A man's guide to looking sharp at summer weddings, from elegant tuxedos to casual linen
weddings
– there were more than 7,000 in Ireland in the summer of 2023, the most popular month being August. It's obvious why; the days are long, the weather (mostly) good, gardens and countryside are looking their best, and being holiday time, the mood is festive.
Today's trends mean matrimonial events are often spread out over several days, so it's not just the wedding day celebrations that demand some sartorial thought if you're one of the male guests. Dress codes vary but need to be considered.
Louis Copeland
says he has never seen so many black-tie Irish weddings as this year. 'I think it's because people can't go wrong with a tuxedo and bow tie. It's easier and more elegant.'
In his opinion, 'check suits with brown shoes are terrible. The groom has to stand out, so any tie, for instance, should be different to that of the groom. If the wedding is abroad, linen suits are more casual.' He cautions against shorts and football jerseys at prior and post events. 'Most people enjoy the day after, everybody is more relaxed and can let their hair down, but you have to think of those photos in a few years' time.'
Male personal shopper
Eider Lette
says modern weddings balance tradition with a more relaxed atmosphere, 'so blending formal and casual elements feel perfectly appropriate', though he cautions against bold colours if the setting is formal.
READ MORE
Black-tie attire: black dress suit (€1,145) and a tuxedo slim-fit white shirt (€230), from Louis Copeland
Three-piece beige herringbone suit (€1,699), slim-fit pinpoint white shirt (€159), Brown penny loafers (€520), from Louis Copeland
He recommends a suit in a classic block colour paired with an open-neck shirt and smart, classic shoes. 'If the wedding is more formal or black tie, I would recommend a crisp, closed-up shirt with a bow tie or traditional medium-width tie, avoiding loud colours.'
The importance of good fit when it comes to suits cannot be overstated (a made-to-measure suit always looks the best as it is tailored to your shape), but a blazer with smart-casual trousers is a good alternative. Edward Hussey of Irish men's wear company
Beggars Run
agrees that no guest should steal the groom's limelight. 'The blue suit is the classic choice, but it can be tweaked with accessories like a pocket square or a tie which make it a little more fun.'
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He also argues the case for green. 'It is always a good substitute without being too wild. Tuxedos in dark green with black trousers are that little bit different and so is dark brown, a colour now associated with luxury even in interiors. Men tend to be conservative and want suits that are versatile and can be worn to other events during the year.'
Known for colourful tailoring and made-to-measure classics, Beggars Run do a lot of corduroy. 'It has casual associations, but when tailored it can be very sharp, particularly if you add a waistcoat. Lads like it because of its lustre and that it is firmer in shape and more approachable than velvet.' Velvet jackets have become popular with some men 'because it adds a dash of raciness and elegance'.
Green chalk stripe suit (€1,149) with peaked lapel. Bengal stripe shirt (€219), brown leather penny loafers (€520), from Louis Copeland
Bronze wool/silk/linen jackets (€699), fitted barstripe beige shirt (€169), white cotton chinos (€279), from Louis Copeland
Duke blue flannel suit (€1,320) from Beggars Run
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While some might think wool should be avoided in warm weather, Hussey disagrees. 'We do what we call a light alfresco wool called tropical wool – it's all about the weave and doesn't crease up, so it is ideal for summer weddings.'
His final word of advice concerns shoes. 'They should not distract, ideally should be black or dark oxblood. And with summer weddings, brown suede shoes with a dark suit look good – it's important to allocate a bit of money for a good pair.'
Celebratory dressing for summer nuptials and looking your best should be fun – and there is always the option to rent rather than buy. But don't forget the shades, and to have a decent umbrella on standby.
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