Stop Guessing: Decoding Men's Wedding Dress Codes

Confused by all the things people say on the invite?

What do people mean by”Black Tie” or “Black Tie Optional”?

They sound official, but one wrong move and you’ll either outshine the groom or show up underdressed. At Common Suits we tailor looks to the occasion, and this guide decodes every common wedding dress code for men so you can show up confident and correctly dressed.

We want you looking good.

Before starting this guide

• Read the invite carefully: time of day, venue and any extra notes (e.g., “beach formal,” “festive”).

• If the invitation reads like a riddle, treat it like the host wants a level of polish — and slightly more formal if you’re unsure.

• Never wear white or anything that could be mistaken for bridal.

  
  

Here is a rundown of what are the types of dress codes you or your friends could have while attending a wedding :

1. White Tie - A white tie event or wedding is very rare. This would be the most formal wedding that you would be attending if push came to shove, normally used in the United Kingdom when having a state dinner with the queen, you are  tasked with wearing a Black Tuxedo Tail Coat with a Pique Bib, a vest, a white bowtie and black patent leather shoes.

   
   

   Accessories may include and are limited to a top hat, white gloves, and a white pocket square.
   

   When you see this, Go Bespoke. This is not the time nor place to improvise.
   

   

   
   

2. Black Tie - A Black Tie Wedding is an extravagant and elevated event, less than a White Tie, but more than a Black Tie Optional Event. Guests are expected to wear a Tuxedo in a shade of black or really dark blue, satin lapels, buttons and pockets and a  bowtie is required. Expect a night of flashiness, luxury and galore, people invited here tend to be in the upper echelons of society, so congratulations to you!

   
   

   

3. Creative Black Tie - Creative black tie is a dress code that allows you to slightly tone down your formal attire by adding hints of your own personal style. When a formal event calls for a creative black tie dress code, it means you don’t have to adhere to the traditional black tie standards in which men are expected to wear a specific shirt with a black tux with silk lapels. With a Creative Black Tie, men can play around with more textures, fabrics and colors Maybe a Rust colored Corduroy Tux might be a bit of your speed

   Just remember to not outshine the groom on his big day!

   
   

   

   
   

4. Black Tie Optional - A Black Tie Optional Wedding would give the guests free rein or the freedom to decide what to wear without the added pressure of a specific dress code. While there is the word “optional” there, guests are expected  to wear a Tuxedo or a very nice dark colored suit as long as it is formal and would not be too flashy. Black Oxfords are preferred but you can also wear suede loafers as well.

   
   

   

   
   

5. Cocktail Attire - With a cocktail dress code, guests have more flexibility and liberty when it comes to their clothing. While what you wear should still be elegant and can vary between dark colored suits, you should still maintain the formality with a nice tie or turtle neck and pocket square. 

   
   

   

   
   

6. Beach Formal - While beach weddings are really fun, and are usually laid back, you should still be in an attire fitting for the occasion. A Loro Piana Seersucker jacket or a nice bespoke linen shirt and pant combo should elevate your style and keep you cool amidst the hot and humid weather.

   Have fun at the wedding and reception because this is probably the most laid back wedding you're going to attend!

To wrap it all up

Show up looking like you belong. Dress codes aren’t about looking stuffy — they’re a map to showing respect for the couple’s day and the event’s tone.

A little preparation goes a long way: check the invite, consider the venue and season, prioritize fit, and keep accessories tasteful.

Need help pulling an outfit together? Tell us the exact dress code on your invite, the venue and the season and schedule an appointment to visit Common Suits and we’ll style and tailor you for the day.