When it comes to dressing for warm weather nuptials, our best advice is to simply follow the invitation’s dress code. Even if you’re marrying a Kennedy, proper attire would differ greatly depending on whether the ceremony is outdoors at Hyannis Port, where socks may be optional, or at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City, where proper morning dress may be required.
But dress codes like “creative black tie” and “dressy casual” are ambiguous at best, so here’s a handy piece of advice from our tailored clothing buyer Marlene Drayer, who said her vows just last year.
Since a wedding is a bride’s special day, she’d like to see her male guests dress up as much as possible, Drayer says. “There are a lot of pictures being taken that are going to be in this couple’s album for a lifetime,” she says. “You want everyone to look as polished as possible.”
And since photos of you will be gazed at periodically for the next 50 years, you don’t want to wear anything that will look too dated. That’s why in our “tradition-with-a-twist” formula we weigh both sides equally.
Since wedding season is in the summertime, dressing for the heat is essential. This is especially the case with “destination weddings,” which usually involve tropical settings. Suits are your best bet, and to keep your cool, cotton and linen fabrics are great choices.
Drayer has three suit suggestions that fit the bill perfectly: our blue oxford cloth suit “that is so summer,” this show-stopping white pincord suit, and this casual tan gingham model with pleated patch pockets and soft construction that’s ideal for more casual weddings where a necktie may be optional.
And then there’s tried-and-true seersucker, which we offer in a distinguished double-breasted model, as well as an equally rakish three-piece. And if that sounds too toasty for dancing at the reception, “You can always take the jacket off,” Drayer says, “roll up your sleeves, have the vest on, and still look polished.” And speaking of polished, don’t think that the flowing champagne at the reception is an excuse to change into your grubbies — after all, the photographer is still on the clock.