There’s no one way to plan a wedding, and there’s no one way to style a casual wedding-day wardrobe. Here are our top tips!

When you’re planning your wedding, there’s a lot to consider before you can make any big decisions. From the venue and season to the color scheme and budget, there are some elements that influence the rest of your choices leading up to the big day. One of those choices is the dress code—and I don’t just mean for your guests!

Of course, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with a formal or semi-formal wedding, but If you want to infuse your own celebration with a more casual vibe, start with your own attire. As the bride and groom, you set the tone for what others should expect, and we all know that there’s no one way to plan a wedding.

Here’s a quick tip: whatever you choose for your own dress codes, take it down a notch for your guests to ensure they won’t accidentally upstage you. You don’t want anyone feeling awkward, whether it be yourself or a beloved friend or family member.

With all that said, below, we’ve put together a handy guide to help you curate the perfect groom’s outfit for a laid-back wedding day, from semi-casual all the way to super casual. Once you’ve found a look that works for you, head to the Macy’s Wedding Shop that’s full of unique pieces that will fit into your personal style and make you feel like a million bucks.

Semi-Casual

Putting together a wardrobe that will work for your semi-casual groom will come easily in just a few elements:

• When it comes to the suit, steer away from a tuxedo and opt for a two-piece suit or a sport coat instead. Play with fabrics and colors. Don’t feel obligated to stick with a jacket that has buttons, or tied to a tie. This seersucker option is fun, traditional, and casual—and comes with matching pants.
• If you decide to forgo a blazer, think about adding a fun, colorful tie to the mix to keep things casual but put-together, like this flower-patterned Or, you could always throw on a bow tie or a vest for a little fun!
• Since you’re keeping things just shy of semi-formal, it’s a good idea to stick to a structured shoe. Think a classic driver (bonus: you’ll likely get lots of post-wedding use out of them), a colorful chukka boot, or leather boots. It all depends on your personal style!

 

Casual-Casual

If you’ve opted for a truly casual approach, the most important thing to keep in mind is making sure all the elements of your wardrobe come together in a tasteful way that represents your personal style:

• This category is jacket-optional, so if you do opt to wear one, select one that comes in a soft fabric with a relaxed fit, and reach for a V-neck t-shirt to wear underneath (this one comes in 8 colors!). Bonus points if you roll the jacket sleeves up!
• When you’re deciding on pants, try to stick with a slim fit or a chino style. These chambray slacks are a great option that will make you look put-together yet still casual.
• No jacket? No problem! If you’re going long-sleeved, go with this linen option that will keep you breezy while giving off “George Clooney on a yacht” kind of energy. If that feels like too big of a commitment, opt for a short-sleeved button down, tucked in or out.
• Since you’re truly keeping things casual, make sure your shoes match the rest of your look. You can never go wrong with a classic leather sandal, but if you’d rather something closed-toed, fancy-ish sneakers are a great option.
• Feeling some flair? Add a set of suspenders or a bow tie to your look for a fun, quirky vibe!

 

Very Casual

There’s nothing wrong with keeping your wedding attire on the super-casual side. Here’s how to get it done while still looking like the star of the day:

• Depending on the weather, you can get away with adding shorts to your casual wedding day outfit. These bermuda shorts still have a tailored feel, so you’ll feel like a groom rather than a guest. Or, if you’d rather, reach for a pair of classic, relaxed linen pants, or even slim-fit jeans!
• When you’re choosing a shirt, a simple, untucked short-sleeve button down gives off just the right balance of casual and polished. You can’t go wrong with an Oxford shirt, but if you want to make a statement, go for a shirt with a subtle pattern—remember, wedding photos are forever!
• Want to make a statement? Grab a fun, edgy jacket to top off your super-casual groom’s outfit. Depending on your personal aesthetic, you might go for something blue (aka denim), or an edgier leather Either way, you’ll stand out in style.
• Round out your look by going completely barefoot (obviously, there are venues that lend themselves to a no-shoes policy better than others—use your judgment here), or stick to a more everyday shoe. Think casual loafers, or canvas sneakers.

Going Casual

Now that you’ve seen three tiers of casual groom’s attire, I hope you feel confident in choosing something that works for your style and venue. As we mentioned above, the Macy’s Wedding Shop is a fantastic, one-stop resource for all your wedding day attire needs. And if you’re in need of some extra help, Macy’s also offers a free stylist service to take all the guesswork out of the process! Needless to say, you’re in incredibly capable hands.

Remember, this is your big day, and you should ultimately feel comfortable celebrating—no matter what that looks like. Of course, that’s just one piece of the wedding puzzle, so be sure to head to the Give It Blog for any other registry, guest, or etiquette tips to answer all your burning questions.