What To Wear To A Destination Wedding

It appears that destination weddings are back on the rise; and it’s not hard to see why! Not only can they be easier on the purse strings – think smaller guest lists, less catering, and potentially cheaper venue hire – but you’ll also get the chance to celebrate in an idyllic location. It’s practically a wedding and a holiday rolled into one!

However, one thing that might be giving you pause is the outfit. It’s hard enough choosing your suit for a wedding close to home – but add in travel to other counties, or even abroad, and it’s a whole different matter entirely. And, let’s be honest, since it’s more likely you’re going to head somewhere warm, finding something that looks dapper while keeping you cool is yet another challenge.

Luckily, we’ve got some super style suggestions which you may find useful if you’ve got a destination wedding on the cards…

Types of destination wedding

Destination wedding outfits will obviously depend on the needs of a location, and the vibes you’re looking for on your big day. To make it easier for you, we’ve broken down some of the most popular destination wedding types and picked out our favourite styles for you to explore…

Beach weddings

Arguably the most iconic option for a destination wedding, a beach wedding is effortlessly romantic (as long as the weather co-operates). Just think, the sun setting the background, the sounds of the waves along the beach – beautiful. 

But, embracing this type of destination wedding does mean you need to consider your outfit a little more carefully though. Between the hotter weather, the sand, and the proximity to water, you need to make sure you choose something comfortable that you can move in.

So, for men’s beach wedding attire, we recommend you look for these qualities:

• Lightweight, breathable fabrics: tweed or wool are definitely a no-no for a beach wedding. Instead, choose something light and cool, and preferably something moisture-wicking that can stop you getting too sweaty.

• While linen feels like the obvious, and automatic, choice, remember that it creases very easily. If you’re having a relaxed, casual wedding, this is less of an issue. But, if you still want to look sharp, you should consider going for a lightweight poly-viscose to retain some structure to your beach wedding suit.

• Neutral colour palettes: soft neutral tones are a must for beach wedding outfits. Not only do they keep you cooler than darker colours, but they compliment the natural surroundings perfectly.

• If you want to add a pop of colour, choose a pocket square or boutonniere in blush pink, coral oranges, or sea-foam green to coordinate with your wedding location.

• Footwear is key: for more formal beach wedding outfits, a dress shoe is always the way to go. But, if you choose a more relaxed vibe, you can’t go wrong with a loafer or boat shoe. Or why not go barefoot? The choice is yours.

Our top pick for men’s beach wedding attire? The HM5 Stone Tailored Two Piece Suit. This muted colour tone is effortlessly dashing, and the soft poly-viscose has been enhanced with lycra for exceptional flexibility – ideal for keeping comfortable when walking on sand.

Top tip: avoid wearing too many accessories that could end up lost in the sand; minimalist definitely is the way to go with a beach wedding suit!

Villa weddings

Another popular option for destination weddings, villas and vineyards can offer a beautiful, sophisticated backdrop to your wedding festivities – perfect for a late spring wedding. If you’re getting married in a historic villa, you’ll have a lot of freedom in what you’re planning to wear. To get the best destination wedding outfit, we recommend:

• Choose a light material: while not as potentially hot as a beach wedding, you still want to choose a lighter material for a villa wedding outfit. The combination of late spring warm weather and time spent outdoors means you will need something to keep you cool for the whole event.

• Play with colour: while villa or vineyard weddings naturally suit a more formal style, this doesn’t mean you have to limit yourself to a black or dark suit. In fact, this is the perfect opportunity to play with lighter or bolder colours.

• Getting married in a historic Greek or Spanish villa? We love the Finley Moss Green Three Piece Suit; the soft green would look stunning against the light buildings. Keep the full three-piece for the ceremony, then ditch the blazer for a romantic but sophisticated look for the evening party.

• For a vineyard ceremony and reception, why not echo the colours of your location in your suit? Our Monty Mauve Two Piece is a soft, red-purple that would look effortlessly stylish as a destination wedding outfit.

• Mix up your accessories: want to add some more of your personality to your wedding suit? Get playful with accessories with a villa wedding. You could:

• Ditch the tie and unbutton the top of your shirt for a casual elegance.

• Stand out with a flashy pocket square and tie clip for a more formal destination wedding outfit.

• Pick coordinating jewellery (cufflinks, watches, tie pins etc) to add an element of glamour to your suit.

Barn weddings

Barn weddings are amazing fun for everyone. Think hay bales, hanging lights, and a big dancefloor for everyone to celebrate. If you’re looking for a suit for this kind of destination wedding, you need something that can easily say everything from dapper groom to country chic. Our top tips? We recommend:

• Go for something sturdy: if you’re getting married in a rustic setting, your suit needs to be sturdy. Tweed is an obvious go-to that just looks right in a barn setting – both elegant and comforting. It’s also a little more hardy than a simple cotton, which helps in an outdoor setting.

• Browns all the way: while you can choose from a wide selection of colours, we love a brown suit at a barn wedding, especially in the autumn! The warmth of earthy tones contrasts nicely with the rustic chic of an outdoor barn wedding. To accessorise, look for tones that match the season: rust reds in the autumn, or softer pastels for early spring.

• Our favourite for a barn wedding? The DX7 Tan Tweed Check Three Piece Suit. The pop of colour in the collar and pockets instantly elevates the look and injects a little bit of personality that works well with your chosen destination.

• Boots not brogues: Depending on the season, and your wedding theme, consider opting for a classic Chelsea boot over a brogue or dress shoe. This offers you a little more coverage and comfort across a farmyard.

Castle weddings

There’s something magical and romantic about a destination wedding at a castle. If this is what you and your partner have chosen, then you need to make sure you have the suit to match! For the ultimate destination wedding outfit, we always recommend:

• Go for a three-piece: if you’re getting married in a castle, formal is definitely the way to go. For the discerning gent, this means that you should always opt for the three-piece suit. Effortlessly sophisticated, you’ll clean up very nicely in a three-piece – you can even add a contrasting waistcoat to bring a little more of your own personality on your big day. 

• Consider greys and blues: black suits can feel harsh in such a romantic setting, which is why we love a grey or blue suit at a castle wedding. These colours soften the style, and will work well with warmer accessories in gold.

• The Edison Navy Check Suit with the Kelvin Wine Waistcoat for example, offers a stunning and eye-catching outfit that will make sure all attention is on the married couple. The contrast of the waistcoat elegantly draws out the red in the suit check, AND brings a bit more personality to the look.

• Go glam for accessories: your chosen venue is likely already bringing the drama, so you need to make sure you’re matching this energy. Going full glam on accessories, including cufflinks, pocket square, and pocket watch, is the only answer.

Destination wedding outfit top tips for guests

Need to find destination wedding attire as a guest? Stick to our top tips to make sure you stand out in only the best ways…

1. Fit the vibe: as a guest, you’re there to celebrate the married couple, so make sure you follow any given dress code. This could be formal, semi-formal, cocktail etc. 

2. Don’t match the wedding party: if you can, try to avoid wearing the same colour/style as the wedding party. You don’t want to draw attention away from their big day.

3. Ask if you’re unsure: if you have any questions about a dress code, or what may be appropriate to wear, ask. If the couple are (understandably) busy, check in with friends and family who may be able to help you – or get in touch with us! We’re happy to help you choose the best suit for any occasion.

4. Wear it with confidence: whatever you decide, wear it with confidence. You’ve been invited to celebrate, so put your best foot forward and enjoy the wedding!

Dress for any destination with Marc Darcy

Whether you’re looking for men’s beach wedding attire, the right suit for a villa wedding, or even a romantic fit for a castle wedding, we’ve got you covered. We have amazing collections of two and three piece suits for you to choose from, in a wide range of colours and styles. 

And, if you’re still not sure which suit is right for you, head over to our Salford Showroom and get fitted with help from our amazing team!

Want to continue reading? We think you’ll like… What to Wear to Match Your Wedding Theme | Wedding Suits: Find the Perfect Style for Your Big Day | Suit Accessories: A Masterclass