So you picked THE DRESS and have a whole vision of the style of your wedding day set. Then comes the time to figure out what the groom + groomsmen will wear. Ugh, right? You don’t want to be the one asking them to buy suits they will wear once, but also know that going to a rental tux place is not your guys’ idea of spending a Saturday afternoon together. Lucky for the men in your life, not only can you rent online with The Black Tux, but you can also get head to toe looks that fit them like a glove (no more ill-fitting dress pants!), with quality materials that make your old idea of renting tuxes a thing of the past. Hello 2018!

Now that you have your men taken care of with where they will go for their wedding day looks, it’s time to talk about another topic that every guy should know: dress codes! You can easily set a dress code depending on the style of your wedding dress, with formal and romantic gowns (think dreamy ballgowns and sparkly mermaid numbers) that a black tie would be perfect for, to flowy and boho beach brides that a casual “no dress code” would be more fitting for. But how the heck can you tell the difference between casual and cocktail attire? Isn’t cocktail casual?

The Black Tux will break it down for us with a cheat sheet of dress code for the guys. Whether you’re part of the wedding party or will be a guest at a wedding this year, knowing what each dress code means will save you time from the rabbit hole of online research:

1. Black Tie

This is one of the most formal dress codes a guy will receive to attend a wedding (juuuust behind white tie). If the invitation is for a black tie wedding, expect an ultra elegant soiree with a strict dress code. The good news is that it makes it easier for you to choose what you will wear, as the choice of colors is just black and white. Lucky you guys!

Style pictured above: Shawl Collar Tuxedo

Black tuxedo:
Black bow tie
White tuxedo shirt
Cufflinks
Black patent leather shoes

Optional:
Button studs
Pocket square

2. Black Tie Optional

The optional in black tie optional doesn’t let you off the hook as easy as it seems. Black Tie Optional still expects you to wear a tux but it gives guests the alternative to wear a dark suit in case they can’t wear a tux. This means you’re expected to the keep the formality of a black tie event whether you’re wearing a tux or not, meaning, dark colors only.

Black or midnight blue tuxedo
Black and white satin bow tie or necktie
White tuxedo shirt or dress shirt
Cufflinks
Black patent leather shoes

Optional:
Pocket square

3. Creative Black Tie

Think of what you’d wear to the Grammy’s to walk up to receive your award. A black tux is always a good idea, but you can be a little more adventurous with a dinner jacket or even with a super sleek suit to keep it all dressed up.

Dinner jacket tuxedo
White tuxedo shirt or dress shirt
Cufflinks
Pocket square
Patent leather shoes or velvet loafers

4. Cocktail Attire

Cocktail hour is my favorite. HA! Seriously, while cocktail hour attire isn’t as stiff as a black tie, it’s dressed up just enough so that it’s not casual. It’s like dressing up just a teeny bit more for an evening event right after work. This means a sharp suit and accessorizing a bit more than you would go to work. Show them your style!

Style pictured: Navy Suit

Navy or blue suit
Solid color dress shirt
Pocket square
Black or brown leather shoes
Necktie or bow tie
Cufflinks

Optional:
Tie clip

5. Casual Attire

If you see casual attire on the invite, don’t assume it means flip-flops. You will often wear casual attire for beach, destination, as well as daytime weddings. You will never go wrong with a suit, but you can also play up your style with a blazer and dress pants.

Style pictured: Light Grey Suit

Suit (anything but black)
Dress shirt (solids or patterns)
Necktie (optional but recommended)
Pocket Square
Brown suede shoes

Optional:
Cufflinks
Suede belt

6. No Dress Code

This is often not spelled out in the invitation, but you will understand the unspoken expectation based on the wedding destination, time of day, and season. It’s not quite “anything goes”, but it’s definitely not the occasion for a tux.

Charcoal or navy suit
White or solid color dress shirt
Patterned necktie, bow tie, or no tie,
White pocket square
Cufflinks
Brown leather shoes

Head over to The Black Tux to learn more about how it works when it comes to ordering your (or your groom + groomsmen’s looks), and have your suit or tux delivered to your door, tailored and ready to go!

This post is sponsored by The Black Tux. All opinions are our own. Thanks for supporting for our sponsors!