Q: Is this a must? I'm not sure how casual the wedding is, but I know it's for people that are in the early to mid twenties.
A: Heck no. You really don't have to dress up to the effect of wearing a tie at all, these days unless you're goint to a "black tie" dinner, or I don't know. Let me give you an example of a VERY hot, sexy man's outfit, that will go with any occasion. Even if you're the only one not wearing a tie, I guarantee, no one will notice. I'm not saying to buy these exact clothes, cuz they'll break your bank, but this is the look you might consider going for. Pants like these. Notice the tiny pin stripe AND they're wool, which adds a touch of class, and says you are a stylish MAN: http://www.bananarepublic.com/browse/product.do?cid=5381&pid=586703&vid=1 For shirts, I'm thinking a LINEN button down shirt. It has a look that's not dressing up TOO much, but still says style. It borders on casual, and dressy and makes you look relaxed. However, I think this one is nice, even though it's not white, it keeps you from having to wear a tie. (if you want to wear a tie, go for it, but I think you should leave the top button unbuttoned and wear the tie a little looser with a small knot: very sexy [I know you're thinking: why sexy at a wedding. But that's just how you should look at a wedding. hehe]). http://www.bananarepublic.com/browse/product.do?cid=5411&pid=586368 This is closer to what I had in mind, but it's not a "dress shirt" so it doesn't look like you're OVER DRESSED. http://www.bananarepublic.com/browse/product.do?cid=5424&pid=563524&scid=563524012 If you feel the need to wear something over your shirt, wear something like these, with the top unbuttoned about three or so buttons: http://www.bananarepublic.com/browse/product.do?cid=28661&pid=586496&scid=586496002 http://www.bananarepublic.com/browse/product.do?cid=28666&pid=586527&scid=586527002 I know you're only asking if you should wear a tie or not. But, I just felt like dressing you, so there you go. The basic answer is, no you don't have to wear a tie, unless it specifies in the invitation how to dress (some do), as long as you dress decently, respectfully and nice.