Choosing the right suit for your wedding is a critical decision that can significantly impact the look and feel of your big day. The suit colour you select should complement your style and fit the wedding’s theme, season, and formality. Here’s an in-depth guide to help you decide which suit colour will make you look your best on this momentous occasion.
Summary
When choosing a wedding suit, the colour is crucial. Black suits are classic and formal, ideal for evening or winter weddings, but may not suit all skin tones. Grey suits are versatile, with charcoal for formal settings and light grey perfect for summer weddings. Blue suits are modern and stylish, with navy being highly versatile and true blue offering a unique look. Brown and tan suits are best for casual or outdoor weddings, providing a warm, earthy vibe. White suits make a bold statement and are ideal for beach or destination weddings, but they are challenging to maintain. Pinstripe suits add subtle sophistication but are better suited to more formal settings. Choose a suit colour that complements the wedding’s theme, season, and personal style to ensure you look your best on your big day.
Black Suits: The Classic Choice For Formality
Black suits have long been the epitome of formal attire. Timeless, elegant, and universally recognised, a black suit is a go-to for any groom looking to maintain a traditional and formal appearance.
Why Choose Black?
- Formal and Timeless: Black is the most formal colour, perfect for traditional, evening, or winter weddings. It exudes authority and sophistication, making it ideal for black-tie events.
- Versatility: While primarily formal, a black suit can be dressed up or down depending on your chosen accessories. A crisp white shirt and black tie create a classic look, and adding a colourful pocket square or tie can inject some personality.
When To Avoid Black?
- Seasonal Considerations: Black absorbs heat, making it less suitable for daytime or summer weddings. Consider alternatives like navy or grey if your wedding is in the warmer months.
- Skin Tone Compatibility: Black can sometimes wash out lighter skin tones, making you look pale in photos. If you have a fair complexion, consider exploring other colours, like charcoal grey or navy,
Key Tip: If you love the formality of black but want something with a little more depth, consider midnight blue. It offers the same level of sophistication with a subtle twist.
Grey Suits: The Epitome Of Versatility
Grey suits offer a middle ground between black’s formality and tan’s lightness. They are incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit various wedding styles and seasons.
Charcoal Grey:
Pros:
- Formal and Flexible: Charcoal grey is a fantastic option for evening or winter weddings. It’s formal enough to be worn in place of black but has a softer edge, making it a little more versatile.
- Skin Tone Friendly: Unlike black, charcoal grey suits most skin tones, providing a more balanced look.
Cons:
- Not Ideal for Daytime Weddings: Charcoal grey’s darker hue can feel too heavy for daytime or outdoor weddings, especially in summer.
Light Grey:
Pros:
- Perfect for Warm Weather: Light grey is an excellent choice for spring and summer weddings. It reflects sunlight, keeping you cooler and comfortable throughout the day.
- Relaxed Elegance: Light grey suits convey a laid-back yet polished vibe, making them suitable for formal and semi-formal weddings.
Cons:
- Less Formal: Light grey may not be as formal as darker shades, so it might not be the best choice for a traditional or evening wedding.
Key Tip: A light grey suit paired with a white shirt and a pastel tie can create a fresh, modern look perfect for a summer wedding.
Blue Suits: Modern And Stylish
Blue suits have surged in popularity, offering a fresh alternative to the traditional black and grey. They are ideal for grooms who want to add colour to their wedding attire while maintaining a sophisticated appearance.
Navy Blue:
Pros:
- Highly Versatile: Navy blue is the most versatile shade of blue, suitable for almost any wedding style, from formal to semi-formal. It’s a great choice for evening weddings and can be easily paired with a wide range of accessories.
- Flattering: Navy is universally flattering and works well with all skin tones, making it a safe bet for most grooms.
Cons:
- Less Traditional: While navy is still a classic choice, it’s less traditional than black, which might not appeal to all grooms.
True Blue:
Pros:
- Eye-Catching and Unique: A true blue suit stands out without being overly flashy. It’s perfect for grooms who want something different but not too trendy.
- Great for Daytime Weddings: This shade is ideal for spring or summer weddings, particularly outdoors.
Cons:
- Harder to Find: True blue suits are less common than navy, making them harder to source, especially if you’re looking for a specific shade.
Key Tip: Pair a navy blue suit with a white shirt and a contrasting tie, such as burgundy or gold, for a modern yet timeless look.
Brown And Tan Suits: Earthy And Casual
Brown and tan suits are fantastic options for a more relaxed and earthy look. These colours are perfect for rustic, outdoor, or casual weddings.
Brown Suits:
Pros:
- Warm and Rich: Brown suits exude warmth and richness, making them an excellent choice for autumn weddings. They pair beautifully with earth tones and can create a cohesive look for outdoor settings.
- Versatile: Brown suits can range from deep chocolate to lighter mocha shades, allowing versatility depending on the season and formality.
Cons:
- Less Formal: Brown is inherently less formal than black, grey, or navy, making it less suitable for very traditional or black-tie weddings.
- Skin Tone Considerations: Dark brown suits may not complement all skin tones, particularly if you have very fair skin.
Tan Suits:
Pros:
- Ideal for Summer: Tan suits are perfect for summer or beach weddings. They are light and airy and convey a relaxed, casual vibe.
- Complements Pastels: Tan suits complement pastel colours, making them a great option if your wedding has a soft colour palette.
Cons:
- Too Casual for Some Weddings: A tan suit might be too informal for an evening or a traditional wedding.
Key Tip: For a stylish and season-appropriate look at a summer wedding, consider a tan suit with a white or light blue shirt and a floral tie.
White Suits: Bold And Attention-Grabbing
White suits are a bold choice that can make a significant impact. They are ideal for grooms who want to stand out and make a statement.
Pros:
- Striking Appearance: A white suit will turn heads and is perfect for grooms who want to make a bold fashion statement.
- Perfect for Specific Themes: White suits are ideal for beach or destination weddings and can create a crisp, clean look that is hard to beat.
Cons:
- Practicality: White suits are prone to stains and can be challenging to keep clean throughout the day. They require careful handling and might only be practical for some settings.
- Boldness: A white suit can be too bold for some weddings, particularly those with a more traditional or formal theme. It can also draw too much attention away from the bride.
Key Tip: If you choose a white suit, ensure it fits impeccably and pair it with minimalist accessories to keep the look sleek and elegant.
Pinstripe Suits: Adding A Subtle Touch Of Sophistication
Pinstripes may not be a colour, but they can add interest and sophistication to your wedding suit.
Pros:
- Distinctive Look: Pinstripes add texture and depth to a suit, making it stand out subtly without overpowering.
- Works with Classic Colours: Pinstripes look great on navy, grey, and brown suits, providing a classic yet distinctive appearance.
Cons:
- Not Suitable for All Weddings: Pinstripes are typically associated with business attire, so there may be better choices for casual or relaxed weddings.
Key Tip: A navy pinstripe suit with a white shirt and a solid-coloured tie can strike the perfect balance between classic and modern.
Conclusion
Choosing the right suit colour for your wedding day involves balancing personal style, theme, and practicality. Here’s a quick recap to help you decide:
- Your top contenders for formal and traditional weddings are black, charcoal grey, and navy blue.
- Light grey, tan, or true blue for casual or outdoor weddings will give you a stylish yet relaxed look.
- Consider a white suit or a suit with pinstripes to make a bold statement.
- Brown suites offer a unique and stylish option for a warm, earthy feel, especially for autumn weddings.
Remember, your wedding suit is more than just an outfit; it reflects your personality and the tone of your special day. Choose a colour that makes you feel confident and ensures you look your absolute best as you take this significant step in your life.
FAQs About Suit For Wedding
What Colour Suit Is Most Appropriate for a Wedding?
When it comes to colour, in most cases, wedding cocktail attire calls for a charcoal or navy suit, especially for late afternoon and evening weddings. Pair a charcoal or navy suit with a solid white button-down shirt, tie or bowtie, and simple black leather shoes.
When to Buy a Light Grey Suit for Men?
This suit works well for spring, summer, and fall dressing, which means you can let go of learning how to choose a suit colour and choose the shirt and tie instead. The light grey suit is more casual. It is ideal to invest in one once a man has all of the “must-haves” in his wardrobe.
Is a Grey Suit Ok for a Wedding?
Can grooms wear grey or charcoal to their wedding? Absolutely! If the bride and groom agree on the colour, wearing a grey or charcoal suit (and even a tuxedo) is a suitable option for all weddings.
Is a Black Suit Okay for a Wedding?
For men, what to wear as a wedding guest is usually pretty simple: a suit or a tux, most commonly in black. Wearing black at a wedding is common for most men. Regardless of the wedding dress code, a black suit with a white shirt is safe for a male wedding guest. For women, black dresses are also appropriate.
What Colour Suit Is Best for a Light Grey Clothes?
Green works on a multitude of levels. Sage green looks great with light, medium, and charcoal grey suits. Extra points if your suit has a pattern. Forest green looks best with a lighter grey, while emerald green gives a darker grey suit some much-needed depth.
