Men’s Wedding Guest Attire: What to Wear to a Wedding as a Male Guest

The first step in choosing your outfit? Check the wedding invitation. Most couples include a dress code, such as:

• Black-tie
• Formal or cocktail attire
• Semi-formal
• Casual
• Beach chic or garden party

Before you pick your outfit, check the invitation—the wedding dress code may be right there in black and white.

If the dress code isn’t on the invite, look for a wedding website link—many couples list dress code details online. Still can’t find it? Use the time, location, and venue to guide your look (more on that below).

What you wear to a wedding largely depends on when and where it's taking place. These two details—time of day and venue—can give you all the clues you need to dress appropriately.

Weddings held earlier in the day, i.e. a daytime wedding, tend to be less formal. A light-colored suit, dress slacks with a button-down shirt and tie, or even a sport coat over a shirt and chinos can work well. You don’t have to go full tuxedo, but you should still look sharp. Keep a jacket on hand—some ceremonies may still lean more formal than expected.

Once the sun goes down, the formality level usually goes up. Evening weddings typically call for a full suit and tie, and sometimes even more. If the invitation mentions “black-tie,” plan on wearing a tuxedo or at least a well-fitting black or midnight navy suit with a black bow tie. A crisp white shirt, polished shoes, and a pocket square are key finishing touches.

Beach, barn, or garden weddings often have a more laid-back dress code, especially in warm weather. Breathable fabrics like linen or lightweight cotton are great choices. Neutral or pastel tones keep your look cool and casual, while still wedding-appropriate. Just avoid wearing dark, heavy suits—they’ll look out of place and leave you sweating.

Don’t forget the weather. A wool suit or tie is great for winter but will feel miserable in July. On the flip side, don’t wear a linen outfit to a snowy mountaintop wedding. Think comfort and practicality—while still keeping the dress code in mind.

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.

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.

Also consider the couple’s personal style, and think about how they would dress as guests to their own wedding. If you know they’re fashion-forward, you may want to dress up a notch. If they’re casual, you might be able to tone it down slightly (but never to full-on casual wear like T-shirts or sneakers).

No matter what, never wear denim to a wedding unless the invitation specifically says to. Even at rustic weddings, jeans should only make an appearance if they’re part of the dress code.

In most cases, you’ll wear a tie to a wedding. (Yes, even to casual ones.)

Your tie should complement your shirt and suit. Choose colors and patterns that suit the formality of the event. For example:

Best Tie Styles for Wedding Guests:

• Paisley Ties: Dressy and stylish—great for non-black-tie weddings
• Solid Ties: Timeless and versatile; great for formal and semi-formal looks
• Pattern Ties: Ideal for daytime or less formal weddings
• Floral Ties: Fun choice for spring or summer outdoor weddings

Not sure where to start? A navy paisley tie with a white shirt and gray or navy suit is a safe, sharp choice for most weddings. Or, browse our wedding guest tie collection to shop by wedding style—like rustic, boho, evening and more.

Here’s a cheat sheet to guide your wedding outfit planning:

Dressing for a wedding doesn’t have to be stressful. Keep the couple’s wishes in mind, pay attention to the time and place, and choose an outfit that’s respectful and refined.

Whether you're attending as a guest or planning the big day yourself, TieMart has you covered. They offer affordable wedding ties in a wide range of colors and patterns—perfect for matching your outfit to the couple’s colors or coordinating your entire wedding party. Not sure which shade is right? Request free fabric color swatches to find the perfect match before you buy.