You’ve probably heard of black tie dress code, which calls for formal evening attire (think tuxedos and floor-length gowns). But there’s also white tie and morning dress, which in Western culture, is as formal as it gets.
White tie attire—which is typical of state dinners and gala balls—is for events after 6pm. Morning dress, as the name suggests, is for daytime affairs. And a morning suit is a specific outfit that falls into the latter category.
So, should you wear one to your wedding? It’s your day so if you want to, the answer is yes. But if you’re on the fence, here’s how it’s typically done.
Contents
What is a morning suit?
Can I wear a morning suit to my wedding?
Can I wear a tie or pocket squares with a morning suit?
What’s the difference between a morning suit and a lounge suit?
Should guests wear morning suits to my wedding?
What is a morning suit?
It’s a formal daytime suit with multiple components. On the top, you would wear a dress shirt (usually this would be white), a waistcoat, and a morning suit jacket (also called a morning coat), which is the centrepiece of the whole look. And then you’d complete the outfit with formal trousers and black dress shoes (like Oxfords).
A morning coat is an elegant tailcoat that creates an iconic silhouette: it’s shorter in the front and curves away into longer tails that fall behind the backside.
The waistcoat is also a key part of the look. Typically, it would be a contrasting colour to the coat and trousers—a popular choice is to have a lighter waistcoat and a darker suit jacket. Black or dark grey are the standard choices for the morning coat, though navy is a more modern option.
Fun fact: morning coats were originally designed for horse riding. But they eventually developed into standard wear for daytime formal occasions. Back then, you would wear your morning suit with a top hat—which you still can, but today the hat is considered more of an accessory.
Can I wear a morning suit to my wedding?
You certainly can. Morning suits are meant for formal celebrations, and a wedding would definitely be appropriate.
That is, of course, if your wedding ceremony is before 6pm. After that, the etiquette stipulates that you would switch dress codes (usually to black or white tie).
A morning suit is a beautiful, elegant choice. It’s timeless and will look amazing in photos. If you’re having a more traditional wedding, it could be a great choice.
But it’s not for everyone, and that’s fine. If you’re hoping to have a more relaxed celebration, a lounge suit might be a better choice. Consider the tone you want to set, and how formal you want the day to feel, when making your decision.
And if you are thinking of wearing a morning suit, our advice is to get it tailored. It’s supposed to fit snugly to your body, going in at the waist. If the suit looks baggy, you won’t get that iconic, stylish silhouette.
Can I wear a tie or pocket squares with a morning suit?
It’s expected that you’ll have some sort of neckwear with your morning suit, and a tie is the most common choice. Another option is a cravat, if you’re feeling fancy.
A pocket square isn’t strictly necessary, but it’s totally fine to wear one if you want to. It’s down to your personal preference.
If you do want to introduce extra components to your outfit, we would recommend thinking about the overall colour palette. You want your accessories to add to the look rather than take attention away from the suit itself.
You might also choose to wear cufflinks, gloves, or even carry a pocket watch. It’s totally up to you.
What’s the difference between a morning suit and a lounge suit?
A lounge suit is just another name for a classic suit. It could be two or three-piece, and you might wear it to business meetings or any sort of smart occasion. Most of the suits you can buy on the high street are lounge suits.
It’s perfectly acceptable to wear a lounge suit to your wedding. Opt for darker colours (navy, charcoal, dark grey) for a more formal feel. Or go for colour: greens are very popular right now, for instance. It’s all down to what sort of day you’re planning and your own personal style.
Should guests wear morning suits to my wedding?
Only if you ask them to. If the wedding invites state “morning dress”, then yes, your guests will either need to wear a morning suit or a formal gown.
Again, if you’re following tradition, they would need to have a costume change for when the clock strikes six.
Your wedding venue
Now think about the venue you’ll wear your wedding suit in. It should bring the tone and feel of the day to life: after all, it’s the backdrop for all your festivities.
Kindred is a Grade-II listed, Georgian mansion in the heart of Hammersmith that’s been designed with a modern touch. We’ve got beautiful wood-pannelled walls, high ceilings, and romantic arched windows—as well as elegant pops of colour and plush lounges.
We’re a West London wedding venue known for our interiors, but also our warm service. We’ll take the stress out of wedding planning, so you can enjoy every moment.
Our in-house Hammersmith restaurant, Cellar, will be at your disposal when it comes to food. Your guests will also be able to enjoy top-shelf tipples from any of the private bars across our building.
Have a read of our wedding brochure to learn more. Should you like to come and see the space for yourself, you are most welcome to pop in at no obligation. Simply get in touch with our team to arrange it.
