suit. Black and blue are your best bet - always matching your suit. Extra tip: If you dare, grab socks in a bright colour. That way, you'll make your rather plain outfit a cheeky eye-catcher and a positive conversation starter. You are free to choose your tie. Want to score points with your date? Then match the colour of your tie to your significant other's dress .

Tip 3: Rules of etiquette

Don't steal the groom's thunder: If you know he's wearing a normal suit, don't outdo him with a dinner jacket. This will cause unnecessary whispering at the ceremony. Also remember that you should keep your jacket on until the groom takes off his jacket. Only then may you do the same. The same applies to the tie or bow tie. .

Tip 4: No-gos

Sneakers only go with a suit if the bride and groom request it. You'll be able to go an evening without your beloved trainers for a change. There's nothing worse than not being able to decide between casual and smart. Need another example of what not to wear? Short-sleeved shirt plus tie. Or shorts. .

Outfits according to event location

The location of the wedding ceremony or celebration already says a lot about the dress code desired by the bridal couple.

Wedding in a castle

A wedding in a fairytale castle suggests an elegant dress code. While ladies turn up in long gowns, you can wear a dinner jacket - take a sporty approach: how often do you get the chance? If you don't have one hanging in your wardrobe, rent or buy one. Wear either a waistcoat or a cummerbund under your dinner jacket. The latter is a kind of sash that you tie around your waistband. Lacket shoes round off the outfit.

Suit

Hugo Boss Smoking Veston

Suit

Hugo Boss Tuxedo pants "Ledan

Ties + Bow ties

Hugo Boss Fly and cummerbund set

Suit

Hugo Boss Smoking Veston

Suit

Hugo Boss Tuxedo pants "Ledan

Ties + Bow ties

Hugo Boss Fly and cummerbund set

Wedding on the farm

A somewhat casual look is usually desired at this location. But that doesn't mean you should go for shorts and a short-sleeved shirt. No, just no! Instead, choose a long-sleeved shirt in light blue and wear long fabric trousers in navy, grey, brown or black. Combine with matching braces and laced shoes.

Casual trousers

Volcom Frickin Modern

W34/L32

Belts

Jan Vanderstorm Suspenders WIBORG

130

Shirts

Ralph Lauren Oxford

Casual trousers

Volcom Frickin Modern

Belts

Jan Vanderstorm Suspenders WIBORG

Shirts

Ralph Lauren Oxford

Beach wedding

Two years ago, I attended the beach wedding of a good friend. The dress code was "all white". I will never forget this unique picture: The sandy beach beneath my feet and the crowd of guests in white outfits. Studying the outfits, I learnt the following: Don't wear dark or white underwear under the light-coloured fabric. It will stand out underneath. Skin tones and pastel colours are ideal. Alternatively, when buying trousers, make sure that the material is thick enough and not transparent.

Casual trousers

Only & Sons Trousers

Lace-Ups

Tommy Hilfiger Classic

Shirts

Only & Sons Luke

Casual trousers

Only & Sons Trousers

Lace-Ups

Tommy Hilfiger Classic

Shirts

Only & Sons Luke

Here you can find the entire men's clothing range. You can follow my bundled buying guides by clicking on the button at my author profile.

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Vanessa Kim

Editor

vanessa.kim@digitecgalaxus.ch

When I’m not exploring the depths of the sea as an open water diver, I enjoy plunging into the world of fashion. On the streets of Paris, Milan and New York is where I keep my eyes peeled for the latest trends. And I’ll show you how to take them from the catwalk to your everyday life.

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