The Wedding Suits
A Modern Guide for Grooms & Guests
Author: Christopher Kelley & Stian Hasselö Kline
Reading time: 3 mins
At Cavour, and most certainly all other menswear shops, fashion outlets, and haberdasheries around the globe, one of the bigger suited moments in a man’s life is a wedding. Whether it is as a groom or as a guest, many men come into the shop looking for just the right suit for an upcoming wedding celebration. Many people have some strict ideas about what is and is not appropriate for a wedding, and while some of the old rules are as true today as they always have been, our world has changed, and so must the dress codes that exist within it.
What kind of suit is best for a wedding?
Generally with mens wedding suits, the goal is simplicity. Whether you are the groom or a guest, the safest bet is always to keep in simple. A wedding guest suit should be sophisticated but not too serious. Solid colour worsted wool is always a great choice. If you are attending a Summer wedding, we love a good wool/silk/linen blend. What separates this from your daily work attire is the colour. Weddings should be fun and uplifting. This is the time for beige, light grey, taupe, pale blue, hell green if you’ve got the gumption!
As the groom you may want to keep it a bit more serious. A classic navy or lighter shade of grey will never lead you astray and always has personality. If you want to mix it up, go with a double breasted suit!
For those heading to the warmer, southern climes, 100% linen is a beloved and safe option for a Summer wedding suit, but I find linen wrinkles and holds onto odours. Let’s be honest, on your wedding day there’s a lot of pressure and whether it’s because of nerves or because you dance too hard to Taylor Swift at the reception… you will sweat. A wool suit can simply be hung out to air dry for a day or two and be good as new. Cottons, synthetics, and linens are a bit more difficult.
As the groom you may want to keep it a bit more serious. A classic navy or lighter shade of grey will never lead you astray and always has personality. If you want to mix it up, go with a double breasted suit!
For those heading to the warmer, southern climes, 100% linen is a beloved and safe option for a Summer wedding suit, but I find linen wrinkles and holds onto odours. Let’s be honest, on your wedding day there’s a lot of pressure and whether it’s because of nerves or because you dance too hard to Taylor Swift at the reception… you will sweat. A wool suit can simply be hung out to air dry for a day or two and be good as new. Cottons, synthetics, and linens are a bit more difficult.
Can I wear a black suit to a wedding?
This will, of course, depend on the type of wedding, and the people involved. Every wedding is different, but if you are wondering about it, then the safest answer is no. Black is an intense, severe colour. It is best reserved for formalwear and nightclubs. Apart from this, the old rules are strictly opposed to wearing black at a wedding. If one chooses to dress in a tuxedo or dinner suit, perhaps these rules can be bent. Although these same old rules are also opposed to black tie in a church. If unsure, then best leave black for formalwear.
Is there a difference between a “wedding suit” and a “normal suit”?
The short answer is no. A wedding suit is simply a suit that feels festive and appropriate for a wedding. While the fabrics can differ between that which you wear to a wedding and that which you wear to the office, the suit is the same. It is the corner stone of the man’s wardrobe that, depending on the fabric and cut, will be (forgive the pun) suitable for all the great moments in one’s life - big and small. The most important part of a wedding suit is practicality. Whether guest or groom.
The most important part of a wedding suit is practicality. Whether guest or groom. If you’re buying a new suit… purchase something you will use again. If we think about clothing investment in terms of cost-per-wear… You’ll want something you’ll use again. This could be the next wedding you’re invited to, or work, or your next date night. Suits should be fun, but they’re not to be taken lightly. Buy something you like, that makes you feel good, and enjoy the wedding.
The most important part of a wedding suit is practicality. Whether guest or groom. If you’re buying a new suit… purchase something you will use again. If we think about clothing investment in terms of cost-per-wear… You’ll want something you’ll use again. This could be the next wedding you’re invited to, or work, or your next date night. Suits should be fun, but they’re not to be taken lightly. Buy something you like, that makes you feel good, and enjoy the wedding.