What to wear to a summer wedding

It can be tough to sort out what to wear to a summer wedding, even if the couple gives you a dress code. Add the summer heat to that mix, and you’ve got a bit of a puzzle. Here’s what to go for, no matter the location or the weather.

What should I wear to a summer wedding when it's going to be hot?

Summer is upon us - and whilst we all love the sunshine, those higher temperatures can make wearing a suit all day long a bit uncomfortable.

Enter linen, your best fabric friend when you need a summer suit that’s light and breezy. Go with a neutral brown or grey suit if you’re keen to wear brighter accessories, or take it up a notch with a brighter, summery blue. If the wedding is somewhere that’s seriously hot, the lightness and breathability of linen will make dressing a breeze.

Going to a wedding location somewhere hotter than the UK? Consider pairing your linen suit with a linen shirt for a looser, laid back take - grab some tips from our guide on what to wear to a destination wedding. Also, our guide to summer suit fabrics has everything you need to choose your ideal warm-weather suiting style too.

What should I wear to a black-tie summer wedding?

Black tie can be challenging at the best of times, but when the invite stipulates this specific dress code, it’s best to be respectful and not ignore the request.You can always go with a full tuxedo, but there’s no reason you can’t get a bit creative and choose something that’s a bit more special.

A velvet jacket in a jewel tone keeps with the black-tie code, but the unexpected hue adds that hit of personality you might be looking for. Pair it with classic black tuxedo trousers and a silk bowtie to let the jacket take centre stage.

If it’s going to be really warm, invest in a tuxedo crafted from lightweight linen to keep you cool. Our take is blended with Sorona fibres, helping with stretch and crease resistance.

The dress code is smart casual - what do I wear?

Smart casual might sound a little vague, and that’s because it sort of is. It’s an opportunity to essentially wear whatever you like, as long as it’s tidy and fits well. You can definitely go for more of a slightly more laid-back look here – swap out your shirt and tie and try an open knit or a shirt with a fun, colourful print. It's all about pairing it back while still looking put together.

You can still go a bit more formal with a waistcoat, but balance it out with your shoes or choice of accessories. A pair of fresh white trainers are a great way to dress your favourite 3-piece suit down.

What should I wear to a summer wedding in the city?

A city-based wedding calls for a slightly more fashion-forward look, if you’re game. A summer suit in a bright colour or a punchy pattern is a great way to take a calculated risk and still look put together. To tone it down a bit, pair your statement-making suit with a simple shirt and muted accessories. If you want to ease your way into patterns without feeling overwhelmed, a neutral toned suit with a subtle stripe is a great way to do so. Ours comes in a breathable wool-cotton blend, with a little bit of added stretch for ease of movement during long days in the sun.

It’s important to pay attention to the dress code here too, though, as well as the location. If the invite says black-tie or semi-formal, make sure you’re abiding by those requirements. And, if the location is a five-star hotel ballroom or an upscale restaurant, better to play it safe with something a bit more traditional.

What should I wear to a summer wedding in the countryside?

Nothing creates a romantic atmosphere quite like a British countryside wedding, especially in the summer. Compliment the surroundings with a summer suit in an eye-catching, on-trend pastel hue. If you really want your look to feel summery, opt for floral accessories in contrasting shades.

Again, it’s important here to pay attention to the location and any required dress codes. If it says formal, as some countryside weddings are, opt for a morning suit. But, you can still have fun with a brighter waistcoat and some snappy accessories, so don’t be too afraid to take some risks.

What accessories can I use to brighten up my existing look?

If you want to wear a suit that you already own, there are ways to refresh your existing tailoring wardrobe in small, subtle ways. It can be as easy as swapping out your white shirt for a brighter colour, or adding a subtle print. Or exchanging your standard silver cufflinks for mother-of-pearl.

The easiest way to update your suit is by trying out a different tie. Florals, stripes and paisley are all traditionally summery options, but if you're not super into prints, choosing one in a shade that will pop against a more neutral shirt, like red or royal blue works too. Or, keep things tonal and choose a neutral tie if your suit comes in ecru or taupe, adding a darker shade of shirt to offset the accessory.

If you want to add a bit of texture to your look, grenadine ties are a great option. Crafted from Italian silk and woven using traditional techniques, the open grenadine weave is a nice contrast to a smooth cotton or flannel.