A wedding day is one of the most important days in life. Everyone wants to prepare for it in a way that ensures they look their absolute best. One of the central elements of the wedding ceremony is the groom’s outfit. While a wedding dress is a broad and undefined topic, grooms find themselves in a slightly more privileged position — the number of formal garments suitable for a wedding is large, but still finite. Today, we present a comprehensive, in-depth article with absolutely everything that should be included in the answer to the question: "How to dress for a wedding?"
In this article, you will learn:
- • How to dress for a wedding? First-hand knowledge!
- • Ready-to-wear vs. made-to-measure – which should you choose?
- • Everything about the wedding suit
- • Not just a suit for the wedding
- • What shirt to wear to a wedding?
- • Tie or bow tie?
- • What accessories to pair with a jacket?
- • What shoes should you choose?
- • How to dress for the wedding after-party?
How to dress for a wedding? First-hand knowledge!
I am truly pleased to share the following article with readers because I write it with full confidence that I truly know what I’m doing. The subject of wedding attire is not something I’m only familiar with in theory — it’s knowledge I first gained for myself and, over the past few years, have shared with hundreds of grooms who were clients of Miler Menswear. Now, I’m offering that same knowledge to blog readers in this article. I’m not a dinosaur just yet, but I’ve been immersed in men’s elegance for quite a few years. When I got married, my clothing was fully in line with the principles of classic men’s style — which is why our wedding photos still look amazing today. Some of them will be used to illustrate this article.
How to dress for a wedding – plan ahead
The knowledge about wedding attire that I’m going to share with you is universal. This information won’t change a month or even a week before your wedding. With it, you can already start planning your steps. Give yourself time to make the key decisions about what you want to wear — and then begin taking action, building your outfit step by step. This way, you'll have the chance to choose each element more carefully, rather than settling for whatever happens to be available in stores at the last minute. It doesn't matter whether you want to have a suit made to measure, or buy a ready-to-wear option (RTW). Planning ahead gives you more time to consider the cut and fit — and to make any necessary alterations.
How to dress for a wedding - ready-to-wear vs. made-to-measure
A basic wedding suit is versatile enough in its design that it can easily be purchased from any reputable suit brand (and surprisingly, there aren’t that many of them). Men with a standard body type will usually have no trouble achieving a good fit thanks to basic tailoring adjustments. Those with non-standard body shapes, however, face more challenges. In reality, the only reliable solution for things like rounded shoulders, a larger waistline, or a muscular build is made-to-measure tailoring.
Of course, there is also a considerable group of people who choose made-to-measure tailoring not because they have to — due to body shape challenges — but simply because they want to. The motivation here is the desire to own an exceptional suit that meets all of the customer’s expectations. And rightly so — that’s exactly what made-to-measure tailoring is for. Naturally, a custom wedding suit comes with a slightly higher budget, but after all, you only get married once. And as I mentioned before, the cost of the suit can be justified by how many times you plan to wear it, allowing you to maximize its value.
We understand that before commissioning your first suit or jacket, you may have many questions. In our experience, the best solution is a conversation. We warmly welcome anyone interested in made-to-measure tailoring who wishes to step into this wonderful world. We are passionate about educating men in Poland, which is why we invite you to a free consultation where you can discuss your ideas with one of our made-to-measure specialists. We’ll show you swatches of prestigious fabrics to choose from and talk through the possibilities of having a suit, jacket, or shirt tailored to your needs. Above all, you’ll have the chance to get to know us – and for us to get to know you – which is an essential part of the tailoring process. The best results come when you trust us, and we have a clear understanding of what you’re looking for and whether we can help you achieve it. That’s why a conversation is so important. Please enter your name and phone number below. One of our specialists will call you within one business day to schedule your appointment at our made-to-measure salon in Poznań.
One of our specialists will reach out to you within one business day.
Kind regards and have a wonderful day.
MILER Menswear team
MILER Menswear team
I. Suit
Men’s formalwear has a certain advantage over women’s wedding attire. While a wedding dress is usually meant to be worn only once, men’s clothing doesn’t have to follow that rule. If you wish, you can choose a wedding suit that is versatile enough to look festive and stunning in the church and at the reception, and then — after returning from your honeymoon — with carefully selected accessories, it can become a great business or everyday suit, worn for many years to come. Take note: this kind of long-term use reduces the overall cost of the suit, as it significantly lowers the cost per wear.
The wedding suit comes in several versions, which I discuss in detail below.
Single-breasted two-piece suit
This is the most basic — and at the same time most modern — version of the suit. It allows you to present yourself to the world as a fan of classic elegance, who hasn’t forgotten that we’re already in the 21st century and wants to express a bit of ease and modern flair. Of course, just a touch of ease and flair — after all, a wedding is not a carnival party!
Single-breasted three-piece suit
I always tell grooms that a three-piece suit is a great idea, because thanks to the vest, you can take off the jacket at any moment and still look sharp. In a way, you get two suits in one: a three-piece and a two-piece. A vest is perfectly suited for all formal occasions, which is why I recommend it to anyone who feels stylistically drawn to it but isn’t sure whether it’s worth it or whether it will look good on them.
Suit colors
For your wedding day, you might choose a suit in navy, charcoal, light gray, or gray. Currently, navy blue is the leading color seen at weddings, as it offers the greatest versatility. However, that doesn’t mean the other colors are any less interesting. It all comes down to personal preference.
Wedding suit fabric – will I feel too hot?
The most popular material chosen by grooms is wool. Of course, it's possible to have a summer suit made of linen or cotton, BUT this would be a significant departure from traditional wedding style standards. My advice here is to carefully consider whether you truly feel too hot in a suit. For example, I personally don’t — which is why typically summer-oriented suits only started appearing in my wardrobe once it was already fairly developed. If I were buying my first proper suit, I would go with year-round wool in the 220–260 g range. It will keep you comfortable in summer and still work well in winter. I’d choose it even at the cost of feeling slightly warm during the wedding.
If you're getting married in July or August, you're expecting high temperatures, and you know you don’t tolerate heat well, you can go for one of the summer suit options — which, surprisingly, do not involve lowering the weight of the wool, but rather changing the weave from which it is made. The options available to you include tropical wool and fresco — fabrics with open and breathable weaves — or mohair, a luxurious wool from mohair goats, whose yarn properties make it exceptionally well-suited for summer. I assure you that in a suit made from these fabrics, you’ll feel absolutely every breeze, which will make surviving the heat and the madness of a wedding night much easier.
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Fastening a jacket
Incorrectly fastened jackets are one of the most common style mistakes seen in the world of suits. This mistake is especially noticeable because it’s incredibly easy to avoid. Be sure to remember the following rule, because improperly fastened jacket buttons cannot be explained by anything other than a lack of familiarity with formalwear.
Suit fit
Unfortunately, even a jacket that is the correct size and has its buttons fastened according to the rules can still look bad. Evaluating whether a jacket fits properly involves considering the elements shown in the image below.
- 1. shoulder line of the jacket should reflect the natural line of the wearer’s shoulders
- 2. angle of the gorge (the point where the collar meets the lapel) should be positioned high.
- 3. lapel width — should be approximately half the width of the shoulder
- 4. breast pocket should be placed at the correct angle and should not have a fake pocket square, since for the wedding you'll be using a real one
- 5. low buttoning point, which visually slims the wearer
- 6. jacket length should divide the body into two equal parts and cover the seat
Having many years of experience in made-to-measure tailoring, I know exactly what defines a good suit. This expertise allowed me to create a brand offering ready-to-wear suits that include all the essential features a man needs — not only to feel comfortable, but also to look sharp and modern.
Pants length
This one is very simple to determine: pants should break once over the shoe. Here’s what that looks like:
If pants break over the shoe more than once, or don’t touch the shoe at all, they are either too long or too short, respectively. The topic of pant length is a hot issue for many grooms.
A double-breasted suit
A double-breasted suit is a garment for more advanced dressers. It’s an excellent choice for standing occasions, where you won’t be sitting much. In my view, a wedding is the perfect example of such an event! The double-breasted suit has its origins in the military uniform and looks highly ceremonial (men from royal families often marry in uniform), which makes it a fantastic choice for the wedding aisle. An added benefit is that during the church ceremony, you're seated with your back to the guests, so sitting comfort isn’t an issue either. The only downside to the double-breasted suit is that it's less versatile than the single-breasted version. That’s why I suggest wearing a double-breasted suit to your wedding only if you already own a daily suit and you're happy with the level of elegance it offers. Below is a photo of me in a navy double-breasted suit. The outfit in the photo is shown in a business setting, not a wedding one — which only highlights its versatility.
Not just a suit...
It’s also possible that you have the means to think about your wedding attire without any limitations. In that case, you might decide to have a morning coat, tuxedo, or even an additional sport suit for the day-after celebration made to measure.
II. What about a morning coat for the wedding?
A morning coat (also known as a cutaway coat) is a formal garment consisting of a jacket that flares out below the waist, extending into tails that finish behind the knees. It’s important not to confuse the morning coat with the tailcoat, which is always black and cut differently (described below). Personally, I chose to be in the clear minority and got married wearing a morning coat. Since it is formal daytime attire, it was necessary to have a second evening outfit as well — in my case, a tuxedo.
There’s also the Stresemann
The Stresemann is a type of outfit that, for some reason, strongly appeals to conservative enthusiasts of elegance. Even though it’s an extreme niche — and in reality, almost no one has ever actually seen one — I still receive a lot of questions about it. I suspect that's because it’s seen as a kind of substitute for the morning coat, but one that is much safer and can be created from a graphite suit. The Stresemann is nothing more than a combination of striped formal pants (the kind used with a morning coat) paired with a graphite jacket and either a single- or double-breasted vest.
I must admit that the Stresemann is exceptionally formal and very conservative, but it can look incredibly elegant. A great example is the Stresemann worn by a friend of mine during his visit to Poznań. Knowing in advance that he would likely arrive dressed this way, I chose to wear a morning coat myself. And that’s how we ended up with a truly historic photo—both of us dressed in garments that are rarely seen today!
III. Tuxedo
A tuxedo is an evening garment that is more formal than a suit but less formal than a tailcoat. In the history of modern elegance, tuxedos have been worn by practically everyone—from Cary Grant, to other Hollywood actors, politicians, businessmen, and all of the James Bonds.
Personally, I also chose to wear a tuxedo at my own wedding and opted for an unusual double-breasted version, which, of course, comes with all the formalities and requirements associated with this style.
Tropical tuxedo
A tropical tuxedo is designed to be worn in geographic regions with high temperatures. Unfortunately, Poland doesn’t fall into that category—but that doesn’t mean this tuxedo is completely out of reach for us. At the Miler Menswear tailor shop we’ve frequently handled weddings that took place in tropical locations, where a white tuxedo (with black pants) looked phenomenal. So, if you’re planning a wedding somewhere far away, you might want to consider this style of tuxedo.
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IV. Tailcoat
A tailcoat is a garment for the most discerning enthusiasts of elegance—those with a deep appreciation for classic formalwear.
I have nothing against wearing a tailcoat…but I would like to point out one important thing: context. A tailcoat is the most formal of all civilian garments, and wearing it also requires the entire wedding to be at an appropriate level of dress. That doesn’t mean the wedding reception has to follow the “black tie” or “white tie” concepts, which would require guests to wear tuxedos or tailcoats respectively. In Polish settings, this would be nearly impossible.
Pro tip: If you know that many of your guests will arrive wearing brown shoes or ties tied by their wives, skip the tailcoat. You’ll create a sartorial dissonance that will be hard to explain. This paragraph isn’t the nicest, and believe me, I don’t write it lightly. However, I do think it’s important to talk about uncomfortable things—even if they’re not particularly pleasant. I want you to look like a stylish gentleman at your wedding, not like someone in a costume. That’s all.
Combined options
Anyone who delves a bit deeper into the intricacies of classic elegance will quickly learn that, while a suit is a garment that can be worn both during the day and after dusk, a tailcoat and tuxedo are exclusively evening wear, whereas a morning coat is strictly for daytime. It is not acceptable to wear a tuxedo or tailcoat to a morning ceremony, just as a morning coat should not be worn during a wedding reception. The most versatile option, of course, remains the suit.
If, on the other hand, you aspire to go further and wear slightly more sophisticated garments, a fusion will be necessary, combining:
- a morning coat with a tuxedo, tailcoat, or suit
- a suit with a tuxedo or tailcoat
An alternative may be to schedule the wedding ceremony for late afternoon, so that it ends around 6:00 p.m., which is considered the “eveningwear threshold” and provides informal permission to wear formal evening attire.
The morning coat, tuxedo, and tailcoat mentioned above were made to measure. If you're interested in the topic of bespoke tailoring, learn more here:
We understand that before commissioning your first suit or jacket, you may have many questions. In our experience, the best solution is a conversation. We warmly welcome anyone interested in made-to-measure tailoring who wishes to step into this wonderful world. We are passionate about educating men in Poland, which is why we invite you to a free consultation where you can discuss your ideas with one of our made-to-measure specialists. We’ll show you swatches of prestigious fabrics to choose from and talk through the possibilities of having a suit, jacket, or shirt tailored to your needs. Above all, you’ll have the chance to get to know us – and for us to get to know you – which is an essential part of the tailoring process. The best results come when you trust us, and we have a clear understanding of what you’re looking for and whether we can help you achieve it. That’s why a conversation is so important. Please enter your name and phone number below. One of our specialists will call you within one business day to schedule your appointment at our made-to-measure salon in Poznań.
One of our specialists will reach out to you within one business day.
Kind regards and have a wonderful day.
MILER Menswear team
MILER Menswear team
What shirt for a wedding?
Pro tip: For an occasion as formal as a wedding, it is essential to wear a white shirt, or alternatively, a shirt in cream, ecru, or champagne color.
The shirt should, of course, have cufflinks and be free of any quirks or so-called "improvements" such as colored buttonhole stitching, double collars, unusual buttons, etc. Below, you'll find a selection of ideal formal shirts for a wedding.
A white shirt with cufflink cuffs, perfect for special occasions. Chic and elegant, it pairs well with both formal and business suits for work. The shirt features a semi-spread collar, with tips that tuck neatly under a jacket’s lapels, creating a cohesive and polished look, along with a smooth placket. Cufflink shirts are a valuable addition to any wardrobe—especially in such a versatile color as white. A shirt for a bow tie with a hidden placket in white, perfect for special occasions. This is the only elegant shirt that fits both a tuxedo and a formal suit, making it an excellent choice for weddings and evening events. The bow tie shirt features a classic Kent collar, cufflink fastenings, and a hidden placket covering the buttons. Its length ensures it stays tucked in at all times. The white color complements any suit and elevates the formality of any outfit. A shirt with a bow tie is the ideal combination for important, elegant occasions. A versatile bow tie shirt is a must-have in your wardrobe!
Formal white cufflink shirt
White dress shirt for bow tie
Is a cream-colored shirt okay?
When it comes to shirts, there’s one issue worth addressing. The wedding dress is usually purchased independently of the suit, and since women tend to get more excited about wedding attire than men, this usually happens earlier. Bridal shop assistants often tell brides that white won't suit their complexion and they should go for a cream-colored dress instead. I’m not sure why, but some brides immediately try to put their groom "under their heel" by saying: “You have to buy an ecru shirt, because if you wear a white one, my wedding dress will look dirty.” That is the biggest nonsense I’ve ever heard. If you don’t believe me, scroll back to the beginning of this article. At the very top, you’ll see a photo of Olga and me next to a black Volga on our wedding day. Did you notice that her dress is cream-colored, and my shirt is snow white? Probably not – I’ve published this photo many times, and out of the tens of thousands of people who’ve seen it, not a single one has ever pointed that out.
After discussing this important topic, let’s return to the types of shirts. Essentially, there are three options to choose from:
- 1. Cufflink shirt with a plain front placket – if you decide to wear a tie to the wedding, and thus go with a suit or morning coat.
- 2. Cufflink shirt with a hidden placket – if you choose to wear a bow tie with a suit or tuxedo.
- 3. Cufflink shirt with a stand-up collar and a stiffened front with pique or pleats and stud buttons – yes, this is the advanced option. To be worn only if you opt for a tailcoat (in that case with a single cuff), or possibly a tuxedo.
Pro tip: I’m often asked by readers whether a stand-up collar shirt can be worn with a suit. This type of shirt originates from the tailcoat and is sometimes used as a substitute for a tuxedo. Unfortunately, its migration into the realm of suits is too far removed from its roots, which is why it's better to stick with shirts from Option 1 or Option 2 above.
Cufflinks
In my opinion, cufflinks for a wedding shirt should avoid overly elaborate designs. When it comes to wedding attire, simplicity is everything. I recommend choosing cufflinks made of onyx, mother of pearl, silver, or gold—always with a smooth finish, or at most, with very subtle embellishments.
Pro tip: Just because you enjoy playing poker or going fishing doesn’t mean you should wear cufflinks shaped like a deck of cards or a fish.
Watch for the wedding
You could easily write an entire series of articles about formal watches. But for the purpose of this entry, the most important thing to understand is the watch case. First and foremost — forget about compass watches! Practically every category of timepieces includes outstanding models, but not all of them are suitable for a wedding. The key criterion for a wedding watch is a thin case, one that easily slides under the cuff of your dress shirt.
Pro tip: A watch with a thick case—regardless of its value or level of prestige—will block the cuff, hide it inside the jacket sleeve, and disrupt the visual balance of your entire silhouette.
What to wear around the neck: a tie or a bow tie for the wedding?
If you decide to wear a suit for your wedding, one of the decisions it will involve is choosing between a bow tie or a tie. Here’s my advice: if you feel drawn to the idea of a bow tie but aren’t sure whether you really want to wear one—go for it! You are the groom, and on your wedding day, you can do anything. No one will bat an eye if you look a little more extravagant (as bow ties tend to be) than usual. On the other hand, if you feel uncomfortable in a bow tie or get nervous at the thought of people staring at it—skip it. A bow tie doesn’t hold any advantage over a tie, and a tie doesn’t trump a bow tie either. The choice between the two comes down entirely to your personal preference.
…and once you’ve made your choice, remember that in both cases you are absolutely required to follow the rules of wearing a bow tie or a tie.
Pro tip: A bow tie and a tie are accessories that serve as the final touch to your outfit—the “dot on the i.” If you ignore the rules of how to wear them correctly—such as wearing a pre-tied bow tie, or a tie that’s too short or poorly knotted—you can ruin the appearance of even the finest suit, shoes, and shirt.
It’s essential to tie both your tie and bow tie manually. A clip-on tie or a pre-tied bow tie is a clear indicator that the wearer does not pay attention to details. If you've never had to tie one before (or if your fiancée has always done it for you…), now’s the time to learn.
Oh, and one more thing – skip all the other neck accessories. Honestly, a bow tie or a tie is all you need.
White pocket square for the wedding
On the left side of your jacket, you'll find the breast pocket. Regardless of whether you choose to do anything with it, remember this: it is NOT meant for wearing flowers. The only thing that should fill your breast pocket is a pocket square. While silk pocket squares are usually colorful, for your wedding day, you’ll need a white linen pocket square. It’s the classic of all classics — worn by true connoisseurs of timeless style.
Carnation in the boutonnière
The boutonnière is the small slit (that little hole) in the lapel of a jacket. In a good wedding suit, it should be properly cut. In a very good wedding suit, there should also be a thread loop on the back of the lapel to hold the stem of a carnation in place. And while we're on the subject, it's time for a quick pro tip:
Pro tip: During a wedding, a white carnation is the only thing that should be worn in the boutonnière. I’ve seen it a thousand times: a beautiful suit, nice shoes, a great tie and shirt — and then... a floral arrangement resembling a miniature of the bride’s bouquet, pinned to the lapel with a safety pin. A single carnation is really enough. You can skip the floral corsage.
Shoes for the wedding
I rarely do this, but let’s begin with a quote:
"It is impossible to be well-dressed in cheap shoes" – Hardy Amies
Of course, you might not know who Sir Edwin Hardy Amies was. He was the royal tailor to Queen Elizabeth II and, to put it as generally as possible, he knew a thing or two about how to look good. I completely understand what Amies meant to tell us: Ugly shoes will ruin even the finest suit.
On my wedding day, obligated by my choice of morning coat, I went with bespoke shoes made by Tadeusz Januszkiewicz. These shoes are finished in a spectacular way, and their appearance is very conservative and devoid of any flashy details. However, they possess a particular quality that’s important — and unavailable in cheap shoes made from low-grade leather. Here's what my plain-toe oxfords looked like when I first bought them:
And this is what they looked like three years later, after dozens of uses during business meetings and tastings, when — during an event at the Miler Menswear and Miler Spirits store — I polished them to a mirror shine using a few drops of Laphroaig whisky from the island of Islay. As you can see, the wear on the shoe upper is minimal.
Of course, not everyone has to immediately opt for bespoke shoes. All you really need are black oxfords. Black oxfords are a perfect match for formal outfits. They show that the person wearing them pays attention to detail and wants to emphasize the importance of the occasion. They pair beautifully with a suit and add sophistication to the overall look. In the Miler Menswear collection, you’ll find the ideal wedding shoes — the stunning black Blake oxfords. Take a look below to see how they present themselves:
Dancing, revelry, and merriment
It’s important that your wedding outfit not only looks good but also allows you to move freely. Remember, even if you’re a die-hard “anti-dancer,” you’ll still need to get through the first dance.
In this case, there are truly no shortcuts — it’s worth investing in a well-tailored outfit with proper shoulder construction and the right pant cut. If you have a standard body type, you should go for high-quality RTW (ready-to-wear). However, if your body type is non-standard, the only solution is MTM (made-to-measure) or bespoke, depending on your budget and needs.
How to dress for the day-after wedding celebration
The wedding and reception aren’t the whole story. Very often, an important part of the celebration is also the day-after gathering — known in Polish tradition as poprawiny. This event also requires elegance from the bride and groom, but this time with a sporty and relaxed twist. After all, many guests will be “recovering” from the previous day, and a less formal dress code will be appropriate. The groom has several style options for this occasion, all leaning toward smart casual elegance.
- • Option 1: Wear your wedding suit, remove the tie, and swap the shirt for a light blue, white, or pink semi-formal shirt.
- • Option 2: Purchase a pair of light grey pants and present yourself in a coordinated outfit, with or without a tie.
- • Option 3: Opt for a more casual look and go with chinos, a sporty shirt (e.g. OCBD – Oxford Cloth Button Down), and a sport jacket.
I personally chose option 2, even though it looked a bit more traditional!
In the photo with Karim Bibars, one of the best Polish bartenders, who caused an absolute sensation at our wedding by preparing out-of-this-world cocktails.
In my opinion, at the day-after-wedding celebration, the key factor is the difference in the level of formality between the jackets. If you choose a more elevated option, it will be necessary to purchase a sport jacket that is clearly different from a suit jacket. Understanding the differences between these jackets is essential.
After writing this article, I even got a little emotional. It’s already been 6 years since my wedding with Olga, but it was so wonderful that the memories are still vivid and bring us so much joy. We're still doing great and we make a point to follow Queen Elizabeth’s favorite rule – Dress for the occasion. One of our photos that I really like is the one below, taken during the O.S.T.R. concert in Warsaw organized by the Hennessy brand, where we felt great in casual elegance. Once the wedding emotions settle, it's okay to dial down the sartorial formality a bit! Best regards, <3
If you're looking for inspiration for your own wedding, be sure to check out our other wedding articles:
• Checked wedding suit in a boho style
Comments (1)
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Szukaliśmy dla męża odpowiedni garnitur i natrafiliśmy na blog. Super opisane, dziękujemy za pomoc:)
