HOW TO CHOOSE A WEDDING SUIT
A lot of couples today are realizing that they don't want to go to the mall and rent a suit or tuxedo for their big day. Instead, grooms are beginning to realize that their wedding is the perfect opportunity to invest in a great looking suit, one that they can wear after the wedding -be that to the office or for a date night.
But when you do decide to buy a suit or tuxedo in lieu of renting, you have some decisions to make.
Based on the countless grooms we have worked with, we've compiled this guide for you - a handy roadmap so that you know how to choose a wedding suit.
Follow these simple steps, and you'll see that it's easier than you think to find that perfect suit or tux.
1: OCCASION - TIME OF EVENT
Ordinarily, this is the first question you'd ask yourself when shopping for a new suit-what's the occasion? Fortunately, you already know this! But we still need to consider what time of day you'll be having your wedding. Events at night usually require a darker fabric, while lighter shades like grey and tan are better for occasions held during mid-day. You can bend the rules: but they are a good starting point.
2: LEVEL OF FORMALITY
As you may expect, a very formal wedding will likely be a black tie event. But what about a very casual wedding? Or someplace between the two extremes?
CASUAL
For discussion sake, let's take a look at a beach wedding. This will likely mean a linen or linen/wool blended suit is appropriate. Or, at the very least, a 100% cotton suit. The weather is going to be warm so your fabric will need to breathe well to keep you comfortable and your shoes will probably be relatively casual, since you may be standing in the sand.
And you're probably going to want to stick with a tan or other light colored fabric to refer to the beach theme.
SEMI-CASUAL
But what if you're someplace between a formal, black tie event and the beach? You're not going to be wearing a tuxedo in this instance. And maybe you're considering a venue outside. It could be a grassy open space, a chic barn, etc.
We like a 3-piece suit- always dressy, and when the party begins the coat can go!
FORMAL
This is the look that you're probably most familiar. It's what you see at a lot of weddings and it's become the go-to standard. On one end of the spectrum, you have a full tuxedo with a black bow tie, and on the other end, a dark suit. We have been doing many navy tuxes - also elegant. Regardless, a formal wedding means that you will want to make sure that everything else in your wedding is at a similar level of formality. The couple's style should match.
3: WHAT DOES YOUR PARTNER TO BE HAVE TO SAY?
Did you ask your partner to be? You should.
4: VERSATILITY (FOR AFTER THE WEDDING)
This is important. When do you think you'll be wearing the suit after the wedding? Hopefully, you'll be wearing it to the office now and again. Or, maybe for fancy events with your significant other?
FOR WORK
OK, let's say you're going to end up wearing your (former) wedding suit to the office. If it's your first suit, then go with something dark, like a charcoal or navy shade. It will be the most versatile for your needs.
If it's going to be your second suit, then you have a few more options. I would recommend a navy or grey suit. Not many men own grey suits and that will help to set you apart. Navy is a little more conservative, but that doesn't mean that you can't sport something with a subtle plaid or textured look.
But remember, whatever you opt for, it can't be too wild and crazy because it's going to be your wedding suit after all!
FOR GOING OUT
Do you want a suit that James Bond would approve of! The tuxedo is the obvious answer, but a dark suit with a custom fit would be a close second.
You could go with a handful of different suit fabrics, but the takeaway is that you need something dark. Why dark? Because you're going to be wearing this suit out and about. Whether it's a swanky bar, another wedding, or a gala-type event, it'll likely be at night, and so therefore, you need something dark.
5: THE FIT
A wedding suit is still a suit and that means that fit is very important - in fact, it's the first thing people are going to notice.
So, regardless of whether you end up with a tuxedo or a dark suit or a very casual outfit, fit is the most important.
Even if you don't decide to go bespoke, make sure whoever is helping you knows what he/she is doing. Because a great fit is the easiest way to look your best on your wedding day.
6: CUSTOMIZATION
Once you make it through Steps 1 through 5, you've more or less framed the scope and you know what you're looking for.
But because a wedding suit is a very special thing, we encourage you to go the extra mile and add a few unique customizations.
MONOGRAM
At the very least, have your name monogrammed on the inside of the jacket.
And something else that you may be interested in is adding your wedding date to the jacket, and your bride's name. That way when you wear the suit again in the future, you'll find a thoughtful reminder of your wedding date.
WHATEVER YOU CHOOSE, MAKE IT YOUR OWN
It's your wedding, and so no one else but you and your partner should be making the decisions above. And when you know you look great in a custom suit, you can devote your attention elsewhere, where it belongs.
Remember, if we're building a custom suit for your wedding, we'll need at least 7 weeks to get your suit manufactured.
Your pictures will last a lifetime: dress accordingly.
