Must DH wear suit to a wedding

[CaptainAmerica]

The OP did not say if the invitation specified any particular dress code, only where the wedding was taking place.

I wasn't responding to OP, I was quoting someone who mentioned an invitation that specifically stated "black tie optional" on the invitation.

If a dress code is mentioned, then I agree that taking one step down is acceptable.

One step down is acceptable if the mentioned dress code includes "optional." If the dress code doesn't say "optional," it should be followed or you should stay home.

"Black tie optional" is black tie or a suit.

"Black tie" is black tie.

 

[leahgoogle]

Sigh. My son wears suits to weddings and he's two years old.


If the invitation says "black tie optional," it means suit at a minimum. You can take one step down from a stated "optional" dress code, but never two.

That doesn't mean times haven't changed. You just prefer him to wear a suit. My son played HS Sports and they moved from suits at away games and banquets to dress shirts/dress pants/ties. They still looked nice. You can always choose to wear or have a family member wear a suit, but that doesn't mean that not doing so is wrong.

 

[mjkacmom]

It's fine.
We've been to formal weddings where people show up in jeans and tee shirts

Never in my life have a seen anyone show up that under dresses to a wedding or a funeral (and I hate dressing up).

 

[CaptainAmerica]

That doesn't mean times haven't changed. You just prefer him to wear a suit. My son played HS Sports and they moved from suits at away games and banquets to dress shirts/dress pants/ties. They still looked nice. You can always choose to wear or have a family member wear a suit, but that doesn't mean that not doing so is wrong.

The JV basketball game at Madison East is not somebody's wedding. When would you wear a suit if not somebody's wedding? It's completely disrespectful to show up to the most special day in a person's life dressed like you're going to dinner at Chili's.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Sure, it's fine. Enjoy.

 

[piccolopat]

I would talk to the bridal couple or look at where the reception is being held to see if there is a dress code. If suits are expected, you might check your local Goodwill to see if you can find something there. When DH was losing weight he needed a suit but knew it would soon be too big. He got a wool suit in really good condition and for around $20. After the wedding, the suit was donated back.

 

[sam_gordon]

The JV basketball game at Madison East is not somebody's wedding. When would you wear a suit if not somebody's wedding? It's completely disrespectful to show up to the most special day in a person's life dressed like you're going to dinner at Chili's.

How did we get to shorts & T-shirts at a wedding? Yes, that's what I'd wear going to eat at Chili's. Slacks and a dress shirt (even without a tie/blazer) IS completely respectful to wear as a guest to a wedding (if no dress code is specified).

 

[TippyThomas]

Well, that escalated quickly for no reason at all.

 

[Southernmiss]

At an aquarium. Tells me no suit is fine. Dress slacks and shirt and tie. And go enjoy the wedding!

 

[leahgoogle]

The JV basketball game at Madison East is not somebody's wedding. When would you wear a suit if not somebody's wedding? It's completely disrespectful to show up to the most special day in a person's life dressed like you're going to dinner at Chili's.

Who wears a dress shirt and pants to Chili's....lol.

 

[Stratman50th]

Nope, wouldn't wear a suit, but I'm in Florida. I'd have to get on line to find a place that even sold them. Oh, to the helpful folks, don't bother posting links for me, I wouldn't go out and buy one anyway. Went to a wedding last June and I wore light weight slacks and a print shirt, no tie. That was the compromise. The bride simply stated that I was required to attend and I could wear shorts a t-shirt and flip flops.

 

[Kennywood]

The level of dress indicates the level of respect for the event.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

Who wears a dress shirt and pants to Chili's....lol.

I'm a grown man, I don't call it a "dress shirt." I just call it a "shirt."

 

[kymom99]

I certainly wouldn’t want to create a hardship for guests at my wedding. Assuming the OP isn’t immediate family and won’t be in formal pictures, a dress shirt and tie are perfectly acceptable. My husband doesn’t have a professional job so doesn’t regularly wear suits. He keeps a couple nice white shirts and a pair of black pants for special occasions. He looks nice.

 

[soccerdad72]

I'm sure he'll be fine. Only 2 or 3 people will talk about him behind his back and judge him.

 

[TAX GUY]

The JV basketball game at Madison East is not somebody's wedding. When would you wear a suit if not somebody's wedding? It's completely disrespectful to show up to the most special day in a person's life dressed like you're going to dinner at Chili's.

Their first, second or third "most special day" taking those vows?

Try not to strain too much looking down your nose at the others that say no suit is ok at a wedding.

The days of wearing a suit to wedding, while the groom and groomsmen wore tuxedo's are very few and far between. Many of the wedding party wear suits (and sneakers) now, while most guests wear dockers, button down shirt and sometimes a neck tie.

 

[NAB]

I'm a grown man, I don't call it a "dress shirt." I just call it a "shirt."

Dress shirt to me is a button down….shirt is anything worn on top.

 

[Jangles]

I am asking this as a person older than the OP’s husband. Surely your husband will need a suit to attend funerals? I can’t imagine not having at least one suit in my wardrobe.

 

[MICKIMINI]

When our son was at prep school I bought jackets at thrift stores as he was required to wear a shirt, tie and blazer. I was able to find high end designer jackets for $10 and under. Our son was initially horrified, but the jackets went straight to the dry cleaners. His favorite was a Ralph Lauren navy blue wool blazer which he wore for four years.

When he went to Paris and had to wear a jacket for dinner at The Eiffel Tower, I picked up a summer blazer, had it cleaned and told him not to bring it home LOL!

I think you'd both be more comfortable knowing you are following the bride and groom's wishes (they are picking up the tab with parents). For about $25, I think you can achieve this goal. Enjoy the wedding!

 

[TipsyTraveler]

Who wears a dress shirt and pants to Chili's....lol.

The people who just came from a wedding where the food sucked and they were underfed. (Been there, done that.)