You’re going to want to look super-sharp on the big day, so this is no time to pull on an old suit that’s been living in the back on the wardrobe for years. With this in mind, we’ve asked some top tailors for their hints and tips on how to achieve masculine elegance on the big day.
Ede & Ravenscroft
- Morning dress is the traditional choice for weddings and will typically consist of a black morning coat, grey stripe trousers, a traditional collar shirt, waistcoat and tie.
- Trousers should be worn slightly above the waistline and rest on top of the shoe showing a slight crease at the front, with the back of the trouser sitting just above the heel.
- Waistcoats should sit comfortably over the waistband showing no signs of shirt. Brighter pastel colours are popular choices for weddings.
- A shirt for special occasions should be of a premium quality and the sleeve typically show no more than a half an inch of the cuff when wearing a jacket.
- Ties should be worn in a Windsor knot, which produces a wide symmetrical triangular knot.
- A matching three-piece suit will always remain a contemporary yet classic style. A three-buttoned single-breasted jacket has an extra top button and a slightly higher lapel, which makes the jacket suitable for taller men. Double-breasted jackets are becoming popular again with modern grooms.
- The weight of a suit’s cloth should be considered, particularly for summer weddings. Darker colours such as navy or grey give a timeless, sophisticated appearance.
- Your wedding day might be the day you decide to order a personally tailored or bespoke suit. It’s your chance to add your own individual characteristics to the design, from buttons to patterned linings. Allow four to six weeks for a suit to be made for you, from initial fittings to final delivery.
Moss Bros
- Think about hair and eye colour and the wedding theme when choosing a shade of suit and style.
- Top hats are hardly worn nowadays, only for the most formal of occasions.
- Think about a double-breasted waistcoat – they are becoming more popular.
- Book your suit hire as far in advance as possible, about two months ahead.
Marc Wallace
- Think about what kind of wedding you’re having. You’re not going to need to fit items in your pockets and you won’t be wearing your suit in the same way as you do in the office. So be prepared to get a sleeker, lighter and more fitted look.
- Be bold, be different. There are so many choices of cloth with vibrant colours, textures and even prints. ‘Way out’ may not fit your plans, but be open minded. If you plan to wear the suit again after the event, then lining is a great way to stamp your mark.
- In the past our customers would come to us to literally “be styled”, many having never worn a suit before. This has all changed and it could not be more different now. The new web culture of the past few years has meant that our customers are much more savvy about the look they want to achieve, what they do and don’t want. Researching online is great and sites such as Pinterest are really inspiring.
- Check out the colours, textures and style of the wedding and make sure you’re not going to clash! (If your Mrs-to-be is planning a pastel wedding, then probably best not to rock up in bright purple!)
- Hiring is a really good way of sticking to a tight budget, but you can’t beat a well-tailored suit in your wardrobe; there’s always going to be an occasion to wear it. It’s a classic that when made well will last you at least 10 years. So think of it as an investment.
Tom Sawyer
- You might be planning on losing weight but it doesn’t always happen! So don’t order a waistcoat in the hope that you’re going to be trim; be realistic with your measurements but keep the tailor posted if your clothes suddenly start to feel loose!
- Allow tow to three weeks for your waistcoat to be made and fitted.
- Six buttons are standard on a waistcoat and work with most neckwear, but you could have a lower cut at the front, which is more traditional.
