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If you’re lucky enough to have a wedding date in your calendar, one of the most important things to consider – alongside accommodation and travel – is what you’ll wear for the big day.

There’s no shortage of colours and outfits to ponder for the ladies, but men’s suiting isn’t far behind in terms of decision-making.

For the guys, it’s now much more than just a black or blue suit and tie.

Of course, nobody should feel under pressure to dress a certain way when they’re celebrating a wedding with friends and family, but there are plenty of easy steps you can take to ensure you look sharp.

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Let’s start with the do’s:

1. Classics are classics for a reason, and while there are literally dozens of styles to experiment with, you shouldn’t be afraid to plump for something a little more understated. Sometimes less is more.

2. Mixing and matching isn’t something to fear. Pair a check waistcoat with a plain jacket, or a check jacket with a plain trouser to add depth to your look. There’s lots of colours that work well together too.

3. Inspiration is out there! Everybody likes to blaze their own trail and there are few better feelings than curating your own personal look, but there’s nothing wrong with a bit of research. Publications like GQ are brimming with pointers.

4. Be respectful of the theme. This isn’t an exact science, but it’s sometimes polite to reach out to the bride and groom to check what colours they’ll be wearing and how the best men and bridesmaids will be dressed. You can then build a style that complements their day.

5. Comfort’s important too! This may sound obvious, but it’s so important that you feel at ease in your outfit. Weddings can be long old days – with plenty of time for dancing! – so make sure the look you pull together is as practical as it is pretty.

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…and here’s a couple of tips on what you should avoid:

1. While mixing and matching is great, it’s important to think carefully about the colours. Some palettes just don’t mix, so it’s wise to conduct a little image research online before pairing items together.

2. Don’t worry! It’s very unlikely you’ve been added to a wedding guestlist purely for your sense of style and, while it’s important to respect the formality of the occasion, the bride and groom will be most excited to see you, not your outfit.

Planning you wedding outfit can be a daunting prospect, but there are much fewer rules about what you and can’t do than there were in the old days.

Your next wedding date is a blank canvas for you to express yourself, so wear the colours, styles and fit that you like and be confident about it.

And remember, great men’s suits last longer than a single summer, while mixing and matching with other items in your wardrobe can help you build a new look every time.

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This has been a guest post by Suit Direct. For more information and to view their vast range of suits for grooms and ushers, please visit their website: Suit Direct | Mens Wedding Suits.