Casual wedding attire is a relaxed version of typical daytime attire, similar to business casual attire. It typically includes items like tank tops, flip-flops, a neutral-colored blazer or sports coat, dress slacks, a well-fitted collared shirt, and a tie for a more formal event. The key to being well-dressed is to balance comfort and style without being too informal.
Casual wedding attire can call for dressy/business casual button down or sundress, while semi-formal to black-tie weddings call for suits, cocktail dresses, and more. Business casual or smart casual is the safest option, as it combines casual and formal wear beautifully. For women, it usually revolves around skirts, dresses, or even slacks, while men might choose chinos, dark wash denim, or suit pants with a casual shirt. This style is suitable for both business meetings and wedding ceremonies.
Women can wear a nice sundress or dress, a jumpsuit, or even a two-piece set. Men should wear slacks and button down, no tie or jacket. Ladies can wear similar or a daytime dress, similar to garden attire but with dark or muted colors.
Business casual attire for men should be dress pants with a button-down shirt or polo. For women, casual wedding attire could include a sundress, a skirt and blouse, or slacks and a blouse. Putting effort into your outfit is respectful and courteous to the couple, so jeans, shorts, casual shirts, and athleisure are off limits. Dressy casual is a similar concept adopted for celebratory occasions, including informal but polished attire. Pencil skirts and A-line skirts with a blouse are great choices for smart casual events.
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What is considered business casual attire for a wedding?
When choosing what to wear to a casual wedding as a guest, business casual outfit ideas can be a guide. A navy blazer, blue button-down shirt, or khaki pants can be a great choice, as they will make you look fully dressed. A dress with a nice neckline and simple accessories can be a great choice, and pumps can be a great accessory. For women, a sundress, high-low dress, or jumpsuit can be a great choice.
A daytime wedding dress code offers more flexibility in terms of experimenting with trendy colors, patterns, and fabrics. For example, a solid color or less business-oriented pattern like glen plaid, houndstooth, or windowpane can be a great choice. A classic navy or dark charcoal gray suit can be replaced with a floral camp shirt or knit polo.
Country and western weddings have recently entered the wedding attire conversation, offering a relaxed style that doesn’t require shorts and sneakers. Flowy dresses, breezy fabrics, and earthy tones can be paired with cowboy boots. There’s even a rise in boho-inspired elements in Western-inspired attire, which can be found at retailers like Anthropologie and Refomation.
Western weddings are one of the only chances to wear denim, which can be paired with cowboy boots, making it an ideal western wedding accessory.
What is the dress code for business casual?
The term “business casual” is used to describe a dress code that is less formal than that of business wear, yet still professional in nature. It typically excludes items such as suits, jeans, and t-shirts.
Can you wear jeans if it’s business casual?
Jeans are considered business casual unless explicitly prohibited, but they should be well-tailored, crisp, and well-fitted. They can be worn for women in classic slim or straight fits, skinny jeans, and boot cuts, avoiding baggy boyfriend fits or loose, stretched-out jeans. Men should opt for tighter, more tailored fits, with a high waistline and hemlines hitting the ankle or lower. Slim fits and straight fits are best paired with a polo, sport coat, or open collared shirt and loafers. The style and color of the jeans, as well as the occasion, also play a role in the overall look. Pairings with a t-shirt and flip flops can make a slick pair of dark jeans look more casual.
What is acceptable to wear to a casual wedding?
A casual dress code at a wedding allows for a relaxed outfit, but it is not advisable to wear shorts or flip-flops. For women who wish to appear sophisticated yet relaxed, a sundress paired with sandals is an optimal choice.
What do you wear to a business casual wedding rehearsal?
A wedding rehearsal should be considered a business casual event, with slacks or khakis and a collared shirt being the least formal attire. If the wedding invitation specifies black tie, it is likely a more formal event, so opt for a black, gray, or navy suit, collared shirt, and tie. The location of the rehearsal dinner is crucial, as it can determine the dress code. If it’s at a restaurant, dress accordingly, while if it’s at a private location like a country club, dress code can be found online.
If you’re worried about being over or underdressed, ask the bride or groom for their input or dress separately. Wear tan slacks and a button down dress shirt, bring a classic dark necktie, and wear a dark sport coat. If a collared shirt and slacks don’t cut it, wear a tie and coat for a dressier look.
Is there a difference between business attire and business casual?
Business casual attire is a blend of professional and relaxed styles, offering a polished yet comfortable look suitable for various work environments. It allows for more flexibility and personal expression compared to traditional business professional attire. Common colors include black, navy, gray, and beige, with muted tones and subtle patterns. Business casual attire often incorporates elements of casual wear, such as knit sweaters, chinos, and blouses, for a more relaxed and approachable appearance.
Mastering business casual attire involves striking the right balance between professionalism and comfort, while still conveying a sense of professionalism and respect for the workplace environment. Men can rock a laid-back but polished look by ditching the suit jacket or opting for sleek loafers.
What is not appropriate for business casual?
It is not permissible to wear athletic pants, shorts, or sweatpants as attire. The hem of a skirt should be at or slightly below the knee when the wearer is standing and when seated.
Is it okay to wear black to a wedding?
Wedding etiquette expert Elaine Swann explains that black was once considered a fashion faux pas due to its association with mourning and mourning at funerals. However, in today’s modern age, black is considered the most formal, polished, and flattering color. It hides curves and is versatile, making it a go-to choice across various aesthetics, venues, and seasons. Black’s neutral tone offers flexibility in styling, allowing for pairing with brightly-colored accessories or sticking to an all-black ensemble.
Ashley Smith, owner of Ashley Smith Events, an event planning and design firm in San Francisco, and Jess Kaye and Rosie Williams, co-founders and designers of The Own Studio, a contemporary bridal and occasionwear line, also contribute to the discussion on the acceptance and encouragement of wearing black to a wedding.
Are jeans okay for business casual?
To dress up jeans for work, go dark when in doubt, as darker jeans are more suitable for business casual dress codes. For men, choose Black, Rinse, or Heritage Rinse, while for women, Black, Dark Stone, Aged Medium Stone, Indigo 75, and Heritage Rinse are perfect for business casual attire. Choose the right jean fit for comfort, such as a mid or high rise jean and a softer denim for easy movement. Avoid thicker fabrics that restrict movement, such as Performance Denim for stretch and durability, and Four Way Flex fabric made with plant-derived TENCEL Lyocell for comfort and movement.
Pair denim with more formal accessories, such as a classic leather or silver watch, simple gold or silver jewelry, a leather belt, or handbag, to elevate the look. Avoid colorful accessories like woven jewelry, large statement necklaces, casual backpacks, or hats, as they tend to dress jeans down.
Can you wear black to a wedding?
Wedding etiquette expert Elaine Swann explains that black was once considered a fashion faux pas due to its association with mourning and mourning at funerals. However, in today’s modern age, black is considered the most formal, polished, and flattering color. It hides curves and is versatile, making it a go-to choice across various aesthetics, venues, and seasons. Black’s neutral tone offers flexibility in styling, allowing for pairing with brightly-colored accessories or sticking to an all-black ensemble.
Ashley Smith, owner of Ashley Smith Events, an event planning and design firm in San Francisco, and Jess Kaye and Rosie Williams, co-founders and designers of The Own Studio, a contemporary bridal and occasionwear line, also contribute to the discussion on the acceptance and encouragement of wearing black to a wedding.
What can I wear to a business casual event?
Business casual attire includes trousers, pencil skirts, slacks, khakis, blouses, button-down shirts, polos, sweaters, and sports coats. Accessories may include simple jewelry, belts, or ties. Shoes can include loafers, lifestyle sneakers, mules, flats, Oxfords, boots, or heels. Business professional attire is traditionally used in conservative settings or companies with strict dress codes, such as finance, government, or law. Business professional clothes should be well-fitted and may be tailored to fit the individual. Business casual attire can be paired with jackets, ties, simple jewelry, and belts.
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I’ve been in the situation before where I was a guest at a wedding but mistaken for one of the wedding party. It can feel embarrassing, or like you’re being disrespectful, so it’s a good idea to communicate with any members of the wedding party first. Ask to see what they’re wearing, so you can make sure to steer clear of that. Even if you’re not necessarily outdressing them, it can happen that they have a sort of uniform that you unknowingly adhere to. Always good to stay informed!
My girlfriend’s sister is getting married in November and I jokingly told my gf I would wear a Kilkenny style dress kilt, she told her sister who was 100% on board and wanted me to wear it, however I brought up the rule about not out dressing the bride(or groom for that matter) and told her it would be better if I didn’t so long as no one else would be wearing any traditional wedding attire from their home country(my gf’s family is Polish) but there’s always my wedding to break out the traditional attire.
Im attending a wedding next week, with a bunch of my mates, cause the girl in our group is tieying the knot. All the invitation said: ‘no dark clothing, cause your not attending a funeral!’ So went with beige pants, blue dress shirt, black tidy shoes with darker blue stitch lining. (Only have 1 pair) Opted out of a suit jacket cause i tend to get warm really quickly of the venue is slightly smaller and hot due to amount of people 2 others are basically the same clothes, 1 mate has different pants pattern but same shirt. Thoughts?
White tie is considered the appropriate dresscode and its kind of what people expect in our social circle. And in Sweden (where I live) the royal family and people like that always wear white tie or alternatively a morning dress for weddings during the day. Same goes for big events like the Nobel prize ceremony.
Thank you very much for this article Raphael! I found the information to be very useful as I’m going to attend to a wedding this weekend. I’m nineteen years old and have recently started to use neckties and pocket squares and I’m a bit lost when it comes to choose my accessories. Which tie and pocket square combination would you choose to a navy suit if you would be a guest at a wedding and would pink and beige colours be over the top? Best regards! Andreas
I once wore a custom tailored 3 piece suit to the wedding of my cousin. It was dark blue with dark red pin stripes. I combined it with one of those synthetic boutonnieres Conor McGregor wears most of the time. The boutonniere was also dark red and my pocket square was red with dots. My necktie was dark red and my shirt white. I wore black monks straps with two straps (I know they are more informal but I fucking love them). My relatives are not dapper at all and they looked at me like: Holy shit. Especially the girl friends of my cousin that didn‘t know me, stared at me all the time. Do you guys think it was too much? A lot of the guest made me a compliment… I don‘t know how I should feel about my outfit. I was drawing a lot of attention haha.
Look, bro, i work for a local suit business and we constantly have wedding parties that do rentals and they all wear the same suit and stuff, and I’ll tell you right now that 99% of the dudes that come in want some crazy colors for their outfits. Just my take on it lol. For my wedding I’m definitely going to make sure that the wedding party has a nice and new suit in their wardrobe that they can use for any other sort of occasion. I was thinking dark charcoal 🤔
Sven, question/opinion. I have a wedding coming up. It’s a daytime wedding “formal” but on the coast. I plan on wearing a navy suit. I would like to wear brown shoes but because I see this look so often Im afraid someone else will have this blue suit combo. Should I just go with black shoes or take a chance?
It’s not easy for all gentlemen to follow some do’s and don’ts about wearing the appropriate 💒 outfit. My dad has plenty of formal outfits made for dudes who may or may not be his own age at all. I remembered seeing him wear a 👗 shirt, black ties, black cummerbunds, etc. He looked so handsome that plenty of ladies at a 💒 would swoon over him. 😂 👍🏻 if you agree.
I hope you can get back to me, but I am going to a wedding in a month, I have a navy blue jacket, two buttons, however, has elbow patches. The other is black, 3 button suit, but I am 5’10 and afraid I won’t look as good. I want to get shoes and pants to go with either so whichever is more appropriate, I’d be getting either blue pants and brown shoes or black pants and black shoes
Please share your opinion with me dear gentleman Youtuber who I have already like and subscribed,because you bring back the Cool into the Gentleman.A friend of mine has to attend a wedding and wants to stand out for all the single senoritas in the wedding without becoming the peacock of the event, the marriage will take place in an open space most of the time,he is 5.9” bulky built, he has to attend a middle of day summer wedding,he will have his Jack Nicholson sunglasses with him,he plans to buy a watch with rose gold decals (vincero kairos probably), although he would so love go with a total just black/gold watch without leather wristband but that darn thing is not matching with the outfit, probably he will wear bracelet,definitely a blue navy suit because a not expensive suit should not be of bright colors he believes, blue navy suspenders,no belt,napkin,suit will cost no more than 200 dollars,he would like to match his shoes with his tie (indeed?), tie is not yet decided,actually my friend is clueless about what brands to choose for his outfit (any free would be extremely helpful),he will wear probably camel brown shoes and white shirt. What do you think with all of the above and what would you suggest? He is Caucasian with facial groomed beard.He is a good sport my friend on his 30’s.Thank you in advance for your willingness to help another fella part of a loved Mediterranean country we all know and love.Your feedback might actually get him to know the love of his life.
I was at a wedding last Saturday. I wore my three piece two buttons charcoal suit, white shirt and a silver necktie, with a trinity knot. Also had a black Homburg hat for outdoor use. Confess I was looking for this article for guidance, but it wasn’t available yet, and took a risk with the trinity knot, but it was a nice situation, the groom was even nicer than me, and I just enjoyed it.