wearing a suit w/ no tie to a wedding?

Margaret · Jun 19, 2006

Unless the wedding is specifically designated as casual, it would just come off as jackassy or arrogant.

GBR · Jun 19, 2006

Originally Posted by gqcao

i have a wedding coming up. i'm just a regular guest; nothing special. since i've always wear a tie to weddings, this time i'm thinking of doing something different: wearing a suit with a nice french cuff shirt with no tie. is it too casual? i know almost everyone wear a suit or shirt and tie to a wedding. am i being disrespect for not wearing a tie??

It entirely depends upon the nature of the ceremony and the principals.

If they are in full morning dress then this would be inappropriate, then you can range from a lounge suit to a a setting on a Caribbean beach.

Judge it against that

gorgekko · Jun 19, 2006

Originally Posted by williamson

PLEASE don't wear a suit without a tie! This sloppy look has reached epidemic proportions. A tie gives the opportunity for colour and flair.
If you don't want to wear a tie, don't wear a suit.
W.

I do think there are occasions when you can go casual. I like clubbing with a suit sans tie and I don't think there is anything wrong with it. I know the more traditional members consider it a sartorial sin (and I agree it is, though whether it is mortal or venial is up for debate) but I like the look in that context. I just draw the line at more formal events.

Of course, given the amount of chinos/running shoes/button down shirts I've seen at weddings, wakes, funerals, etc., not wearing a tie with a suit is definitely a relative sin.

DocHolliday · Jun 19, 2006

Originally Posted by gorgekko

Of course, given the amount of chinos/running shoes/button down shirts I've seen at weddings, wakes, funerals, etc., not wearing a tie with a suit is definitely a relative sin.

You make an interesting point. Yet, in many cases, I'd find myself more bothered by the lack of tie than by the chinos. Most folks I see in khakis at such events I assume don a jacket or tie rarely, if ever. For them, they are "dressed up." But if I were to see a guy in a suit with no tie, I'd assume he knew better but couldn't be bothered. The tie's absence, in its specificity, becomes an insult.

I'm sure I'm being too kind/vaguely patronizing to the khaki crowd at such events, but there you have it. My point, I suppose, is that dressing in a suit with no tie sends a very specific signal about how important you deem the event: "I could have worn a tie, but I didn't."

gorgekko · Jun 19, 2006

I think you are being too kind. At least a suit with a tie presumes someone at least put some thought -- even if careless or insulting -- into what they were wearing. Showing up to a wake, as I saw some do so not long ago, wearing a golf shirt, chinos and running shoes sends the message that paying respect to the family rises to the same level as mowing your lawn. I could have danced in their blood that evening I was so disgusted.

Either way, I agree with you, it's incredibly disrespectful.

Sator · Jun 20, 2006

I agree. Go with the tie.

This business of trying to get away with as sloppy a look as you can possibly get away for some sort of alleged 'coolness' has got to the point that everybody looks so sloppy that dressing down fails to make any statement.

Dress to kill. Learn how to wear a suit complete with the tie and pocket square. That definitely will make a statement that will set you apart from a crowd of people who look totally awkward in suits because they only wear them when forced to at weddings and funerals.

spookykl · Jul 28, 2009

Hey guys,

I'm going to a wedding and was thinking of going wearing a suit with no tie, but with pocket square (and probably the first button of my shirt unbuttoned - the neck button that is). What do you guys think? Is that ok?

It's going to be held at a church and the family is pretty religious - Christian. There will be about 400 people at the ceremony and then, the dinner/reception.

Please let me know soon! Coming up this weekend. Thanks!

Style Pontifex · Jul 28, 2009

Originally Posted by royal618

You can never be over-dressed, only under-dressed.

Disagree, but yeah...wear a tie if it's anything other than a casual wedding.

bafield · Jul 28, 2009

If they're getting married in Cancun and the reception is at the poolside bar, then don't wear a tie. Otherwise, wear one! I think that people who show up to formal events under dressed are doucy...if that's a word!

mrf555 · Jul 28, 2009

Big no-no.

Wear the tie.

lfl · Jul 28, 2009

wear a tie definitely

JayJay · Jul 28, 2009

I'd wear a tie unless it was announced as a very casual wedding.

Mr. Caber · Jul 28, 2009

It may be a generational thing. In my own humble opinion, suits look better without ties. I have always felt that most men wearing ties look pinched and uncomfortable. But a good, well fitted suit looks smart, simple and sophisticated, while the open V shape of the (tieless) collar adds a dash of flair and draws attention to your face.
Use your own best judgment. I don't think not wearing a tie will be taken as anything other than your own style preference, with which some people will always find fault.

Canal Directo · Jul 28, 2009

Originally Posted by Mr. Caber

It may be a generational thing. In my own humble opinion, suits look better without ties. I have always felt that most men wearing ties look pinched and uncomfortable. But a good, well fitted suit looks smart, simple and sophisticated, while the open V shape of the (tieless) collar adds a dash of flair and draws attention to your face.
Use your own best judgment. I don't think not wearing a tie will be taken as anything other than your own style preference, with which some people will always find fault.

The answer was posted 3 years ago

Originally Posted by gorgekko

Your statement reminds me of something that Russell Smith wrote in his recent book Men's Style: The Thinking Man's Guide to Dress: It's not always about you. You dress appropriately for certain occasions to show respect for other people. If that's too much of an imposition, stay home.

And a suit always looks better with a tie!

courty · Jul 28, 2009

A suit without a tie looks terrible. It does not even look casual - more like the wearer was out all night after work and lost his tie somewhere.

wearing a suit w/ no tie to a wedding?

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