Is a suit the norm?

Here are some tips for anyone looking for a wedding suit

Are you looking for a wedding suit and wondering whether it’s customary? Here are some tips for anyone on the hunt for the perfect outfit. Many people choose to buy a new suit in time for their wedding, but as it’s an item of clothing that most people buy quite rarely, it can be difficult to know what to consider. Here are some tips for those of you looking for a wedding suit.

What should I bear in mind when choosing an outfit as the groom?

The best place to start is by thinking about the wedding as a whole – do you have a theme you’d like to follow? At a bohemian wedding, for example, a light-coloured linen suit might be just the thing, whilst a more elegant celebration or event would be well suited to a three-piece suit or a tailcoat.

If you’ve created a mood board for the wedding, take it with you to the shop or the tailor so they can help you choose the right style of suit.

PHOTO//WEDDINGBYMALIN

The approximate lead time for a made-to-measure suit, including two fittings and any alterations, is around two months, but it’s a good idea to book an appointment even earlier to avoid unnecessary stress.

Of course, you can also buy a ready-made suit, but this isn’t something the professionals recommend for something as important as a wedding, as they generally don’t fit as well. However, ready-made suits can often be altered in-store, which can be considerably quicker than ordering a completely new suit.

A popular choice for weddings is the three-piece suit, i.e. a suit with a waistcoat. The advantage of a three-piece suit is that you can take off the jacket – for example, if things get a bit wild on the dance floor – and still look smart. Two-piece suits – consisting of trousers and a jacket – are also common.

The two-piece suit gives a slightly more relaxed impression and is suitable for more informal weddings. The third most common suit option for weddings is a tuxedo, which is probably down to all the British and American films we watch, where the tuxedo is a common dress code for weddings.

Different fabrics naturally have different properties; which fabric is best depends very much on the style you’re going for. Linen can look lovely at a romantic spring wedding, whilst wool is a more obvious choice for a snowy winter wedding. Generally speaking, the natural fabrics linen and wool are the most comfortable.

Cotton is stiff and therefore not quite as comfortable in a suit. Linen needs to be slightly thicker in a suit to drape nicely, which means it can feel a little warmer than a woollen suit made from so-called ‘open weave’, where the wind passes through the fabric. Talk to your tailor if you’re unsure which fabric is best suited to your particular wedding.

Colour or no colour?

If you have a colour theme for the wedding, it looks smart if the groom’s outfit follows it. If, on the other hand, you want to stick to a classic, elegant look, it’s usually best to stick to black and white. Bear in mind that you can incorporate a colour theme in various ways: in the suit fabric itself, in the waistcoat, in the pocket square, in the tie or in a flower.

If you’re thinking about the environment, it’s a good idea to buy a suit that you can wear again at other events. Classic dark shades, for example, are usually suitable for many different kinds of celebrations, and the various parts of the suit can also be worn separately, so you get more out of it.

Check that you can move freely

When trying on the suit, it’s important to bear in mind that you won’t just be standing still in it – it must also allow for movement. Try sitting at a table to ensure you’re comfortable during dinner, and see if you could drive a car whilst wearing it. If so, it’s usually the right fit.

Think about the accessories

There are plenty of fun options for those who want to play around with accessories for the suit. A coloured tie or bow tie, a smartly patterned pocket square or a waistcoat made from a special fabric might be just the thing for the wedding?

Some people make accessories from fabrics with nostalgic value – perhaps the dress the bride wore on your first date could be turned into some stylish wedding details? A pair of special cufflinks can also enhance the suit, or a chain worn over the waistcoat.

Do have a look at Vintage by vanDeurs, where you’ll find upcycled pocket squares and other accessories. It’s an excellent example of a brand where fashion and upcycling go hand in hand, and where you’re guaranteed to find a unique accessory.

Find your suit

Do you need help finding suppliers for the wedding? Have a look at our business directory.