The special day is approaching, and the anxiety kicks in – can you wear a tuxedo to a wedding? Is it appropriate? Or should you stick with a reliable suit?

If you’re thinking of wearing a tuxedo to an upcoming wedding, we cover everything you need to know about wedding tuxedo etiquette. This guide will ensure you’re dressed correctly for the big occasion and don’t turn up in the wrong outfit.

Can You Wear a Tuxedo to a Wedding?

Yes, you can wear a tuxedo to a wedding. The classic tuxedo has acquired iconic fashion status and is popular formal wedding attire for both the groom and their guests.

While there are plenty of dos and don’ts around men’s wedding attire, it’s perfectly acceptable to put on a tux. In fact, if the dress code on your invite states ‘black tie’ then nothing other than a tuxedo will do.

Remember, a tuxedo is the most formal attire for men. But it’s also a type of formal evening wear, so the time of the wedding comes into play. Tuxedos are generally worn at formal evening weddings, or formal weddings that start in the day and continue into the night. Therefore, if you wear a tux to an informal wedding with a smart-casual dress code, you’ll stick out like a sore thumb, so always play safe with a smart suit instead.

If you have an upcoming wedding, always check the invitation to ensure a tux aligns with the dress code of the wedding you’re attending. If you’re still unsure, ask the happy couple or a member of the wedding party to avoid any embarrassing wardrobe mistakes.

What is the Difference Between a Tuxedo and a Wedding Suit?

The key difference between a tuxedo and a wedding suit is the presence of satin. Tuxedos have sleek, satin detailing on the lapels, pocket trim, buttons, and buttonholes along with a thin satin stripe down each trouser leg. Ordinary suits don’t have any of these satin features.

This satin styling is usually black, even when the tuxedo jacket is a different colour. You’ll even find tuxedos with satin details on both the jacket and trousers. The other main difference between a tux and a suit is the unbroken shawl lapels that wrap around the entire jacket collar of a tuxedo.

Wedding accessories also play a big part in defining a tuxedo from an ordinary suit. Tuxedos are usually worn with bowties, dress shirt, cummerbund, and black patent leather shoes. Suits, on the other hand, are mostly worn with a cotton shirt, long necktie, and complementary footwear.

Now you know the difference, it’s crucial to remember that tuxedos are more formal than your average suit and are reserved for formal events or special occasions, like a black tie wedding.

What are the Different Styles of Wedding Tuxedos?

Before we go on, always consider the dress code of the wedding. It will narrow your choices when it comes to formal wedding attire.

Any black tie wedding demands a tuxedo, but formal weddings are a bit vaguer. Here, the time and location provide vital clues. It’s perfectly fine to wear a tux to a late afternoon or evening wedding, especially when held indoors. But it might be better to wear an elegant suit to an outdoor summer wedding, ideally made of lighter materials that help keep you cool.

All said and done, let’s look at the different ways tuxedos can be worn to a wedding.

Traditional Tuxedo Look

There’s something incredibly timeless, sophisticated and alluring about the traditional tuxedo look when you’re going to a wedding. Simply pair a classic black tuxedo jacket and trousers with a smart white dress shirt with a wing collar. Then add the finishing touches with a bowtie, white or black pocket square, cufflinks, and black patent leather dress shoes.

Colourful Tuxedo Options

Black isn’t the only acceptable colour for a tuxedo. Modern styles come in a wide range of colours from deep burgundy to emerald green.

So don’t be afraid to experiment with different tones and textures, as long as the dress code allows. But if you’re the groom, avoid clashing with your partner and choose something that follows the rest of your wedding theme.

White Tuxedo Styling

Whether you’re attending a wedding or a night at the casino, the white tuxedo is highly popular. Pair a white dinner jacket with black or midnight blue tuxedo satin-stripe trousers and a black bowtie to achieve the perfect contrast. A white tuxedo can be the ideal option for weddings where the dress code is less formal and a bit more relaxed. From warm beach weddings to summer garden parties, white is undoubtedly on-trend when it comes to tuxedo choices.

Pay Attention to Lapels

It’s not only wedding suits that differ in formality. The same is true of tuxedo lapels.

The most formal type is the peak lapel, but the notch lapel is more common with a tuxedo, creating a more relaxed and sleeker look for the wearer. Perhaps the most uncommon type is the shawl collar lapel with its unique, rounded design. Shawl collar is less popular now than it once was, and it’s guaranteed to get you noticed at your wedding.

Consider the Collars

Collars play an important role when you’re following a strict wedding dress code. They should match the formality of the occasion, with the most formal choice being the classic wing-collar. This features a small standing collar with horizontal tips, allowing space for a bowtie. Wing collar is suitable for both black tie and white tie weddings and is a timeless formal fashion staple.

Meanwhile, a standard turn-down collar is also perfectly acceptable with a tuxedo, especially for black tie or semi-formal occasions.

Select the Right Tie

The tie you wear can help you make a statement at a wedding. When you’re wearing a tuxedo, a traditional black bowtie is your best friend. Ideally, go for one in shiny satin to match the satin detailing of your jacket and trousers. You could also swap out for a plain necktie which allows you to experiment with pops of colour.

To achieve the most formal look, opt for a self-tie bowtie with extra layers of depth. But a silk necktie is fine, especially when the ceremony is more informal.

Choose Complementary Shoes

When it comes to formal wedding attire, nothing beats a pair of men’s formal shoes. That means black patent leather lace-up shoes to complement your tuxedo.

However, for semi-formal weddings, a pair of black patent loafers or brown leather dress shoes can also complete your look by giving your outfit a sense of understated elegance.

Add Some Accessories

Accessories are important when it comes to wedding tuxedo styling. Any contemporary tuxedo look should include items like a pair of quality cufflinks for fastening your shirt, ideally falling beneath your jacket sleeve so they’re on full display.

You can embellish your formal outfit further by adding more carefully-selected accessories like a leather dress belt, elegant tie pin, vintage pocket watch, or statement wristwatch. Combined, these accessories will help you step out in confidence and achieve the perfect formal wedding look.

Can You Wear a Tuxedo to a Wedding as a Guest?

Yes, you can wear a tuxedo as a wedding guest – but only when a formal or black tie dress code applies. When the code says ‘black tie optional,’ you can choose between a traditional tuxedo or something less formal like a navy wedding suit matched with a crisp shirt, necktie, and accessories.

As a guest, a classic wedding suit is always best when there isn’t a formal dress code. For instance, heavier fabrics like a tweed wedding suit are a stylish and practical option for winter celebrations. Or go for a light summer suit in a brighter shade when the weather warms up.

If you’re the groom, it’s your day and you should definitely rock the tuxedo look if you really want to. It will bring a strong sophisticated vibe to the proceedings, and you’ll stand out from everyone else if that’s your aim. Just make sure your formal choices match those of your partner, the rest of the wedding party, and aligns with the dress code and theme of the day.

Looking for More Ideas for Men’s Formal Wedding Attire?

Now you know the answer to; ‘Can I wear a tuxedo to a wedding,’ it’s time to put your outfit together for the big day. Whether you’re searching for a traditional black tuxedo, or a timeless grey wedding suit that also works as business wear, we’ve got you covered.