A wedding should be a joyous occasion, but deciding what you’re going to wear can be a daunting task. If the wedding’s dress code is casual, you'll have a little more freedom in choosing your outfit — but that doesn't mean you can just throw on anything and call it good. There are still some rules of thumb you should follow to ensure that you look appropriate and put-together.
In this post, we'll discuss all you need to know about men's casual wedding attire. We'll cover everything from what to wear to what to avoid, so you can make sure you look your best while still feeling relaxed and comfortable on the big day.
What to Wear to a Casual Wedding?
Casual wedding attire is exactly what it sounds like: it's a more relaxed and informal dress code than traditional black tie or formal wear. However, you shouldn’t just show up in jeans and a t-shirt. Casual wedding attire still requires some thought and effort.
The key to dressing for a casual wedding is to find a balance between being comfortable and looking put-together. You don't want to look like you're trying too hard, but you also don't want to look like you’ve just rolled out of bed. So, what should you wear to a casual wedding? Here are a few tips:
- Choose light and breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen for shirts and suits.
- Opt for pastel or muted colors instead of dark or bold colors.
- Avoid shorts, jeans, and worn sneakers.
- Wear dress shoes or loafers instead of sandals or flip-flops.
- When in doubt, it's always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed.
Casual Shirts
When it comes to casual wedding outfits for men, avoid wearing t-shirts, tank tops, graphic tees, and any other overly casual shirts to a casual wedding.
A button-down shirt is your safest bet. You can opt for a solid-colored shirt or something with a subtle pattern. Short-sleeved shirts are great for a summer wedding, while long-sleeved shirts are perfect for a fall or winter wedding.
Casual Pants
You can't go wrong with a pair of khaki pants or chinos. They’re comfortable, casual, and stylish. If you want to dress it up a bit, you can wear a pair of dress pants. Jeans are generally not appropriate, even for most casual weddings.
Casual Footwear
When it comes to casual wedding shoes, men’s loafers or dressy sneakers are a good choice. Make sure your shoes are clean and in good condition. And you should probably avoid flip-flops or sandals, even for a beach wedding.
Can You Wear a Suit to a Casual Wedding?
If the wedding is taking place in a very formal setting, such as a church or a ballroom, you might consider wearing a suit. If you do, something light-colored and unassuming — like a tan suit or a gray plaid suit — would be the safest choice.
In general, though, a suit might be too formal for a casual event, and it may make you stand out from the crowd more than you like. If you’re in doubt about whether a suit would be appropriate, be sure to check with the bride or groom to see what their intended vibe is.
What to Wear to a Dressy Casual Wedding?
If the wedding invitation says "dressy casual," that means you should dress up a little bit more than you would for a casual wedding. But you still don't want to look like you're going to a black tie event. For dressy casual men wedding attire, you should aim for something that is more formal than casual wedding dress. You can wear a dress shirt, dress pants, and dress shoes. You can also wear a sport coat or blazer to add a touch of formality.
Casual Attire by Wedding Role
The role you play in the wedding will also influence what you choose to wear. Here are some tips and outfit examples for various wedding roles.
Casual Wedding Attire for Grooms
If you’re the groom of a casual wedding, it’s your big day so what you wear is really up to you (and whoever’s planning your wedding). You might opt for a suit or a tuxedo, but you can also wear a suit or a sport coat paired with dress pants if you like. A tie, bow tie, or pocket square might be fitting — just make sure your outfit complements the wedding palette and, most of all, that you stand out from your groomsmen.
Casual Wedding Attire for Wedding Parties
The groomsmen are usually a little less formal than the groom, but you still want to look your best. You should wear clothes that match the couple's vision, but if they haven’t given you any direct instruction you might want to wear a suit or a sport coat and slacks.
Casual Wedding Attire for Guests
Guests can dress more casually, but you still want to look nice. You can wear a button-down shirt, dress pants or khakis, and dressy shoes. Avoid wearing jeans, sneakers, or anything too casual.
Casual Wedding Attire by Season
The type of clothing you wear to a casual wedding will vary depending on the time of year. Here are some tips and examples for each season.
Spring Wedding Attire
For men’s casual spring wedding attire, you can wear lighter-weight fabrics, such as linen or cotton. You can also wear pastel colors, floral patterns, and lightweight fabrics. A blazer and dress pants would be perfect for a spring wedding.
Summer Wedding Attire
Dressing for a summer wedding can be tricky because you want to stay cool without sacrificing style. A linen suit or lightweight blazer paired with dress pants is a great choice for men’s casual summer wedding attire. You can also wear a short-sleeved dress shirt, just make sure it's not too casual.
Fall Wedding Attire
For men's casual fall wedding attire, you can wear heavier-weight fabrics, such as wool or tweed. A sport coat or a tweed blazer paired with dress pants is perfect for a fall wedding. Choose colors that are appropriate for the season, such as earthy tones like browns, oranges, and reds.
Winter Wedding Attire
For men's casual winter wedding attire, you'll want to dress in layers so you can stay warm. Choose fabrics that are warm and comfortable, such as cashmere or wool. A wool suit or a velvet blazer paired with dress pants is perfect for a casual winter wedding. You can also wear dark colors and dressy desert boots. And if it’s going to be really cold, don't forget a hat and gloves!
Casual Styling Tips for Different Wedding Venues
The type of venue where the wedding is being held will also affect the type of clothing you wear. Here are a few tips for dressing for a casual wedding in different venues:
Outdoor Casual Wedding Attire
If the wedding is taking place outdoors, you should consider wearing clothes that are comfortable and appropriate for the weather. If it's going to be hot, a linen shirt, chinos, and dressy sneakers would be perfect for a summer outdoor wedding. If it's going to be cold, you might want to wear heavier-fabric pants or a dress with a sports coat or blazer to add a touch of formality.
Beach Casual Wedding Attire
For a beach wedding, you should consider wearing clothes that are comfortable and breathable. You don't want to wear anything that will make you feel hot and uncomfortable. A linen shirt, khaki pants or shorts, and dressy sandals or loafers are perfect for a men’s casual beach wedding attire. You can also wear a lightweight blazer if you want to dress it up a bit.
Backyard Casual Wedding Attire
A backyard wedding is usually more casual than a traditional wedding. You can wear clothes that are comfortable and relaxed. For example, a polo shirt, chinos or jeans, and dressy sneakers or loafers would be perfect for a backyard wedding.
Mountain Casual Wedding Attire
If the wedding is taking place in the mountains, you should consider wearing clothes that are warm and comfortable. You can wear a wool sweater, dress pants, and dressy boots. And if you want another layer, you can’t go wrong with a sports coat or blazer.
Garden Casual Wedding Attire
If the wedding is taking place in a garden, you should consider wearing clothes that are comfortable and appropriate for the weather. For example, a linen shirt, chinos, and dressy sneakers would be perfect for a summer garden wedding. If the wedding is in the fall, you could wear a sports coat or blazer paired with dress pants.
Renting Your Casual Wedding Outfit
Attending a casual wedding can be tricky, especially when it comes to figuring out what to wear. You don't want to show up overdressed, but you certainly don’t want to be underdressed. That's where Menguin comes in. We offer a wide variety of suits and clothing that are perfect for casual weddings. And because we offer rentals, you can find your perfect outfit without breaking the bank. Browse our selection today and find the perfect look for you.
FAQs About Casual Wedding Attire for Men
What is too casual to wear to a wedding?
Wearing anything that’s inappropriate for the occasion can be considered too casual, such as jeans, t-shirts, or sneakers.
Can men wear jeans to a casual wedding?
Jeans should generally be avoided for most weddings, even if the dress code is casual. You should opt for dress pants or some good khakis instead.
What is smart casual attire for a wedding?
Smart casual attire is a type of men’s semi casual wedding attire that’s less formal than business attire but more formal than casual attire. You can wear a blazer or sports coat with dress pants, a dress shirt, and dressy shoes.
What is business casual attire for a wedding?
Business casual attire is a step up from smart casual attire, but it's not as formal as black tie. For men, business casual attire might include a suit without a tie, or a nice pair of pants and a button-down shirt (sports coat or blazer optional).
Can a man wear a polo shirt to a wedding?
In some cases, a man can wear a polo shirt to a wedding. However, it's important to make sure that the polo shirt is clean and well-fitting. You should also avoid wearing polo shirts that are too brightly colored or that have too much of a pattern.
Can men wear khakis to a wedding?
Khaki pants are a great option for casual weddings. They are both comfortable and stylish. Make sure that the khakis are clean and well-fitting. You should also avoid wearing khakis that are too wrinkled or baggy.
Can men wear sneakers to a wedding?
Yes, in some cases men can wear sneakers to a casual wedding, especially if the wedding is very casual and taking place in a relaxed setting, like a backyard barbecue. In fact, a clean and stylish pair of sneakers can be a great choice for a laid-back wedding, but it's still important to choose a pair that matches the overall dress code and theme, and that they’re clean and not too worn out.
