Quick Answer
It is generally acceptable to wear a black suit to a wedding as long as it is formal and well-tailored. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
– Black suits are traditionally associated with funerals and solemn occasions, so some may find them too somber for a wedding. Opt for charcoal or navy suits if you want to play it safe.
– Make sure your suit fits well and looks sharp – an ill-fitting black suit can appear sloppy. Wear it with a white shirt, tasteful tie or bow tie, and polished dress shoes.
– If the wedding invitation specifies a dress code, follow the requested attire. Black tie, formal, semi-formal each have their own suit color expectations.
– For daytime and outdoor weddings, lighter suits like gray, tan, or lighter blues work better than black. Save black suits for evening ceremonies and receptions.
– Ask the bride/groom if they have any preference on guest attire before wearing black. Some may see it as distracting or inappropriate.
So black suits aren’t expressly forbidden, but require some extra consideration. Use your best judgment based on the formality, time of day, couple’s wishes, and your ability to wear black well. When paired with the right accessories, a black suit can be very stylish and appropriate.
Is it Acceptable to Wear a Black Suit to a Wedding?
The traditional and frequently given advice is to avoid wearing a black suit to a wedding. Black suits and tuxedos are usually reserved for extremely formal events, funerals, or evening wear. So they may seem out of place or too somber for a wedding.
However, the strict prohibition on wearing black suits to weddings has loosened over the past decade. The stigma is fading, and black suits are becoming a more common sight at weddings today. This trend is driven by:
1. Relaxed Dress Codes
Many weddings are more casual today – think backyard BBQ or winery wedding rather than formal ballroom. With relaxed venues comes relaxed attire, so classic black suits now mix comfortably with more casual khakis and sport coats.
2. Evening Weddings
After 6pm, black suits suddenly seem appropriate again. The later timeline makes them feel less like funeral attire and more like stylish eveningwear.
3. Personal Style
Younger grooms especially want to express their personal style, so are choosing modern slim black suits over staid navy or gray options.
So black suits shouldn’t automatically be ruled out for weddings. But before wearing one, consider the factors below:
Considerations Before Wearing Black Suits to a Wedding
1. Time of Day
Daytime weddings call for lighter suit colors – mid-gray, light tan, medium blue, etc. Black suits will look out of place before 6pm. Save them for evening wedding attire.
2. Formality
The more formal the wedding, the more appropriate a black suit becomes. Fits right in at black tie affairs. For casual backyard weddings, avoid black suits. Match the formality level.
3. Couple’s Wishes
Ask the engaged couple if they have any preference against (or for) black suits. Some are superstitious about the color. Respect their wishes.
4. Fit
A well-tailored modern black suit looks sharp. An ill-fitting boxy one looks sloppy and dour. Get your suit properly fitted and iron out any wrinkles/creases.
5. Accessories
Wear black suits with light colored shirts, ties, and pocket squares. Avoid black on black – funerals look. Add color for weddings.
Follow those tips, and a black suit can be wedding appropriate and look fantastic. Use your judgment based on the situation.
Who Can Wear Black Suits to Weddings?
These individuals can comfortably wear black suits to weddings:
– The Groom
The groom can wear a black suit, especially for formal or evening weddings. It’s his big day, so he sets the sartorial tone.
– The Officiant
Priests, ministers, judges etc who oversee the ceremony may wear black as part of their professional wardrobe.
– The Best Man & Groomsmen
The groom’s attendants can match black suits to his if that’s his preference. No clashing!
– ushers
Ushers welcoming and seating guests often wear black suits with ties matching the wedding colors.
– Guests at Black Tie Weddings
When “black tie” is specified on the invitation, black suits are expected attire for male guests.
– Guests at Evening Receptions
After 6pm, switching into a black suit for the reception is fine. Daytime wedding then evening cocktail attire.
– Older Gentleman
Distinguished older guests can often pull off black suits or tuxedos the best. They also likely already own quality tailored black suits.
So black suits are standard attire for some wedding participants, and acceptable for guests in certain situations. Use discretion based on the factors above.
What to Wear With a Black Suit to a Wedding
Accessorize black suits properly for a wedding:
– White or Light Blue Dress Shirt
Avoid black shirts – pair black suits with crisp white or light blue collared dress shirts instead. Proper contrast.
– Colorful Tie or Bow Tie
Add personality and color with a medium blue, purple, green, red, etc tie or bow tie. Contrasts nicely against the black suit.
– Dress Leather Shoes
Wear freshly polished black leather oxfords or loafers, avoiding tennis shoes or sandals. Match the belt to the shoes.
– Dark Socks
Opt for longer black dress socks, not white athletic socks which will contrast poorly.
– Lapel Pin
A small lapel pin with a pop of color like red can accent a black suit. Avoid dark gemstones or metals.
– Watch
A sleek watch like a Tag Heuer Carrera can complement without drawing too much attention.
– Well-Fitted Suit
Get your black suit properly tailored for you, and properly pressed right before the wedding. Crisp and trim, not rumpled.
– Smile
Confidence and charisma matter more than anything. A genuine smile shows you come in good faith.
Follow those tips, and your black suit wedding attire will properly accent you while keeping the focus on the bride and groom.
Black Suit DO’s & DON’Ts for Weddings
| DO | DON’T |
|---|---|
| Wear for evening/formal weddings | Wear for casual daytime weddings |
| Pair with light shirt & colorful tie | Wear a black shirt & tie |
| Ask couple if they approve | Assume it’s always inappropriate |
| Fitted & freshly pressed | Baggy, wrinkled, messy |
| Add fun accessories | Wear lots of black and dark metals |
| Stick to traditions if unsure | Ignore traditions without good reason |
Conclusion
Black suits walk a fine line at weddings. Worn properly and in the right situations, they can convey elegance and sophistication. Worn improperly or in the wrong setting, they can come across as depressing or defiant of tradition.
It ultimately comes down to understanding the context of the specific wedding. Formal evening black tie weddings warrant black suits, while casual daytime weddings call for lighter colors. Before wearing one, consider the time of day, formality level, couple’s wishes, and how to accessorize it tastefully. Paired with the right shirt, tie, shoes, and attitude, a black suit can be perfectly wedding appropriate.
