daniel chigunwe
Craig Twist
Fashion Correspondent
It may have been sometime, but weddings are back, again!
And though they might not look a whole lot like the ones we are used to, I mean with masks, Covid-19 checks and sanitizers; there are still a few fundamental features that have stayed the same.
Primary among them is the dress code.
If you have been spending your afternoons wondering what outfit you are going to wear to that wedding, well, you are not alone, especially the festive season around the corner, there are some colours that suit the need.
Most men usually get worried about what to wear to wedding events and how to style the suit as a guest.
Here are some tips:
Wear a suit
◆ Always wear a suit (trousers and jacket) with the best fit. Baggy or sagging is always a turn off. When choosing the colour of the outfit, the theme of the wedding is of paramount importance as you wouldn’t want to look like a lost birdie in your friend’s wedding.
Wear a neck tie
◆ Consider wearing a tie (necktie, bowtie, cravat) with your suit. Should you realize that you’re the only one wearing a tie, you can always slip it into your pocket.
Accessorise your look
◆ Feel free to stun your look with some sophisticated jewelry, pocket squares, jacket chains and watches and/or wooden wrist bands to show off your personality.
Casual wedding
◆ This is the most broad and confusing attire because everyone has a different definition of casual. Always try to use your invitation, venue and time of the day for clues.
Chinos
◆ These are a great option, especially for those weddings that take place in open spaces in a summery weather.
Printed shirts
◆ A printed shirt in plaid, stripes or all over pattern is a great option for a casual wedding. Nowadays, a touch of African print wear is seen to be a norm which adds a touch of Africanicity and we are happy to see it.
Formal attire may be the most common, but there are plenty of other dress codes that may appear on a wedding invitation.
Formal, semi-formal, and casual are a bit more ambiguous than, say, black-tie, and it can be difficult for guests to settle on the level of formality they want to go for.
One of the best ways to decide what to wear is to do some research on the venue.
“As a guest, I would first think of the wedding location as the background that sets the tone,” says Patrick Nenguwo , wedding stylist. “A quick Google search of the venue can give you a feel of the wedding style, and the venue will have photos of past weddings that can inspire you.”
Ladies, use the Venue as a guide
The location of the wedding can also offer some clues as to what you should wear to a wedding.
For instance, your outfit for an outdoor wedding at a farm will be different from what you wear to an evening celebration at an upscale ballroom.
It’s also important to plan your look around any religious ceremonies included in the wedding.
“Be mindful if you’re attending a wedding in a religious facility.”
Be sure that your shoulders are covered and remove any hats.
The venue can also indicate what kind of shoes you should wear too.
If you’re outside, opt for a chunky heel for walking purposes and a strappy top if it’ll be hot.
If you wear a kitten heel or a stiletto, you might risk sinking into the ground. If indoors, you can never go wrong with a pump heel.
Do some research into the venue before the wedding date so you know what to expect.
Looking for photos on the location’s website or social media pages will help you understand what clothes are appropriate to wear to a wedding on their property.
Avoid wearing white
Consider this the golden rule of wedding guest attire.
Unless explicitly directed on the wedding invitation or the couple’s wedding website, avoid wearing an all-white outfit.
While it’s probably obvious to most guests, it’s important not to wear any shade of white to a wedding unless it’s specifically stated in the invitation.
In some instances, the couple might request that guests wear white to match a particular theme.
Before picking your outfit, though, confirm that this is the requested guest attire by double-checking the instructions on the invite.
You might wonder if men can wear white to a wedding, or if you can wear a dress with a white print. It is perfectly appropriate to wear a white dress shirt under a tuxedo or suit jacket.
Similarly, it’s also acceptable to wear a dress or a jumpsuit with a hint of white as long as it’s not the main colour.
Online Reporter