Best Colours and Fabrics for a Spring Wedding

Spring is a season of rejuvenation … and unpredictable weather. So if you’ve got an invitation for a wedding in April, May or early June, you might be struggling to work out what to wear. This guide is to help you to find the perfect outfit in terms of both colour and fabrics. It all feeds into how you look and how you feel.

The Springtime Suit

In the transitional seasons, the weight of the wedding suit is probably the most important factor. Go too heavy, and you’ll sweat, but too light and you could be shivering, especially if there are outdoor events at the wedding. Lightweight wool has traditionally been the go-to option, providing warmth against a breeze without weighing you down. Nowadays, there are perfectly good man-made options, such as polyester and viscose blends, which balance structure, freshness and insulation perfectly. 

For more laid-back or outdoor celebrations, consider a linen suit. You get the breathability of linen with reduced creasing, which means you look effortlessly cool throughout the day. Linen can be bought in the whole range of colours, but because it’s an airy, summery fabric, you’ll probably find you have more options if you’re looking for a light hue or a natural brown shade.

Your Seasonal Palette

When it comes to colours, spring is synonymous with soft palettes, an escape from the dark, heavy tones of winter. Pastel hues such as soft blues and light greys bring a fresh feeling that’s just perfect for wedding celebrations. Hints of green can also be brought into the mix, too – sage, olive and pistachio will work. If you prefer a more traditional look, earthy tones like taupe or beige are timeless and elegant.

Navy blue suits never go out of fashion as the seasons cycle round, and they’re a staple of the wedding scene. They’re easily paired with a variety of shirt and tie combinations, so you can jazz up the look or tone it down to suit your tastes.

Finally, as weddings are a celebration of love and happiness, why not reflect the occasion with something really special, like a damask tuxedo with a floral design? It’s up to you to judge whether the occasion is right for this type of outfit. There’s a real chance you’ll outshine the groom, but if you’re one of the main party, you can probably pull it off with aplomb.

The Shirt Matters

A good suit deserves a fine shirt, so don’t leave it as an afterthought. As the evening hots up, it might become your outer layer when you’re throwing shapes on the dance floor. Opt for a long-sleeved shirt, in breathable cotton or linen to keep cool and comfortable. White shirts will always be the natural choice, but as it’s a wedding, have a think about choosing a subtle colour or pattern that complements your suit. Subtle yellows and pinks will balance nicely with a blue suit, or a dark grey shirt looks fine with a pastel shade suit.

 

 

Ties and Pocket Squares

Accessories are there to let you offer a little personality into the look, without being overwhelming. A floral or paisley tie is a springtime classic, and probably can’t be bettered when it comes to weddings. However, a subtly textured tie can work too, so look for a heavy knit or some sort of woven pattern. Needless to say, make sure it complements your suit and your shirt, but avoid patterned ties with patterned shirts.

Don’t forget that pocket square, either – it’s a small detail that everyone notices. It can simply be for a splash of colour on a dark suit, or as a subtle smart statement on a lighter number. Just make sure it matches your tie.

Perfect Shoes

Wedding footwear should be stylish yet practical, as you might be on your feet more than you’re used to. Oxfords or Derbies in rich brown or tan leather will always finish off a wedding suit, whatever its colour. If you’re after a more relaxed vibe, suede brings down the formality levels by a notch or two – just have a pair of leathers on standby if the weather’s particularly wet.

Accessories

To complete your outfit, you just need to throw in a few accessories. A buttonhole crafted by your local florist can add a personal touch that will strike a chord at the wedding, especially in springtime. Take note though – it’s not unusual for the wedding organisers to give buttonholes out to guests, so it might be worth asking ahead if you’re planning this move.

Otherwise, it’s really down to your regular accessories like watches, cufflinks and tie pins. The golden rule with all of these is to be understated. Being too flashy at a wedding can be overpowering, and if you’re not the main attraction, that’s a big no-no. Just dress for the occasion and you’ll be a hit at any wedding among the freshly blooming flowers and trees in this colourful, atmospheric season.