The invitation says only: "Dress code: smart attire." Two words that sound easygoing, yet it is the line that keeps many gentlemen standing in front of the wardrobe the longest. How smart? Is a tie needed? Suit or blazer? What to wear to a restaurant wedding actually has a short answer: read the invitation carefully, dress one notch more formally, and let a good fit do the rest.
The short answer
For an evening wedding reception at a restaurant or hotel, men should wear a dark suit in navy, charcoal or black, with a white or light blue shirt, a tie and polished leather shoes. If the invitation is more relaxed, a blazer with trousers is a polished alternative.
Reading the invitation: the small print decides everything
Invitations usually hint at the level of formality, even if sometimes very discreetly. A quick conversion:
| The invitation says | You should wear |
|---|---|
| "Black tie" or "Formal" | Tuxedo or black suit, white shirt, bow tie or black tie, polished leather shoes |
| "Smart attire", or nothing stated (evening hotel reception, large banquet restaurant) | Dark suit, shirt, tie, oxford or derby shoes |
| "Smart casual" or "relaxed, elegant" | Blazer, trousers, shirt, tie optional |
| "Outdoor, garden or beach wedding" | Lighter: light-coloured blazer, shirt, loafers |
If there are no instructions, consider the venue and the time. An evening reception at a five-star hotel or a large wedding banquet restaurant is usually assumed to be formal, meaning a suit. An easy rule to remember: better to dress one notch more formally than to fall short, because a suit jacket can always come off, while you can't add a layer to a T-shirt.
What to wear to a restaurant wedding: the suit formula for an evening reception
This is the safe, easy choice within the group of "suits for weddings":
- Suit: navy, charcoal or black. A single-breasted, two-button jacket with notch lapels is the standard. Plain wool or a very fine, subtle stripe.
- Shirt: white is the choice that is never wrong. Light blue is also handsome and softer on the eye. The collar should fit well, hugging the tie.
- Tie: silk in a deep colour such as wine red, navy, moss green, or with a small pattern. Avoid ties that are too loud or too pale.
- Pocket square: a white one folded flat is enough. Don't try to match it to the tie too perfectly.
- Shoes: black leather oxfords or derbies, polished. Dark brown is also fine with a navy or grey suit.
- Belt and socks: a belt in the same colour as the shoes, and long socks in a tone matching the trousers.
Blazer with trousers: when can it replace a suit?
If the invitation is relaxed, or the wedding is semi-formal, a navy blazer with grey or charcoal trousers and a white shirt is a polished yet light choice. Two principles keep a blazer from looking "underdressed":
- The jacket and trousers should have a deliberate contrast, not be almost the same but slightly off in tone.
- Choose a blazer cloth that is neat enough: avoid cloth that is too coarse or creased; choose fine wool.
In the evening, you can also add a tie and pocket square to raise the level of formality. For outdoor weddings or the hot season, the article what to wear to a summer wedding adds lighter, cooler options.
Colours for a restaurant wedding
- Choose: navy, charcoal, dark grey. These colours suit restaurant lighting, photograph well and don't compete with the groom's outfit.
- Consider: a black suit is still usable for an evening reception. Many people prefer navy or charcoal to keep the mood lighter, and if you do wear black, add a coloured tie or pocket square.
- Avoid: all white or bright cream, which stands out unnecessarily at someone else's wedding. Also avoid colours that are too loud or large patterns, because the lead role today is not yours.
Three details that show respect
- A good fit. A moderately priced suit that fits always looks better than an expensive one that is loose or tight.
- Clean and pressed. A carefully ironed shirt, polished shoes, a suit without creases.
- Deliberate. From the pocket square to the watch, everything is understated, never showy.
Once you sit down at the table
A restaurant wedding often lasts a few hours, so moving around matters too:
- Unbutton the jacket when you sit. The jacket isn't pulled tight and doesn't crease.
- Don't take your jacket off too early. Wait until the atmosphere relaxes, or until the host has taken theirs off, if necessary.
- Choose breathable cloth. A crowded banquet hall gets warm easily; light wool keeps you more comfortable.
- Bring a thin handkerchief. For wiping your hands or sweat when needed.
Common mistakes
- Dressing too casually for the venue. A T-shirt, jeans and trainers at a hotel reception is the biggest mistake.
- Dressing more impressively than the groom. A white tuxedo, a bright bow tie, unless the invitation asks for it.
- A loose jacket, trousers dragging on the floor. Small details that spoil the whole outfit.
- Forgetting the shoes. Dirty shoes or worn heels are what the person sitting next to you notices most.
- Fastening both buttons. A two-button jacket is fastened at the top button only.
A tip from the Mon Amie master tailor
When you consider what to wear to a restaurant wedding, think about the whole wedding season rather than a single banquet. If you attend several weddings a year, a well-fitted made-to-measure navy two-button suit is a sensible investment: it works for weddings, for meetings, for meeting partners, and you only need to change the tie and pocket square to give it a different feel. Try the whole outfit on the day before, including sitting and raising your arms, and don't forget to choose shoes you have already broken in. To understand the general choices further, you can read what men should wear to a wedding and should you wear a suit to a wedding.
Frequently asked questions
What should I wear to a wedding to look polished without outshining the groom?
Choose a navy or charcoal suit, a white shirt, a deep-coloured tie and black leather shoes. Avoid all white and colours that are too bright. The goal is to look well turned out, not showy.
What should I wear to an evening wedding at a hotel?
A dark suit with a white shirt and a tie is the most standard choice. If the invitation says "formal" or "black tie", you can step up to a tuxedo or a black suit with a bow tie.
Which style of suit should I choose for a wedding?
A single-breasted two-button suit with notch lapels, in plain or subtly striped wool, is the easiest to wear. If you need something more formal, you can choose a three-piece suit with a waistcoat.
Is a suit required at a restaurant wedding?
Not required, but for an evening reception a suit or blazer is the most suitable. If the invitation says relaxed, a blazer with a shirt and trousers is still polished enough.
An invitation
If you don't yet have a suit smart enough for the wedding season, book a fitting at Mon Amie to choose a cloth and cut that suit your build. You can also preview the cloth lines in the price list or learn about the bespoke tailoring service to prepare for the coming wedding season.