Weddings

This is the most formal level of dress. Guests are expected to wear full evening formalwear: a tailcoat with peak lapels and matching trousers, a white waistcoat over a white tuxedo shirt, a white bow tie, and whole cut leather oxfords. The emphasis is on formality, so structured silhouettes with a strict adherence to established style rules.

The black-tie dress code is the most common for weddings. It is defined by a traditionally designed black tuxedo with a peak or shawl lapel, worn with a black bow tie and either a stud front or covered placket tuxedo shirt, and whole cut leather oxfords. A midnight blue tuxedo instead of a black one is also acceptable. The emphasis is on uniformity, ensuring that attention is not drawn to any one individual, but shared equally among all guests.

A tuxedo may be worn if desired, though a dark suit and tie are equally appropriate. This dress code indicates a very formal standard, with the primary guideline being to avoid dressing in a way that draws undue attention. Time of day and venue should guide the level of formality: earlier events typically lean more formal-casual, while evening occasions call for a more elevated and polished approach.

Formal dress signals an elevated standard without requiring a tuxedo. A well-tailored dark suit is typically appropriate. Avoid anything with excessive shine or overly bright color. Guests should appear relatively uniform in their attire; while there’s no strict rulebook, neutral colors and very subtle patterns are generally the most appropriate and reliable choice. A well tailored and structured silhouette is preferred. Avoid loose fitting clothing and fabric that is bright or highly textural.

Cocktail attire is formal but allows greater flexibility in silhouette, color, and style. Feel free to wear a richly colored velvet jacket with dark tailored trousers, a lustrous suit in silk or mohair, or a uniquely tailored evening outfit in a fabric not typically used for business suiting. This is the opportunity to wear the elegant and exciting clothing that you’d like to wear but for which the events seem to call for more or less formality. It is generally understood as the middle ground between formal and semi formal.

At a semi-formal event you can easily wear patterns and colors, the general rule being that silhouettes remain somewhat tailored and structured. Avoid loose fitting clothing, as well as patterns or colors that are overly audacious. Think of formal clothing that is appropriate for daytime wear. Mid-tone colors in smooth or lightly textural fabric, and any kind of shoe, as long as it’s not something you’d wear to the grocer.

Smart casual can be understood as business casual reimagined for celebration. Jackets should have some structure but can easily be made in more relaxed fabrics such as corduroy or linen. Clothing should fit well, be appropriate for the weather, and align with both the theme of the event and the climate of the location. Ties, pocket squares, and formal leather shoes are not expected; instead, guests may dress more casually while still maintaining a sense of polish appropriate to the occasion.

The first two questions are, what time is the wedding and where is the ceremony? If the ceremony is at 4pm then perhaps start with a midnight blue tuxedo, because it will look casual enough in the daylight and will transition perfectly into the evening. If the ceremony is closer to sunset then you can wear a black tuxedo, then perhaps swap the jacket for something velvet or ivory for the reception.

Linen is the most common choice because it’s an open weave and therefore air flows through it nicely. Remember to unline it for maximum comfort. A tan suit is a safe choice, but really it can be any neutral color. Avoid super bright flashy colors and patterns. A linen or cotton jacket in a pastel color with trousers that are lighter in tone than the jacket, with some kind of weave loafer is perfect. Pair it with a light colored linen or cotton shirt and you’ll look great.

It’s common that you’d wear something less formal than to the ceremony. My recommendation is some color, some pattern, or both. A tie is definitely optional, but if you’re not wearing a tie then consider a pocket square to add some formality. It also depends on the venue itself. If it’s near the water then choose something textured with loafers or brogued oxfords or boots, but if it’s formal then choose fabric that is smoother in a medium to dark color and black leather loafers or oxfords.

This is completely optional, however, t’s common for people to wear at least a different jacket to their wedding reception. If you’re wearing a tuxedo to the ceremony then consider a contrasting jacket to change into the reception, such as a colored velvet or ivory cocktail jacket. For people who wish to be bolder than choose a patterned or semi-lustrous fabric dinner jacket. The goal is usually to stand out at the reception in a way that does not take away from the formality of the overall event.

What are you kidding? Of course! We always request that you drink responsibly, but we love wedding appointments and encourage you to feel empowered to be excited about the process. When you wear the clothing we’ve designed you’re going to feel amazing because you’re going to trust that what you’re wearing was created with love and attention.

A classic black tuxedo fabric should be 340 gram barathea plain weave. It should have semi-wide peak lapels, two straight besom pockets, and two side vents. You could choose no vents for an even more classic aesthetic. There should be a stripe down the sides of the trousers, in satin matching the lapel, and the waistband should either be completely plain or able to be tightened with metal side adjusters. The trim including the lapel, pocket besoms, and trouser stripe should all be in matching black satin. Braces, or suspenders, should be worn because they shape the rear of the trousers nicely and help keep the shirt tucked because they allow for a looser waistband. So make sure the trousers have suspender buttons in the waistband. The shirt should be in white twill or a honeycomb pattern and should have a double or single french cuff, a classic straight point collar or wing tip collar, and a covered front placket or one with holes to wear studs that usually come in a set of four. The socks should be made of bamboo or wool and go over the calf to ensure they do not drop. The shoes should be a pair of whole cut oxfords, preferably not patent leather because they’re often stiff and not contemporary in the slightest, and should be straight laced and not cross laced. The bowtie should be self tied and in a satin that matches the satin detailing of the tuxedo. The purpose of the bowtie is to put your face on a pedestal, so remember to show off your wonderful smile!