Stylistically, weddings aren’t the straightforward, traditionally formal affairs they once were – when everyone wore their Sunday best, got a bit boozy and that was that. These days nuptials can be casual, overtly formal or even themed (shudder) – ranging from the unusual: ‘dress Hawaii’, to the ultra-specific: ‘wear pink stripes’.
Even more confusing, however, is the process of figuring out What to wear at a wedding reception. If you’re only attending half the day, can you make half the effort? You can’t.
The only saving grace here is that because you’re avoiding all the pomp and ceremony, you can afford to have fun with your attire, as befits an upbeat, positive occasion. But, unless you’re also the entertainment, fun is not wacky. There needs a degree of sobriety in your outfit, even if it’s lacking from your behaviour by the end of the evening.
Wedding Reception Dress code
You will find the most important information in your invitation, which will guide you on what to wear to a reception. This may be specific – lounge suit, for example, or, unhelpfully vague – ‘party clothes’.
It may be necessary to do some research on the latter, for example by asking someone who is closer to your groom about a more accurate interpretation. “And if the invitation says a certain dress is ‘optional’, that usually means the bride and groom really want you to wear it,” says Christopher Modoo, formalwear expert and creative director of British tailoring brand Kit Blake. In other words, do it.
The subtlest of checks can add a little color to a grey suit.
Respect Your Hosts
The wedding reception is no place for style rebellion. Not, at least, unless it’s towards conservatism. Sure, if the hosts are sporting, say, some specific period style, you don’t need to feel obliged to fit in. After all, the reception is just a big party.
That said, this is not the time to debut your new lime green two-piece and bedazzled velvet slippers (in hindsight, there’s probably never a time for that.) Tempting though it may be to dress like a Pitti peacock, never look like you’re trying to upstage the bride and groom.
Consider Context
If you are looking for a wedding reception outfit, a cream linen suit is an excellent choice. If the reception is on a beach. How about the middle? Not at all.
The location of the wedding, as well as the season and the general dress code should be a major factor in what you wear. If it’s a country estate, feel free to dig out your glen check suit and trusty brogues. If the hip and happy couple have booked a converted industrial building for their reception, that’s a cue that you can lean more fashion with a modern take on tailoring.
It’s okay to dress down your tailored clothing if it suits the occasion. Suit Supply
Embrace the Formal
“There is a temptation for men when attending a wedding reception to wear ‘fancy’ clothes they wouldn’t normally wear,” says Modoo. “You see men in loud, busy shirts, for example. And there’s always one guy in an electric blue suit. It’s a look that’s more suburban estate agent than refined wedding guest.” Dress up, for sure. But this isn’t Harry and Meghan’s big day – keep it toned down, unless the invitation says morning suits.
In terms of elegance, a well-cut and sober tailored suit will always win out over the flashy. You’re not there to drain attention from the groom. You can also be more individual if you wear a shirt without a tie or a grandad collar if your wedding is casual.
What To Wear To A Wedding Reception – Three Looks
All-Out Sharp
A waistcoat is a good option, and will ensure you’re smart with the jacket off.
Let’s start by saying that it can be acceptable to wear your work suit to a wedding reception, if it’s correctly tailored. A well-fitting suit can serve you well for a wide range of social occasions, especially if it’s in versatile navy or grey.
You can make a real difference with your everyday life. Wear a subtle striped shirt, a knitted tie that isn’t too formal, a smart watch and polished Derbys. Ensure your tie knot is on point – complete with a small dimple – and make an effort with your grooming. If you want to jazz up your ‘regular’ suit, it’s the little things that will make a difference.
If the wedding reception is just the excuse you need to purchase a new suit, go for something you’ll get plenty of wear out of. Think of a jacket with patch pockets and a light structure. You can wear it separately from your trousers.
Laid-back Tailoring
Add some style to a classic navy suit with an open collar shirt.
As you’re not going to have to endure the more formal ceremonies of the day itself, you often won’t be required to go all out and wear a dress shirt and tie in the evening. So, while you still might choose to wear a suit, you can opt for a more laid back top half – a knitted polo or grandad collar shirt, perhaps.
The suit will instantly become more comfortable and louche. It removes any ‘business’ connotations the suit might otherwise have – which is ideal if you’re not usually comfortable wearing one, or don’t want to look too stuffy.
A simple way to pull off the dressed-down suit look is to choose a sweater or shirt that matches the suit. It’s an unfussy way to wear tailoring, especially if you skip on the pocket square and go for dark brown or black shoes.
Smart Separates
Separates in neutral colors are perfect for the summer. Mango Man
Separates are a way to appear stylish, but still effortlessly. A suit jacket worn with mismatched trousers. There is a trick to it of course but worn well, there’s no easier way to look cool at a wedding reception.
Tailoring separates allow a degree of creativity that a regular suit doesn’t. You can get fancy with your fabric combinations – pair moleskin with corduroy, or brushed cotton with wool. Do the same with colours and patterns, although we’d advise on keeping things restrained there. Prince of Wales worn in pinstripes or with a polo shirt is not acceptable.
Classic combinations include navy worn with lighter blue, or neutrals – think beige and brown. And because it’s a more dressed down take on tailoring, separates wear well with tees and knits, if you want to go down the even-more relaxed route.
Key wedding reception pieces
The Suit
An elegant mid-tone suit made of lightweight wool can be worn all year long for wedding receptions. It’s both formal enough for the occasion, and light enough to deal with the heat of the marquee or dance floor. If required, wear a tie, but consider a more interesting, bright or textured one – a knitted tie will always work. Try a plain silver-grey contrast waistcoat to give your lounge suit an elegant look.
The shirt
White can look too formal, so choose a more vibrant, warm shade. Cream, sky blue or pale pink all add elegance to your outfit. To make the best use of your tie, your shirt should have a stiff collar with a structure. Avoid shirts featuring extraneous detail, like contrast buttonholes stitching or piping.
Alternatives for Shirts
If the reception will be casual, then you can opt for something more relaxed and personal. The roll neck is elegant when worn with a suit during winter. An open collared shirt looks great with linen blends at summer weddings. Even though T-shirts, knitted polos and other casual shirts are still available for certain occasions with the correct styling, they may not be the best choice.
All of these options should be matched with neutral shades in tonal tones.
Shoes
If your suit has a light shade, then black Oxfords and Derby shoes are appropriate for most occasions. This will help you to maintain the air of formality. As with the groom, this is not the occasion to wear brand new shoes – unless you’re planning to stay in your seat throughout; nor are overtly casual shoes – boat shoes, driving shoes, even black ones – appropriate.
Accessories
For all that the watchword is ‘formality’, a wedding reception is also an opportunity for a degree of self-expression not always afforded by work. You can show your happiness by dressing up. Pocket squares, tie-pins, pocket watches and chains, cuff links and similar items are suitable. “This is an opportunity to wear the kind of accessory you don’t see every day,” says Modoo.
