The Groom's Guide To Suits
Image by Kate Little for Harlow Garland
For grooms, deciding on a suit for their wedding day can sometimes be just as difficult and confusing as it is for brides to choose a wedding dress. That’s why here at Harlow Garland, we have put together a basic guide to follow for choosing a suit that is perfect for you and for your wedding.
To Rent Or To Buy?
Often men choose to opt for a rented suit of tuxedo for their wedding day. This can be a great option if you are looking for a suit that is convenient and less expensive. Buying a suit for your wedding is also a great option because you can be sure that it is perfectly tailored to your body and the style you prefer. Purchasing a suit can be a great investment as you can always wear it post wedding for a different occasion.
Think About Your Wedding Style
Different styles of weddings call for different styles of suits. For a formal evening wedding, you may want to opt for a simple black tuxedo or suit with traditional accessories. For weddings during the day that are more semi-formal, grooms often choose a grey tone or navy suit, compared to an outdoor or destination wedding where you could opt for a suit in a lighter colour with a lighter fabric or eschew the jacket and tie for a more casual style.
Fabrics
It is not just styles and colours that differ between suits, there is also a wide range of fabrics to choose from. Wool-blended suits are a great option if you are looking for quality and something that will last in the years to come, as they will maintain their shape. Linen suits are more breathable so are the perfect option for a summer wedding. Whereas cotton suits can be much more inexpensive while still looking smart - a good choice if you are on a budget.
Tailoring
Whichever suit you decide on, it is important that the fit is right. Getting your suit professionally tailored is the best way to ensure it fits perfectly, looks classy and lasts for a long time. It is best to decide on your suit at least three months prior to your wedding day, this will give you time to have multiple fittings and make any adjustments that you may need to.
Ties
When it comes to ties, there are endless options. There are different fabrics, patterns, shapes and colours. Choose a tie that goes with your shirt and jacket - you may even want to colour co-ordinate with the bridesmaids. For something a little more unique and quirky, opt for a bow tie.
Accessories
Accessories are the perfect way to inject some personality into your suit. Shoes are one of the most important accessories, they need to feel good as well as look great. For a black suit, opt for a black shoe, brown shoes for a navy suit and grey suits will go with both. If your suit is a lighter colour you should also choose a lighter coloured shoe. We recommend wearing your shoes around your house prior to your wedding, to ensure they are comfortable on the day.
Cuff links are an essential part of formal dressing and can add more sophistication to your suit. Choose cufflinks that suit your personal style or ones that are meaningful to you. Pocket squares are also an elegant accessory option and can add a splash of colour to your suit.