The "casual" in casual wedding attire is a relative term. Sure, compared to what you'd wear to an important business meeting or a formal awards ceremony this outfit will be casual, but don't ditch the suit just yet.
What does casual wedding attire mean?
The men's casual attire dress code for weddings calls for a light color suit, or a blazer and dress pants at the very least. But you're here for a reason — you obviously want to look your best, and a suit is the best move. You'll also need a dress shirt, and neckwear is optional, as are accessories like pocket squares and cufflinks.
Things can get a little more nuanced depending on the time of day or your role in the wedding. Need more guidance? Read on for daytime and evening outfit ideas that follow the casual attire dress code for guest, groom, and groomsmen alike.
Table of Contents
Casual Wedding Attire for Grooms
Casual Wedding Attire for Wedding Parties
Casual Wedding Attire for Guests
Casual Attire for Grooms
For the groom's casual attire, err on the side of a more buttoned-up outfit. A crisp white dress shirt and necktie is always wise, even if the wedding is generally less formal. The risk of looking sloppy in your wedding photos is too real to ignore.
Daytime Casual Wedding Attire
Tan is one of the most casual wedding suit colors you can wear, but grey, blue, and olive are great choices, too — light colors are key. A bright or bold color necktie and brown shoes are relaxed yet polished accessories. Pull the whole look together with a white dress shirt and simple white pocket square.
Evening Casual Wedding Attire
Wear a black suit with brown leather shoes — a fashionable move that's on the high end of this dress code, but still appropriately casual for evening attire. Choose a muted tie color, but use the real estate in your pocket to liven things up (consider one of your wedding colors).
Casual Wedding Attire for Wedding Parties
The right casual attire groomsmen outfits will follow the lead of the groom's look—in this case, you'll need a suit and tie in colors that won't compete for the spotlight.
Daytime Casual Attire for Groomsmen
The grey suit is a versatile garment you can wear hundreds of ways, and it's a neutral canvas for the other aspects of your wedding party outfit. Ties are optional within casual attire, and foregoing the wedding party's neckwear can elevate the groom's look if he's wearing one. Consider pocket squares, neckwear, and shirting that incorporate your wedding colors, but avoid matching these exactly — pattern can help, and a crisp white shirt is always a palette cleanser.
Evening Casual Attire for Groomsmen
This blue suit has a vibrant color that stands on its own, but it's not so bright it will pull the focus from the groom. Pair it with a white dress shirt and keep your accessories simple—a colorful tie in a complementary color is as far as we'd go. If you'd like a more polished look for these VIPs, consider black leather shoes.
Casual Wedding Attire for Guests
As a guest, you could easily wear any of the casual looks above, but if you go with a conservative look (white shirt, neckties, etc.), the more likely you'll look like you're in the wedding party. Skip the tie and make up for it with an interesting pocket square.
Daytime Casual Attire for Wedding Guests
Combining the dusty grey fabric of this light grey suit with black polished leather shoes creates an unexpected contrast. To keep the casual look going, wear a dress shirt with a subtle stripe and opt for a pocket square that pops—one with a print instead of a pattern.
Evening Casual Attire for Wedding Guests
For guests, casual attire allows for bigger choices. We love the medium-dark color and fabric texture of this blue linen suit, but the finer details truly separate it from the rest. This is a double-breasted suit, so it has a few ornamental buttons, and the width of the lapels draws the eye upward — prepare for conversation. Skip the neckwear but not the pocket square. Both leather loafers and dress shoes are casual attire appropriate for evening weddings.
The Right Fit for Every Wedding
Understanding the casual attire dress code can help you choose the right wedding look, but it's just as important that your suit actually fits you. We design modern suits and tuxedos with a better fit, making it easy for everyone to arrive looking their best and ready to celebrate.
You can book an appointment at one of our locations across the country to get expert style guidance and a personal fitting. Or, if you prefer to do it all online, just answer a few simple questions to find your sizes while you shop.
