Choosing the right men’s wedding reception outfit isn’t as simple as it once was. With so many dress codes, themes, and seasons to consider, it can all be rather confusing.

Traditionally, wedding receptions were strictly formal occasions for putting on your Sunday best. Nowadays, you could be asked to dress in anything from a purple colour theme to a tuxedo for the post-ceremony nuptials.

If you’ve been frantically searching ‘What to wear to a wedding reception’ we’re here to help. Follow our ultimate guide in men’s wedding reception outfits so that you’ll look a million dollars when the big party arrives.

How to Choose the Perfect Men’s Wedding Reception Outfit

Let’s be clear, you’re dressing for the wedding reception and evening party and not the whole day. That makes a big difference as this gives you an element of creative licence with your men’s wedding reception outfit.

Just a word of caution: you’re unlikely to get away with fancy dress or swimming trunks. Rather, your outfit should always display an element of style and tradition and respect the wishes of the happy couple.

So, when you’re only invited to the post-wedding jolly, you can definitely relax and have fun with your wedding reception outfit. But this doesn’t mean you can slob out in a jumper and trackies, and you should make a full effort even though you’re only there for half a day.

Here are some key considerations before you pick your men’s wedding reception outfit.

Follow the Men’s Wedding Reception Outfit Dress Code

You’ll need to decode the dress code, so to speak. The invitation should provide the vital information you need to assemble a suitable men’s wedding reception outfit.

There’s a long list of dos and don’ts when selecting the appropriate attire for a wedding reception guest. Getting the dress code right is the first and most important step in the process.

From white tie to smart-casual, here’s what you need to know.

1. White Tie Wedding Reception

White tie is the most formal dress code of them all. It typically means an unbuttoned evening tailcoat as a jacket with peaked lapels paired with a white evening waistcoat and a stiff white formal evening shirt that’s either pleated or plain.

Trousers should ideally be high-waisted and straight-legged, shoes should be black patent leather and worn with black evening socks, and your bowtie must be white and nothing else. Finally, pay close attention to accessories which covers everything from a top hat to cufflinks and from white leather gloves to a classic walking cane. A smart dress watch or pocket watch, white lapel flower, and a white pocket square will complete your white-tie look.

Admittedly, it’s rare to find a white tie dress code for a wedding reception alone, but you never know.

2. Black Tie Wedding Reception

The black tie dress code is almost as formal as white tie and generally involves a traditional tuxedo jacket and trousers or a classic black suit with a white pleated dress shirt and either black patent leather or traditional leather shoes.

Your bowtie and cummerbund aren’t restricted to black, so feel free to experiment with colourful options here. Cufflinks, shirt studs, a lapel flower, pocket square, and dress watch are also staples of a black tie dress code.

3. Semi-Formal Wedding Reception

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Also known as cocktail attire, a semi-formal dress code won’t require a tuxedo, but it doesn’t include ripped jeans either as that would be too informal as a men’s wedding reception outfit.

Instead, pick out a smart suit in a colour to match the season and occasion. Whether you go for a traditional navy suit, or a light summer suit, you’re spoilt for choice. Feel free to add smarter elements like a statement tie with a matching handkerchief, a white dress shirt, and complementary shoes. But ditch the bowtie, shirt studs, pocket watch, and cufflinks and leave them for a strictly formal wedding invite.

4. Smart-Casual Wedding Reception

Smart casual is an exciting and expansive dress code that incorporates a range of men’s wedding reception outfits. While a shirt and tie are perfectly acceptable, smart denim jeans and a fitted shirt are more common combinations for this type of party wear.

When it comes to footwear, pretty much anything goes from leather brogues to smart trainers. You won’t need formal accessories for a smart-casual gathering, but feel free to add a watch, belts, and other items which elevate your look. Similarly, you can finish off your outfit with a coat or casual jacket depending on the theme and temperature outside.

5. Casual Wedding Reception

A casual wedding reception offers a multitude of wardrobe options. Whether you put on your favourite suit or go for something more relaxed like a blazer and trouser combination, you aren’t tied to any fixed dress code.

With casual wedding receptions, you can focus on comfort as much as styling, so a patterned shirt or linen shirt is perfectly acceptable, and a tie is always optional depending on the design. Select trousers or chinos that match your shirt and your shoes should go with the rest of your outfit. But there’s no requirement to wear leather and a pair of casual loafers will suffice. Finally, accessorise however you like and experiment with watches, handkerchiefs, belts, and socks until you’ve created the ultimate casual wedding reception look.

6. Zero Dress Code Wedding Reception

Credit: Planner and stylist @emmajaneweddingplanner | Photographer @phoebejanephoto | Assistant photographer @beckywright_weddingphotography | Venue @bmahouseweddings | Florist @ravenandryegrass | Dress designer @madilanebridal | Groomswear and accessories @houseofcavani | Groom @emil_orlando

If the invite comes with no particular dress code, assume you should select either formal or casual attire. But you must pay close attention to the time and location of the wedding reception as this will often tell you everything you need to know.

For example, if the reception is taking place in a luxurious hotel at night, consider a smart dark suit like this stylish earthy brown option with matching waistcoat before adding a dress shirt and tie. Alternatively, if the wedding reception is taking place outdoors in the afternoon, choose something light and airy like an ocean-blue two-piece suit with a white shirt but no tie. Where the dress code is strictly informal, omit the tie and swap leather shoes for comfortable footwear, but don’t forget the accessories for those essential finishing touches.

Can Seasons and Weather Influence Your Men’s Wedding Reception Outfit?

You bet. In fact, after the dress code, the seasons and weather are likely to impact your outfit more than anything else. Here’s what you need to know.

How to Dress for a Spring Wedding Reception

A black bowtie paired with a white wing collar shirt is a common choice for a traditional spring wedding outfit. If you adopt this formal look, you’ll also require black patent leather shoes or loafers along with a smart, dark coat.

You may be required to stick with tradition and wear a waistcoat or cummerbund for a formal spring wedding reception. But chances are it will be perfectly acceptable to tone down your outfit with casual elements like a relaxed blazer and trousers combo. Again, accessories are optional, but brightly coloured pocket squares and handkerchiefs complement the season, as do vivid neck ties.

How to Dress for a Summer Wedding Reception

Warm-weather weddings are rarely high formal occasions, but a lightweight summer suit remains a safe bet for the reception party.

Lighter shades like fawn suits and ecru suits are ideal for sunny climes when paired with a white shirt and colourful pocket square. Similarly, when it’s boiling hot you may get away with a winning combination of chinos and a smart polo shirt that’s guaranteed to keep you cool. But summer attire isn’t just about light colours and fabrics as darker shades also work perfectly well. Also, don’t forget to wear appropriate shoes and add suitable accessories like a handkerchief, watch and sunglasses to complete your look.

How to Dress for an Autumn Wedding Reception

When the temperature begins to dip, autumn wedding attire comes into force. If the reception has a formal dress code, select an autumn wedding suit in seasonal hues like brown, green, beige, olive, or burgundy.

In autumn, you won’t go far wrong with heavier fabrics such as a classic tweed three-piece suit over a plain shirt and traditional tie to match the mood and changing colours of the season. Bowties, cufflinks, and silk handkerchiefs are also acceptable, as are Chelsea boots as an alternative to formal shoes.

How to Dress for a Winter Wedding Reception

Credit: Planner + stylist @emmajaneweddingplanner | Photographer @poppycarterportraits | Venue @the_landmark_london

Like autumn, warm and heavy textures are en vogue for winter wedding suits. Again, wool blends and tweeds are a great option, or you could make a bold statement with a vibrant velvet blazer, waistcoat, and dark slender trousers along with a pair of classic brogues.

To keep the winter a chill at bay, a thick, stylish overcoat is also advisable while cufflinks, tie, and a statement watch are encouraged. Adding touches of emerald green, deep crimson, and gold with your accessories will also help to complete your winter wedding outfit.

What Else Should I Consider for a Men’s Wedding Reception Outfit?

The most important things to consider are the wishes of the hosts. After all, the happy couple’s wedding reception is not the time for a wardrobe rebellion that could send shockwaves across the dancefloor.

However, a wedding reception is essentially one enormous party, so as long as you stay vaguely within the rules, you’re certain to fit in. Just remember, a formal wedding reception is never the right time to debut your leopard skin blazer and velvet orange slippers, so never attempt to upstage the newlyweds by stealing the limelight.

Looking for More Men’s Wedding Reception Outfit Ideas?

At House of Cavani, we’ve got the perfect wedding reception outfit for any formal or casual celebration. From traditional tuxedos and dinner jackets to a wide range of tweed suits, we’ve got you covered.