Not all weddings are stuffy, dress-to-the-nines affairs. Here are some options for a more casual ceremony.
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The wedding invitations says Casual Wedding Attire. That means you can wear jeans and a tee, right? Not quite. Casual Wedding Attire for Men is its own entire category and isn’t as casual as you might think.
Dress codes for formal, black-tie, and semi-casual events can be confusing. When it comes to respecting your friends and/or family’s big day, it’s important to know what meets the intended dress code so you don’t stand out in any wedding photos.
This guide will review what’s appropriate to wear to a casual wedding for men and give you some styling pointers. It’ll also let you know when you can really dress it down for a wedding.
What Counts as Casual Wedding Attire for Men
Casual wedding attire doesn’t just mean you should show up in your street clothes. When it comes to formal dress codes, “casual” means you can opt out of strict formal wear like bow ties, tuxedos, and patent leather shoes.
It gives you more room to play around with elevated pieces and invites you to be more playful with your personal style.
Dressing down for a wedding makes room for garments like chinos, suit separates, polos, thin knits, unlined jackets, and loafers. Rather than a grey or blue suit that’s typical for more formal wedding attire, you have the option to mix it up with these items.
You also have the freedom to explore different fabrics like linens and seersucker. These are usually considered less formal, even when they come in the form of a matching suit.
It often means that a blazer, sport coat, or suit jacket is optional if your other items are elevated. However, jeans are probably a no-go. If you’re looking to wear denim, it’s best to check with the happy couple to confirm beforehand.
Casual Wedding Attire Vs. co*cktail and Formal Attire
Casual wedding attire is most similar to smart casual, which means that the pieces are more polished than everyday street clothes. They’re less structured than what you’d wear to the office, but still fit well and are made of more premium fabrics.
When a garment is more relaxed, it means that it’s a bit looser and even slouchier in its construction when compared to a formal suit garment.
For example, the shoulders don’t come to a point and are more rounded and the slacks fit more loosely. The more structure an item has, the more formal it can appear.
co*cktail attire, when compared to casual wedding attire for men, is more elegant. It typically calls for a matching suit and tie but still allows room to play with color and patterns. Casual wedding attire allows you to forgo wearing a suit altogether.
Black tie, on the other hand, calls for your finest duds: a tuxedo, bowtie, vest or cumme*rbund, and black leather shoes.
When to Wear Casual Wedding Attire
When to dress casually to a wedding? The answer is simple — when the invite specifies it.
Although, just like there are many interpretations of a dress code when it comes to the invitees, the hosts also interpret their chosen dress code in their own way.
So, it’s best to clarify with the hosts before you make assumptions that might cast you out of any group photos.
Dress codes at weddings are meant to uphold a chosen aesthetic for the celebrating couple. It’s how they envisioned their day and the photos that will serve as keepsakes and memories for them. Understanding and adhering to a casual wedding dress code is a sign of respect.
Typically, outdoor and summer weddings are more casual. Anything held outside of a formal banquet hall will also usually be open to casual wedding attire.
Beach weddings are the ultimate casual wedding attire event. These might even allow shorts if they’re going to be right on the water.
What to Wear to a Casual Wedding
The list below will give you options to complete a wedding casual look. You can mix and match these items to assemble your outfit for the occasion. If any items are situation-specific, meaning they’re not great for all casual weddings, it’ll be noted as well.
Collared Button-down Shirts
A simple, solid-color button-down shirt with a collar is always welcome for wedding casual. The great thing about a white or blue button-down shirt is that it’ll meet your needs for almost any dress code or occasion.
If the wedding is in the summer, you can opt for more breathable fabrics like linen. A white linen button-down with a light, unlined suit is perfect for a casual wedding.
Polos may be a little too casual for the occasion, but if you commit to a jacket with it, you can probably get away with it. Make sure to skip the polyester or rayon polos that look more like golf uniforms.
Light Knits
Light sweaters and knits can also be an option. They’re great for layering over a collared shirt and under a jacket or blazer.
If you’re considering a sweater that can be layered, look for thinner cotton or merino wool ones. These won’t add more bulk to your outfit and should easily fit under jackets.
Relaxed Blazers and Jackets
You don’t have to wear a full suit to hit the mark for casual wedding attire, but a jacket is always a nice layering piece when you’re smartening up an outfit. You can mix and match suit separates or add a sport coat.
A relaxed jacket is a little less structured in the shoulders and not as formal as your average business suit jacket. Most summer suiting lends itself well to a casual wedding dress code. It gives you the option to play with fabrics and color.
If you’re attending a summer or outdoor wedding, you can select linen, seersucker, or light cotton-blend suits in lighter and pastel tones.
Trousers and Pants
While some might allow denim for a casual wedding occasion, if you’re unsure, it’s best to go with wool or linen pants. Denim is inherently casual, and if you’re hosts interpret casual wedding attire as something more elevated, your jeans will be out of place.
Instead, you can opt for chinos or trousers (from other suits or lone ones). Chinos make for an easy choice. They’re typically comfortable and flexible enough to be in for a ceremony and reception.
If your chinos are looking a little more casual than elevated casual, trousers are great too. You might be able to borrow from a suit you already have and mix and match them into your outfit for this event.
Just avoid sporting suit trousers that are overly formal or obviously a suit separate (don’t go for pinstripes, for example).
Shorts
Shorts are seldom welcome at a wedding. If they are an option, wedding casual would be it. Still, it’s best to run it by the hosts before making the call.
Outdoor and beach weddings are the most common situations for shorts. If the dress code is specifically wedding casual, it’s still best to choose shorts in a premium fabric and pair them with a collared shirt and jacket.
Ties
Ties are optional for wedding casual. If you’re going to sport one, it’ll be purely for the added detail.
Since the dress code is more relaxed, feel free to choose a more casual option, like a knit tie.
Shoes and Loafers
Similar to a white button-down, a black or brown dress shoe will always be welcome. Dress shoes are great ways to elevate any casual look, especially if you’re already following this guide for your other items.
Since it’s wedding casual, you have more options. Loafers are another option for this dress code. They fit nicely between casual and dressy and they usually sport a nice eye-catching detail like a tassel or metal detailing. They easily dress up chinos.
Sneakers can also be an option for wedding casual attire, with a caveat: they need to be clean and in good condition. A suit with sneakers would work well here but don’t take that as an invitation to stomp around in your scuffed-up pair of Converse.
Belt
Tucking a shirt in and adding a belt is a nice way to dress up a look and give it some structure.
While it’s not always required, it adds a nice detail and works if your outfit is feeling just a little too casual.
What Would You Wear to a Casual Wedding?
The best part about casual wedding attire is that you get more freedom to express yourself and experiment.
Elevated casual or smart casual can be tricky, so if you’re not sure what to wear to a casual wedding, opting for a suit, button-down shirt with no tie, and a dress shoe will always cover your bases.
If you have any questions or comments, leave them down below!
