Grooms Dressing Guide

Follow Wed's guide to choosing your big-day style and look every inch the sharply dressed groom...

Let's face it - the bride and her gang have had the casting vote where it comes to choosing the groom's and groomsmen's outfits for some time now. If your wife-to-be wanted the slate grey tailcoat and turquoise cravat to match the bridesmaid dresses - more often than not, she got it.

Well, it's 2011 now and about time us grooms stood our ground on the style stakes. Don't get us wrong - we're not endorsing a public showdown between you and your beloved in the formal wear department.



Moreover, it is about feeling comfortable, looking the part and adding some characteristic style to your ensemble - crucial factors in your enjoyment of the day. What's more, those photographs will last a lifetime - and you'll want that image on the mantelpiece to capture you looking happy, relaxed, stylish and, most importantly, like you.

So while your bride busies herself trawling every bridal boutique in the region with her gaggle of pals, do a little style research of your own. Don't simply wait for the signal to head into town and pick the first suit in the hire wear catalogue.

Let us take you through the suit basics and the range of styles open to you - and help you make a personal and stylish statement come the all-important day.

THE GARB GUIDE
There is five options of formal wear for grooms: military wear, morning wear, Highland wear, evening wear and alternative wear. Military is self-explanatory and only open to those in the services, so let's take a look at the other options.

Morning wear
Probably the most popular option, morning wear encompasses the frock coat, tailcoat and Nehru jacket, which is very popular for Asian weddings and has a collar shape similar to a granddad style. Morning wear also includes the hugely popular lounge suit: a one to three button suit you might be seen wearing to work.

Evening wear
The classic tuxedo and tails fall into the evening wear category. Bringing a sophisticated Rat Pack vibe to proceedings, it's a particularly fetching look for a winter wedding and, despite its name, the suit can be worn all day and teamed with a plain necktie rather than the classic bow tie should you wish.

Highland wear
Wear your Celtic heritage on more than just your sleeve with a flourish of tartan. From Scottish plaid to a Cornish kilt, tartans bring a striking and highly personal aesthetic to a wedding. You might opt for a family tartan through to a contemporary design, depending on your heritage or preferred colour scheme.

Alternative wear
This is easily the fastest growing option in grooms wear and covers everything from white linen trousers teamed with white polo shirts, a Hawaiian shirt and shorts combo or a baby blue linen suit.

THE DRESS CODE
Once you've decided which of these categories you fall into, consider the following essential questions...

What time of the year is the wedding going to be held?
This answer will determine the weight of the suit that will be appropriate as well as a fitting colour scheme. A winter wedding is perfect for a black tie wedding, whereas a July wedding calls for a lighter palette.

What colour scheme has the bride chosen for either the dresses or the flowers?
Woe betide any groom who neglects this question! If the bride has picked a soft shade of pink for either a dress fabric or flower selection, the overall wedding look could be spoiled if you rock up with an acidic orange tie and hankie set.

Are you opting for an overseas beach wedding?
If so, you'll need to ditch any visions of hiring a top hat and tails or risk sweating your whole body weight by the time the bride has walked down the aisle! Think light and cool options, balancing the smart factor with the location. For an Italian wedding, consider an immaculate light blue cotton suit with a white shirt and linen tie, while a Caribbean beach ceremony cries out for a cool pair of linen trousers teamed with a white shirt and brown deck shoes.

What height and weight are you?
Don't underestimate the importance of body shape. If you are on the larger side, opt for darker colours in the suit; this doesn't necessarily mean black - charcoal grey or dark navy are flattering options. If you want to appear taller, then you should look for a shorter jacket, which will make you legs look longer and give the illusion of greater height. Taller gents who want to appear slightly shorter should avoid pinstripes and maybe consider a check fabric.

How many groomsmen will you be having and what is the overall budget for the entire party?
Obviously the more groomsmen you have, the greater the costs involved. If your budget is tight and you're paying for all the suits, then hire is probably your best option. Perhaps be a little creative by just hiring the suits and buying new shirts; ask your wife-to-be to order extra wedding dress material and have ties made to go with your suits to create an individual look for the big day.

THE WARDROBE WISDOM
So you've decided on your look. Now take note of these sartorial tips for fail-safe smouldering wedding day style.

•    If you're hiring suits, make sure you get your whole party to try on their outfits two to three days before the wedding to allow for last minute alterations and ensure you're happy with how it all looks.
•    Looking for an outfit for a summer wedding or a destination wedding in a warm climate? Then try and make your purchase the summer before your wedding. Retailers may not have many beach-appropriate options in stock if you go shopping in December.
•    If you're having a bespoke suit made, ensure you start the process a good 10-14 weeks before the wedding. This will allow for any delays in fabric delivery and alterations nearer the day.
•    No matter how many there are in your party, make sure your outfit stands out by adding some unique accessories like a pair of bright pink socks, a neat silk pocket handkerchief, a funky tie or some vintage cufflinks.
•    Make sure your shoes are clean and, if you're buying new shoes, wear them around the house one evening prior to the wedding to break them in - the last thing you want is sore feet on the big day.

Finally, remember that everyone may well be looking at your wife, but your wife will be looking at you - so give your wedding outfit as much time and consideration as you can. Whether you're rocking a suave tux, a classic morning suit or a coolly preppy look, your wife will be proud to stand shoulder to shoulder as you embark on the adventure of married life - even if she didn't have it all her way.


Ultimate Formal Hire now offers a snazzy new function that allows you to build your outfit online. Simply click on your chosen style, add colours and accessories and watch as your outfit is created before your eyes. Check out the interactive website on www.ultimateformalhire.co.uk. The comprehensive range is available from Little Anne Maids in Camborne.
01209 613366 www.littleanne-maids.co.uk


words Leon Soulsby


Copyright WED Magazine 2011