The Wedding Guide
Whether you're the groom or a guest, we will ensure you look the part and play it to perfection.
Weddings
It’s a big moment. Quite possibly the biggest moment of your life. And how you look needs to reflect that.
This is a time to be at your best, for both yourself and the one that you love. And if you’re the best man, the father of the bride or a guest, you don’t want to get it any less right. Your look needs to be no less carefully considered – the trick is to impress without stealing the show.
So, what to wear to a wedding? We have made and supplied traditional morning dress, classic two and three-piece suits, safari suits, evening dress, and even shorts. Bespoke, made-to-measure and ready-to-wear.
As weddings have changed, so to have the rules about dressing for them, which is both a good and a bad thing. Good, because rules are restricting, and bad because they can see you safely through what is a sartorial minefield. One does need to tread carefully with nuptials.
So, whatever your role in the proceedings is, and whether it’s a traditional church wedding, a weekend-long country affair, or the knot is being tied on a testingly tropical beach, we can help you get it right and enjoy it all to the utmost.
Church Weddings
Grander church weddings mean morning dress, which takes some beating for sheer style and capturing the sense of occasion.
The colour and cloth options for morning dress start with the traditional black coat, usually in a herringbone, a buff or light-blue silk waistcoat (do not, ever, be tempted by novelty waistcoats), and black and grey striped trousers. Then there is the rather smart (we think) and understated all-grey look.
Both bespoke and made-to-measure options are available, which means that you can select a weight of cloth that is going to ensure you are comfortable whatever the weather.
If a classic two or three-piece suit (a lounge suit) is the order of the day, then the first thing that we suggest you do is consult your intended. What is she or he wearing? Is there any sort of colour scheme to the wedding? We’re not saying that you should match (you’re not twins), but it is important that you complement each other and don’t clash.
That aside, with regards to colour and cloth, it’s down to you. Just consider what the weather is going to be doing and select a cloth accordingly. You’ve got a long day (or more…) ahead of you and comfort is as important as visual impact. Blue and grey fine wool twills are great all-round choices and, importantly, you will be able to wear them again and again. Sunny weather weddings lend themselves to softly constructed or unstructured suits and lighter, airier cloths such as linens, cotton seersuckers and summer wools. One last thing to consider: matte cloths absorb light rather than reflect it, and will look better in all those photographs that are going to be taken.
Guests should note (and do check what the invitation says) that if the groom is wearing morning dress, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they have to do the same. Often a nice two or three-piece suit will more than suffice. But do make sure that it is nice two or three-piece and not your go-to office ensemble. Again, plain blues and greys are a good choice.
Casual Weddings
You might have been here before. Second time around, perhaps. Or maybe you just don’t want to make too big a thing of it.
Casual weddings are becoming more and more commonplace, and they might typically amount to a quick registry office service, followed by a few friends for a longer lunch at a favourite local restaurant. These are relaxed, fun affairs and it does to dress in the same vein.
A smart new two or three-piece suit (see
Whatever you decide, do still check and see what your future other half will be wearing (you’re a double act, so dress in harmony) and wear something that’s going to work with the weather.
If you’re a guest and the invitation doesn’t mention a dress code, casually check and see what the couple-to-be are wearing and dress accordingly - you don’t want to out-do them.
Black Tie Weddings
More typically an American way to dress for a wedding, black tie is becoming more popular in the UK and elsewhere.
If the invitation says it’s black tie, then black tie is what it is. It’s definite, and the only real room for manoeuvre is with your choice of a black or midnight blue suit. And that should be what is commonly known as an evening suit or tuxedo, with contrasting grosgrain silk lapels on the jacket and a corresponding trim running down the side of the trousers. A nice crisp white shirt, preferably with a pleated front, and a black or midnight blue bow tie will complete your look. And black shoes, of course.
Things To Bear In Mind
1. Matte cloth doesn’t reflect the light and looks better in photographs. And there are going to be a lot of photographs...
2. Guests should keep it smart and understated and not outshine the happy couple.
3. Plain blue or grey suits are the fail-safe choice for grooms and guests alike, and can be worn again and again. If it’s black tie, it’s just that.
4. Consider keeping an umbrella to hand.
5. Ensure that you have got a nice, clean handkerchief in your pocket. There will be tears, and they might not be yours. Tears of joy, perhaps, but still tears.
6. Whatever the wedding and whatever your part in it, you can’t go wrong with a white shirt.
7. If you’re wearing new shoes, give them a little run-out beforehand and see how they feel. You’re going to be on your feet for some time and comfort is key. And whichever shoes you are wearing, make sure they are clean and polished.
8. Keep your buttonhole simple and fresh (no potpourri-like presentations…) and, if you’re a guest, certainly don’t out-blossom the groom.
9. Wear new underwear. No lucky underpants. No ifs, no buts.
10. The best thing you can wear is a smile.
