Destination weddings have never been more popular. Whether it’s a sun-drenched ceremony on the clifftops of Santorini, a romantic celebration under the Tuscan sun, or a snowy, mountaintop elopement in Queenstown, more couples are packing their bags for an unforgettable wedding experience abroad. Even many Newcastle and Hunter Valley wedding vendors now spend the European summer on the destination wedding circuit, helping couples bring their dream days to life.
At Rundle Tailoring, we’ve styled wedding couples for celebrations both near and far, so we know that the right suit makes all the difference. When planning what to wear for a destination wedding, it’s important to consider more than just style. Think about the climate, travel logistics, and even your accommodation amenities. Little things like whether you’re staying at an Airbnb and need to pack your own steamer, or if you have access to hotel laundry and pressing services to ensure your suit looks sharp on the big day, will really matter.
Read on for five popular suit styles that work wonders for destination weddings, along with expert styling tips on how to nail each look.
The White Tuxedo
In the US, a traditional tuxedo is the combination of an ivory dinner jacket with black dress trousers, an ivory shirt and a black bow tie and it’s this combination that is fast becoming the ultimate choice for a European summer wedding — polished, timeless, effortlessly sophisticated. The double-breasted variation of an ivory tuxedo has also gained popularity, offering that old-money feel reminiscent of the French Riviera or Lake Como (from our count, one of this year’s most popular destination wedding spots). While this bold, contrasting style is a firm favourite for destination weddings, we’ve also seen many head-to-toe ivory dinner suits this season. It’s an even more distinct look reminiscent of Gucci or Ralph Lauren.
Style tip: Keep your look crisp and classic. Pair with an ivory shirt and tie. If you want to make it feel a little more distinct, you could opt for a jacket which features black satin lapels (at Rundle Tailoring, this design is available as both ready-to-wear and Made-to-Measure). Patent leather dress shoes are the finishing touch, or you could mix things up with tasselled loafers or velvet slippers (perfect for a destination wedding in Venice). For comfort in warmer climates, choose a lightweight wool fabric so your suit keeps its shape while staying breathable. Most of our suits are made from wool because they drape better, hang nicer, are generally more resilient than other fabrics, and also tailor beautifully. Unless you’re after a pure white look – which can only be achieved with a dyeable, polyester fabric – wool is always our recommendation for a beautifully-wearing suit.
The Black Dinner Suit
The classic black dinner suit (or tuxedo) is a wedding-day MVP because it works beautifully in any setting – we’ve dressed countless clients in this look for weddings all over the world, and it never gets old. The versatility of a tux makes it perfect for both warm and cool weather celebrations. A well-made one should travel beautifully and hold its shape with minimal pressing when you arrive.
Style tip: Consider making yours a three-piece suit by adding a vest. For warm-weather weddings, a vest means you can remove your jacket during the reception or on the dancefloor while maintaining a polished look that says, “I’m ready for my big day.” For winter weddings, the vest adds warmth without bulk and keeps the silhouette sharp.
The Neutral Linen Suit
When the setting calls for relaxed elegance — like a tropical island, resort or beachfront ceremony — a neutral-coloured linen suit is an unbeatable choice. As a natural fibre, linen is breathable, light, and easy to wear, which is why it embodies the charm of destination weddings in warmer climates. The softer colour choice complements the natural surrounds and ensures you won’t have perspired through your suit by the time your partner reaches the end of the aisle. (We always recommend buying a second shirt to change into before the reception so you’ll look fresh).
Style tip: It can be hard to fight the natural texture of linen. Its lived-in finish means your suit will look creased by the end of the night. Press it well before you get dressed and perhaps even again between the ceremony and photos if you want it looking crisp in the portraits. Pair the suit with a cotton shirt, tan loafers, and textural accessories like a woven belt or a linen pocket square for the quintessential beach wedding aesthetic. Some clients like to add a brown or beige felt hat to their outfit. It adds a touch of personality (and sun protection) to daytime ceremonies.
The Coloured Velvet Jacket
Not all destination weddings are by the beach. Some are set in vibrant cities, moody winter venues, or chic art hotels. A coloured velvet jacket adds instant impact and a sense of occasion for evening or city celebrations. Karaoke with your wedding crew in Tokyo? A rooftop celebration in London? New York’s iconic City Hall followed by dinner and dancing in East Village? All made more fabulous by someone in a jewel-toned velvet jacket.
Style tip: Choose deep jewel tones like emerald green, midnight blue, or burgundy for richness and texture. Pair with black tuxedo trousers (a satin stripe down the side adds even more sophistication), a crisp white or black shirt, depending on your vibe, and a simple bow tie or open collar, if the dress code is less formal.
The Pastel Suit
For destination weddings set against rolling hills, vineyards, or gardens, a pastel suit strikes the perfect note. Hues like dusty blue, sage green, or blush pink feel romantic and relaxed so are ideal for daytime ceremonies in the countryside. If you’re heading to South Africa’s wine region, the south of France or perhaps the rugged East Coast of the US, a pastel suit will tick all the style boxes.
Style tip: Your suit should turn heads. A double-breasted design elevates the pastel look and sets you apart from your guests, while opting for Made-to-Measure means your suit will truly be one-of-one. Keep the styling simple with tonal accessories, a silk tie or scarf, and soft suede loafers. Because pastel tones photograph beautifully in natural light, your photos will have that coveted dreamlike finish.
Get destination wedding ready with Rundle Tailoring
Your destination wedding suit should reflect both your personality and your setting, balancing comfort, practicality, and timeless style. Awarded Australia’s #1 for wedding suit fashion, Rundle Tailoring offers Made-to-Measure, ready-to-wear and formal hire options that will ensure you look and feel your best on the big day. With decades of experience suiting up clients for wedding celebrations all over the globe, trust our team to help you find the perfect look.
Wherever your destination wedding takes you, we’ll make sure you arrive in style. Book your wedding consultation today.