Men’s wedding suit ideas, styles and attire: Find an outfit that matches the dress code

Obviously, you want the groomsmen’s suits to correlate with the vision, whether it’s a hint of colour or a splash of subtle patterning on the pocket square or tie. If you’re looking for something a little more relaxed, navy or blue is a fresh antidote to black and allows for plenty of play through exciting colour combinations and accessories. Just in time for wedding season, you can meet with the team in-store who can customise head-to-toe looks for the discerning groom and his wedding party. See here for all Fashion Services.

Wedding guest suits most represent effort but not motive to ‘out dress’. It is, after all, about the bridal party. But that doesn’t mean wedding guests can’t make an entrance… Consider pastels and pattern play with printed shirts and blazers in on-trend shades of pink and coral hues. If you’re clashing prints, stick to pieces in a similar colour palette, or introduce a fresh white shirt to break things up a little.

Ensure you look the part from head to (literal) toe in a smart pair of dress shoes. Leather in varying hues — from tan right through to black — is classic, and can be called on time and time again. If you’re the groom, or the dress code calls for black tie, a patent black pair will add serious polish.

The perfect final additions come in the form of a tie and cufflinks. Stylish stripes and fresh florals are classic, a bow tie takes things up a notch, while cufflinks get smart in carbon fibre or stainless steel. For a personal touch, include a nod to a beloved four-legged friend (or whichever irreverent motif from Paul Smith speaks to you).

Whether as a gift-to-self, or for your husband-to-be, a best man, or father of the bride, a new watch is a timeless gesture that will add a special touch to your (or their) look on the day, and be cherished for years to come. Black or brown leather is classic, while silver or gold mixed back with blue will be beloved by a truly modern man.

From calling on your classic tux to investing in the perfect linen suit, it can be tricky to know how to hit the mark so, we’ve broken down the elements behind every wedding dress code.

Whether the formal cocktail dress code has been stipulated in the wedding invitation or not, you can guarantee that unless it says otherwise, a refined establishment with silver service catering is more than likely formal cocktail attire. Look at the venue and the vibe. Alternatively, ask a fashionable friend what their take on the matter is. 

For a beach wedding dress code – you’re looking at lighter and tactile fibres, think cloth, cotton, linen. Ones that are going to be forgiving under an Australian sun and, at the same time, evoke the ease of the beach. Lighter colours are a must; no one wants to see black at a beach wedding – save that for after dark and bucks nights. But don’t be afraid to mess with a little colour. Summer was picked for a reason – exuberance, sunsets, flowers, ocean, golden sands. 

There are elements of the beach wedding that cross into a winery as both take place (most of the time) during the summer. The dress code is slightly more formal at a winery compared to a beach setting, which opens the doors to a number of styles and suits. And still, lighter materials are to be expected. Dark greens, navy, royal blue, and browns are a prevalent reliance. They blend well with the landscape and capture the balance of formality and fun quite perfectly. 

It honestly depends on how country the wedding is. Are we talking RM Williams country or MJ Bale country? For outfits closer to country on the scale, hints of denim or leather, browns and cream pallets. And to the right of the scale; tweed, plaid, with a brown, green, cream, or deep red colour palettes match well.

From Australia’s largest high-end retailer stocking the world’s most exclusive brands, David Jones’ Suit collection is a seasonal collaboration of current styles and excellent taste. Whether you’re one of the groomsmen, a guest or the groom himself, there is a wedding suit to accommodate any dress code and venue. Discover our edit of Wedding Suits for more.