There’s a delicate balance to be struck when it comes to the politics of wedding-wear. Overshadow the couple-to-be and you’ll draw the ire of the collective. Underwhelm with casualness… and you’ll also draw the ire of the collective.
Here’s a complete guide on what to wear at a wedding broken down by the dress code.
Black Tie
![](https://bosshunting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/1-43.jpg)
Few things in life are as straightforward as going to a black tie event. Suit up and have a tie around your neck that’s black. Tuxedos are preferred.
The standard composition of a black tie wedding guest suit includes the following:
- Dinner jacket (white or black)
- Black dress trousers
- Solid colour dress shirt
- Tie (black, bow>neck)
- Black leather belt
- Dress shoes (leather, avoid squared toes and jester shoes)
OPTIONAL: Cufflinks are highly recommended, waistcoats and pocket squares never go amiss
White Tie
![](https://bosshunting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/2-55.jpg)
Rare these days, but still within the realm of possibilities. We’re talking class out the ass here (unlike this sentence I just typed). Keep that posture straight, Benedict Cumberbatch, and remember which cutlery should be used for what courses.
Here’s our thread prescription:
- Black tailcoat
- Black dress trousers
- Wingtip tuxedo shirt
- Bow tie (white)
- Waistcoat
- Black leather shoes
OPTIONAL: Top hat, pocket watch, monocle
Cocktail
![](https://bosshunting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/3-26.jpg)
Moving down in the hierarchy of seriousness, we reach the matter of the cocktail dress code. This is black tie’s more relaxed cousin who doesn’t mind throwing back a Corona or two. Cocktail dressing opens the door for more adventurous and fun sartorial options.
An example may include the following:
- Lighter colour suit
- Solid or modestly patterned dress shirt
- Tie (neck or bow)
- Matching belt
- Dress shoes (leather)
OPTIONAL: Pocket squares, cufflinks, waistcoats are a little extra but go for your life (and keep it laidback!)
Tropical
![](https://bosshunting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/4-14.jpg)
This scenario requires a bit more function to go with the form, given the environment. Relaxed, sure, but relaxed isn’t an excuse not to style out.
Something in the ball-park of the following should be fine:
- Casually tailored suit (less structured, breathable material)
- Similarly, more freedom here, have some fun with colours and patterns, try going with something breathable
- Dress shoes are still a must, make sure it’s cohesive with everything else you’re wearing (leather, always leather) — hard no to boat shoes
OPTIONAL: Ties and belts, pocket squares and silk scarves
Smart-casual
![](https://bosshunting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/5-10.jpg)
If cocktail is black tie’s more relaxed cousin, smart-casual is the chill uncle who only wears Birkenstocks and bumps Fleetwood Mac. But that isn’t a license for you to wear Birkenstocks, and you better take those hands off that t-shirt. Note the ‘smart’ in smart-casual.
The following is acceptable:
- Any suit but black, lean towards lighter colours but navy is acceptable
- A nice, fitted dress shirt that you’d feel would be appropriate for Sunday church
- You have more freedom with trousers in this situation, make sure they’re respectable if you deviate from the dress code (eg. nice chinos, avoid jeans)
- Matching belt
- Dress shoes (suede or leather)
OPTIONAL: Ties are not a must but recommended (neck or bow), pocket squares
Shotgun
![](https://bosshunting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/6-7.jpg)
Attire for this specific occasion is actually extremely similar to the ones as demonstrated above — it’ll all depend on the venue and what the bride’s father is feeling…
Suggested:
- Tactical vest (with plates front and back) in the event the groom does a runner (and daddy-dearest tends to fire off wild buckshots)
Las Vegas
![](https://bosshunting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/7-10.jpg)
Like the legislation regarding marriage in this loose and lawless city, anything goes regarding ceremonial fashion.
And I mean anything:
- Hawaiian shirts
- Elvis costumes
- Rubber horse masks
- Maybe a bucket (for potential vom-situations)