Friends, we discuss the clothes of the bride and groom a lot here. But what about wedding guests?
“What’s there to discuss, they’ll dress as they want,” an inexperienced reader will say)) However, the problem is that “as they want” is an infinitely broad concept and does not always coincide with your idea of clothing appropriate for a wedding.
For example, some gentlemen think it's completely normal to wear shorts and flip-flops to a summer wedding. It's hot! And for winter - in jeans and a sweater. (“What? I always go to weddings like this.”)
Ladies are a separate sad story. Ultramini, extra-decolletage, white dress - your guests can wear all this.
A dress code for guests at a wedding is necessary in order, first of all, to maintain the atmosphere of celebration, and secondly, so that comrades in shabby/provocative clothes do not spoil your mood and photos as a keepsake. The dress code regulates all details of the toilet: style, length, accessories, even color.
Are you no longer questioning the need for a wedding dress code?))) Then let’s get acquainted with its most common options (in descending order of severity):
creative black tie
It involves creating a more fashionable and creative image than a strict classic one. It is appropriate if you want to maintain the maximum solemnity of the event, but at the same time give guests more freedom in choosing a toilet. Ladies: evening or cocktail dress, a trouser suit is also acceptable (evening, not office). Gentlemen: a tuxedo in an unusual color, a classic tuxedo with a bright vest, or an informal tuxedo with a dark shirt without a tie. The color of the bow tie or tie can be any color.
Evening suits for male guests at a wedding
Should a guest invited to a wedding celebration wear a formal suit? This is definitely one of the best options, especially in winter. But the suit does not have to be strict; based on taste preferences, a man can choose either a classic or extravagant option.
Classic strict
This appearance will be appropriate if a large number of guests are invited, and the event itself is taking place officially: the setting is the hall of an elite restaurant, a buffet or reception. However, instead of black, it is preferable to choose navy, chameleon, charcoal or grey. The pattern of the fabric texture can be varied - plain, glossy or striped.
Light linen
Sets in beige and gray tones are perfect for the warm season, adequately emphasizing the festive atmosphere of the wedding. Linen is a fairly light, natural fabric, so such a suit will not allow you to sweat even after participating in fiery wedding competitions. See photos with examples of such costumes:
Fitted
Suit styles that fit the figure can be worn by men with a thin constitution or an excellent physique. For overweight men, it is better to choose a looser style, but it should fit the figure. Fitted styles beautifully emphasize the style and taste of the man who chose such a wedding dress.
A tie must be worn with a tailcoat or tuxedo. The basic rule: it should be similar in tone to the fabric of the jacket, but look contrasting with the shirt.
Shoes must be of high quality and respectable. Socks match the shoes. The belt is chosen a little darker or lighter than the trousers, but of the same shade.
A snow-white handkerchief is suitable as decoration for the breast pocket of a jacket.
Helpful advice: in addition to conservative white shirts, there are many colored ones that look perfect with an evening dress - blue, beige, pink, lilac, olive. Shirts that match your eye color look especially irresistible.
You can learn more about men's wedding fashion by watching the video:
Semi-formal
Requires clothing that strictly corresponds to the style of the event. Perfect for themed, stylized weddings or celebrations that follow a certain color scheme (if you don’t want your guests to disturb it). Ladies: the choice of look and accessories is limited solely by the theme or color of the event. Cavaliers: suit. It is possible to wear a jumper under a jacket instead of a shirt. A tie is optional, a scarf is acceptable.
You can add your own restrictions to any of the standard dress codes. For example, ban minis, sports shoes (yes, many consider a suit with sneakers to be a good combination), clothes of certain colors (for example, leopard print). However, I advise you not to be too picky and strict with your guests. Otherwise, many may lose the desire to go to your wedding altogether - after all, our guests are not yet accustomed to increased demands.
Informal
A classic suit refers specifically to this style of clothing. There are different facets of severity in colors.
Business style clothing for men is most often used for working in the office, attending business meetings and social events, conferences and corporate events.
The style rule is to have suits in three different colors:
- The colors of this segment are always calm, plain or with small stripes: blue, black, gray, beige.
- Mandatory for a suit are shirts, which should be changed daily, choosing neutral colors, as well as a tie.
- The shoes are strict, in particular black shoes, under which you wear socks that are a darker tone than the suit.
- The height of the sock should cover the man's leg in a sitting position.
- The belt on your trousers should match the color of your shoes.
As an accessory, in this style you can give preference to a leather briefcase.
It is acceptable to replace the jacket with a jumper in dark colors that can be worn over a shirt.
The Business Code of Clothing does not allow the use of sunglasses, knitted T-shirts without a jacket, shorts and summer shoes in men's attire, or the combination of light trousers with dark shoes.
The summer period allows men to choose suits made of cotton fabrics in light colors, short-sleeved shirts and a tie.
The dress code helps men to suit the status of the event, position, place and situation. Understanding certain requirements allows you to feel comfortable in any environment, observing the basic rules of costume etiquette.
Not all code types are used frequently; the most common are still casual wear and informal business attire.
How to declare a wedding dress code?
The easiest way to do this is in invitations. Moreover, it is better not only to indicate the required dress code, but also to decipher what kind of clothing is meant (as was done above), because Not everyone is familiar with standard notation. The transcript, of course, should not be given in the invitation itself, but attached separately.
If you have doubts about some guests (for example, the older generation) that they will not understand the meaning of the dress code or will not pay attention to it at all, talk to them separately. Explain what the dress code is, why it is necessary, and how to comply. Then you can be almost sure that all guests will dress according to the level of your celebration.
Have a beautiful wedding and - for sure! - beautiful guests. 
Common options
Any outfit can be found in a store or made to order.
Most often, a classic two-piece or three-piece suit is purchased. The most convenient and optimal option for a wedding. And so that the outfit does not seem boring, it needs to be made stylish and elegant.
It is possible to purchase a vest to match the shirt, but it is desirable that the fabric be of high quality, as in the photo.
Next up is the tuxedo. This is an English outfit that is also very popular in Russia. Any man wants to feel like James Bond, and a tuxedo will perfectly help fulfill such a dream.
In third place is the tailcoat. This outfit is more romantic and formal. A good option for a European wedding. A tailcoat is more suitable for people with a slender build, because... fits very beautifully and perfectly.
What about a custom suit?
- This image is chosen by men with a bold character and a great sense of humor.
- A custom suit features bright and colorful colors. This includes green, red, yellow and blue tones.
- But you can choose this option if the bride is in the appropriate attire.
There is one non-standard and interesting option, but it is used extremely rarely. Its name is a themed costume. This option is chosen by people whose wedding is held in a themed style. It is difficult to find these outfits in stores, so they are often made to order.
Groom
The most reliable and correct choice in terms of style would be the black-tie option. This dress code implies a black tuxedo - always with silk lapels and silk stripes on the trousers, a black silk bow tie (where, in fact, the name black-tie was born) and patent leather oxfords. In black-tie, there is basically no room for creativity - everything must be according to the rules. A formal shirt with a wingtip collar (raised collar with pointed corners), only cufflinks and no belts - either a sash or suspenders under the vest. For the summer season, the option of a white tuxedo with black trousers is also acceptable.
Black-tie is provided as a dress code for the most formal and representative events. Many fashion houses and stylists recommend walking down the aisle in an impeccable black-tie tuxedo (preferably custom-made). If there is no tailoring option, almost most big brands have tuxedos. Givenchy, Tom Ford, Saint Laurent, Gucci, Boss - their suit lines include models for formal events.
1.
Tom Ford tuxedo, RUR 341,132, Farfetch
2.
Shirt with bib Tom Ford, RUR 65,650, TsUM
3.
Gucci patent leather oxfords, RUR 50,866, Mr. Porter
4.
Brioni silk bow tie, RUR 17,400, TsUM
5.
Kingsman & Drake's silk scarf, RUR 4,157, Mr. Porter
Bride
As you know, any wedding is an event primarily for the bride. Therefore, in the matter of wedding dresses, success depends on the woman’s sense of taste. 90% Wedding black-tie for brides still has rules, although they are much fewer than for men. To comply with the dress code, it is best to go for a formal floor-length model that will cover your ankles. As for white-tie jewelry, for example, everything is strict - only platinum and white diamonds. In black-tie there is a little more freedom of creativity - it is still better to give preference to diamonds, but soft shades are already acceptable here.
For black-tie optional, the rules are more relaxed: the dress does not have to cover the ankles, and the jewelry can be made of metals other than platinum, and there are significantly more acceptable options for stones.
1.
Dress Dolce & Gabbana, RUR 871,051, Farfetch
2.
Tom Ford shoes, RUR 52,150, TSUM
3.
Gilda & Pearl garter, RUR 9,433, Farfetch
