What the Groom wears to his wedding is just as important, if not more important than the bride. As guests are arriving at the venue, they are generally met by the groom and his best man and all eyes will be on him, right up until the bride appears. So looking the part is of the upmost importance and deserves to be a serious and thoughtful part of the planning process.
First things first - The Suit
Many couples leave the groom's suit to the last minute. Whether that is down to the groom being very relaxed about the upcoming nuptials or that the bride has too many other things to organise, the suit can be deemed as inconsequential. As long as it fits with the colour scheme, that seems to be all the thought that goes into it. But there are lots of things to consider when looking for a wedding suit.
Key considerations are the fit, material, lapel, single or double-breasted, vent, pockets and pleats. These details are important in really defining how the groom will look on the day and just like with the wedding dress, the smallest detail can change a suit from being okay to looking absolutely amazing.
Men, you really need to understand your body type and then you will be able to narrow down the best cut for your frame. Remember, you are a couple and you should complement each other on your wedding day. If the bride has had her dress altered to fit perfectly, then the groom will need to do the same in order for you to look like a cohesive and well presented couple.
Buying or Renting?
There are definitely pros and cons to both options here and I think it really boils down to what you want to prioritise. For me personally, I think that buying is the best option as it allows you to have a great suit that fits well and can be repurposed for a variety of occasions. But, if renting is what you are looking to do, then there are some great options that are affordable and it is a great way to make your wedding a little more eco-friendly.
Belt or Braces?
Depending on whether you are going for a two-piece or three-piece will dictate what you're going to need to hold those trousers up.
If you are going for a three piece suit, you will ideally want to wear braces, as this will allow for the trousers to sit higher, lengthening the appearance of the leg. The style is designed so that you never see the waistband of the trouser and braces help with that. Remember, if you are planning on wearing braces, the waist band on the trousers need to be cut 1inch bigger as to not cut into the tummy.
A general rule of thumb is, that if you are wearing a three piece, you are not supposed to wear belts. But the reality is, that if you are more comfortable wearing a belt on your wedding day, then wear the belt.
Colours
If you have a colour scheme and you have been informed that your suit needs to match with the bridesmaids dresses, remember to bring a colour swatch with you when looking at suits. Fail safe colours are mid-grey and navy blue as the are very versatile and tend to suit all complexions.
If you are having a summer wedding, you can go with some lighter options such as cream or soft tan. And, if you are having a winter wedding, plum and forest green are also great for adding a bit of vibrancy to your outfit.
The important thing here is to make sure that all the colours are complimentary and fit with the style of wedding. I would always suggest that the groom consults with the bride before purchasing to avoid any oversights.
Shirts
A quality wedding shirt is not as easy to find as you may think (ask my husband!) especially if you are going for white or light. A shirt that is too thin can really upset the balance of the suit, particularly if it is of a heavier material.
But it not just the thread count. There is also the fit, the style, the collar and cuff, button style and hem. So take some care and consideration when selecting your wedding shirt as you don't want to be giving school uniform vibes.
Socks
Buy fresh socks for you wedding day! The last thing you want when wearing a fresh suit and tie, polished shoes, is a pilling pair of faded socks that you've owned for three years. If you want to add a bit of personality, you could choose some brightly coloured socks that flash out, but don't overwhelm. Or if you want to stay sleek in your style, colour match to your suit or shoes. Never wear white socks with dark shoes.
Boutonniere
It is customary at a wedding for the groom, best man, ushers and father of the bride to wear a buttonhole. Typically, these are all white and only the groom's should be unique in size and flower. They are worn on the left lapel, above the heart.
The Groomsmen
The groomsmen should all be wearing the same suit and tie. It is customary for the groom to gift the groomsmen with ties, cufflinks and waistcoats to ensure a uniformed attire across the whole party. If renting suits, it would be best for the groom to cover the rental charge, whilst if purchasing suits, then it would deemed suitable to request that the groomsmen fund their own if the wedding is on a budget.
'Although the best man has a unique role in the proceedings, stylistically there should be little to differentiate him from the rest of the groomsmen; uniformity is the goal.' - Vera Wang, Dress Designer
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