When we think about summer weekends, some of us picture the perfect cookout with friends, relaxing on a vacation we’ve needed, or heading out to watch our favourite team at a baseball game.  Others enter the summer season with weekends packed with weddings of friends and family to attend. Between finding the perfect gift, sending the right card, and making sure you have an appropriate date, you can forget the most important detail of attending a wedding: your outfit. From the season and weather, to the location of the venue, there are many factors to take in consideration when planning your wedding guest attire. If you’re attending a wedding this summer, or any season, here are a few tips to get ahead and make sure that you won’t only look great, but also feel great.

Season and Weather

The first place to start when planning out your wedding guest attire is considering what season would best suit your wedding.  Always take into consideration that you want to look sharp, but still be comfortable. In case you’re wondering, you can definitely still be stylish no matter how hot it is outside!  For weddings held within spring and summer, think of wearing fabrics that are lighter and more breathable. Cotton and light wool are just a few of the warm weather comfortable materials for button down shirts! During the warmer seasons, you should think about how your attire will look if you need to take your suit jacket off. Although shorts are typically never an acceptable wedding attire option, consider a nice pair of pants made from chambray, which is an extremely breathable cotton material.

If you’re attending a wedding in the fall or winter, wearing fabrics that are heavier and warmer will help you stay most comfortable. Don’t be afraid to layer your outfit with a wool peacoat or patterned scarf for a winter wedding, or throw a lighter jacket on for a wedding in the fall. You want to make sure you are prepared for the colder weather, but not look like you’re about to hit the mountains on a skiing trip!

Venue

Tying into the factor of weather, think about the venue. It might  be an outdoor wedding on the beach, in the countryside, or maybe the wedding is being held within a church or an old castle. No matter where the wedding is, this is the time to take in consideration comfortability. If the wedding is being held outside, think about lighter colors and a look that is more summertime chic. Khakis or linen pants are perfect for outdoor weddings because they still look professional and appropriate, but aren’t as heavy and warm as a pair of suit pants.

For weddings that are held inside, think about more than just the actual wedding ceremony.  For an outfit that is functional throughout the whole night, whether you’re tearing it up on the dancefloor or mingling with the bridal party, consider a button down shirt that is breathable and a pair of suspenders that will look timeless. If you are planning on dancing the night away, perhaps invest in a pair of pants that are prepared for any movement you might make well dancing.

Requested Attire

Finally and most importantly, let’s consider the theme of the wedding.  This is the most important and crucial detail of wedding attire planning. By looking at the invitation, it should be apparent if the wedding has a more casual or black-tie theme. For weddings that are casual, think about wearing something more simple, like dress pants with a tucked-in button-down. If you’re planning on attending a wedding that is black-tie or black-tie optional, this is the time to break out that perfect fitting suit or tuxedo.

For some guys, this could be your first time on the quest for the perfect tailored suit. There is no need to worry! Visit your local suit or tuxedo rental shop and find the look that is perfect for you. If you’re more cautious when it comes to finding the right tuxedo or suit, don’t stress. The folks at The Black Tux have cracked the secret to the perfectly tailored suit and changed the rental industry forever. Their simple (and easy!)  at-home try-on service allows you to try on the tuxedo or suit rental that fits the theme of the wedding you’re attending. If it does not fit right, simply send back your rental with any adjustments you might need, and they guarantee it will be sent back to you before your event.

When in doubt, use your best judgement. If you’re planning on bringing a date, think about asking them what they want to wear, or suggest coordinating outfits! Keep your accessories simple and make sure that you look the part. A leather banded watch, dress shoes and patterned tie are just a few suggestions to give your look a touch of signature detail. When all else fails, don’t be afraid to reach out to the soon-to-be married couple for their suggestions on wedding guest attire.

When you look good, you feel good. Enter this wedding season with the confidence that your outfit can own any occasion you’re attending. Don’t be afraid to try out a look that is new or perhaps a little bolder than you normally would.