The wedding invitation says: “Smart attire.” That short line has troubled quite a few gentlemen, because “smart” is a very broad idea. A suit is a safe bet, but what colour suit to wear to a wedding? This guide helps you choose a safe colour for each time of day, avoid clashing with the groom and steer clear of what is considered taboo in Vietnamese custom.
Quick answer
The safest choice for a male guest is a navy or charcoal suit with a white or light blue shirt. Avoid an all-white or all-cream suit (easily mistaken for the groom), solid black with a black tie (suggests a funeral), bright red (the bride's colour) and a tuxedo with a bow tie (these belong to the groom). Choose the colour by the time of the reception: lighter by day, deeper for an evening party.
What colour suit to wear to a wedding: colours to choose
For a guest, the basic principle is to look good without competing. The colour of your suit should be a backdrop that lets the bride and groom shine.
| Suit colour | Feel | Suits which time of day | Pair with |
|---|---|---|---|
| Navy | Composed, formal | Any time | White shirt; burgundy, silver or light blue tie |
| Charcoal grey | Elegant, poised | Lunch or evening reception | White or light blue shirt; navy or bordeaux tie |
| Medium grey, light grey | Light, modern | Daytime or outdoor wedding | White shirt; dusty rose or blue tie |
| Petrol blue, dark moss green | Stylish, refined | Evening reception, modern wedding | White shirt; tie in a matching tone |
| Dark brown, deep beige | Warm, gentle | Daytime wedding, cooler season | Cream or light blue shirt |
As for what colour suit to wear to a wedding, navy is the safest choice because it suits almost every wedding, every face and every reception. If you have only one suit for weddings, make it navy.
Choosing the colour by time of day
Daytime ceremony, lunch reception. Lighter, softer colours suit the daytime atmosphere: medium grey, light grey, light navy, deep beige. A thin, breathable wool keeps you comfortable in Saigon's heat.
Evening reception. Deeper colours suit warm lighting: dark navy, charcoal grey, petrol blue. You can add a pocket square for a more formal look.
Outdoor or relaxed-style wedding. You can choose a blazer instead of a full three-piece suit, paired with trousers in a different colour. Keep the shirt and leather shoes.
Colours that can clash with the groom: avoid them
The groom is the one whose suit should stand out most. Guests should avoid choices that could get them mistaken for the groom or the groomsmen.
- All-white, cream or ivory suits. These are colours usually reserved for the groom and carry the character of wedding formalwear.
- Tuxedos, especially a white tuxedo or a black tuxedo with a bow tie. Satin lapels and a bow tie belong to the attire of the groom and groomsmen.
- A suit in the same colour as the groomsmen. If you know the groomsmen's colour in advance, choose a different one. You can ask friends or family.
- An overly loud suit. Bright red, glaring yellow and neon pink draw more attention than the groom.
Colours considered taboo in Vietnamese custom
Customs can differ by region and by family, but a few are fairly widespread:
- Black from head to toe. A black suit, black shirt and black tie easily evoke a funeral atmosphere. If you wear a black suit, pair it with a light shirt and a coloured tie.
- All white. In traditional belief, white is also associated with funerals, besides being the groom's colour.
- Deep red all over. Red is the bride's colour in many ancestral altar ceremonies. Wearing red that outshines the bride is seen as tactless.
- Dull, gloomy tones. Pale ash grey and faded brown easily create a sad impression.
These are reference conventions, not binding rules. If you aren't sure, ask the families on both sides, or go with navy and charcoal grey, two colours that are almost never wrong.
Pairing shirt, tie and shoes for guests
- Shirt: white is never wrong; light blue or pale pink suits a daytime wedding.
- Tie: burgundy, navy, silver, dusty rose. Avoid black and bright red.
- Pocket square: a white one folded flat is the standard.
- Shoes: lace-up leather shoes, black or dark brown. Sneakers, however nice, downgrade a suit.
- Socks: the same colour as the trousers, long enough not to show skin when you sit.
For more detailed suggestions by type of reception, the article what to wear to a wedding: suggestions for men explains each case, while should you wear a suit to a wedding discusses when you should and shouldn't.
If the invitation states a specific dress code
Many wedding invitations spell out the attire, and knowing how to read them matters as much as choosing the colour:
- “Smart attire” or “smart casual”. A suit or blazer, shirt and leather shoes are enough. A tie is optional. Navy, grey and beige are all fine.
- “Formal wear” or “formal”. A full two- or three-piece suit, tie, pocket square and lace-up leather shoes. Choose dark navy or charcoal grey.
- “Black tie”. This is an occasion for a tuxedo. If the invitation says so, you should have a tuxedo made or rent one rather than wear a business suit.
- A theme colour. If the invitation names a main colour, guests should avoid it for the main part of the outfit, or use it only for accessories such as a tie or pocket square.
When in doubt, you can message the families on both sides to ask. Most families are happy when guests care about this detail.
A tip from Mon Amie's master tailors
When customers ask us how to choose a suit for a wedding, we always advise: first find out what time the reception is and where it is held. A daytime outdoor wedding and an evening banquet in a hotel call for two different moods, even if the suit is still navy.
Second: if you go to weddings often, invest in one well-fitted made-to-measure navy suit instead of buying several average ones. A well-made navy suit combined with four ties and two shirts is enough for a whole wedding season.
Frequently asked questions
What colour suit to wear to a wedding if you only have one?
Choose the navy suit. This colour suits every reception time and every face. Just swap the shirt and tie, and you have a different look for a daytime wedding or an evening party.
What colour should men wear to a wedding?
Navy or charcoal grey are the two safest colours. By day you can choose medium or light grey; in the evening, dark navy or charcoal grey. A white or light blue shirt goes with them.
What colours shouldn't you wear to a wedding?
Avoid an all-white or all-cream suit (easily confused with the groom), solid black with a black tie, bright red and other glaring colours. If you wear black, pair it with a light shirt and a coloured tie.
What colours are taboo at a wedding?
By common belief, people avoid wearing black or white from head to toe because it recalls a funeral, and avoid deep red that upstages the bride. Beliefs can differ from family to family, so ask if you aren't sure.
Which colours should you avoid so you don't clash with the groom?
Avoid white or cream suits, tuxedos with bow ties and suits in the same colour as the groomsmen. Navy, charcoal grey and petrol blue are colours that rarely clash.
What colour should you wear to a wedding in hot weather?
Choose mid-light colours such as medium grey, light grey, light navy or deep beige. A thin, breathable wool with minimal lining keeps you comfortable. If the invitation allows, you can swap the suit for a lightweight blazer.
An invitation from Mon Amie
If you're preparing for wedding season and want a navy suit versatile enough for many occasions, book a measuring appointment or browse suitable styles in products. Our dress and etiquette consultations also help you and your team feel more confident at events.