Tag: Groom

How To Write Your Wedding Speech (Grooms’ Edition)

As a groom, your wedding speech can be one of the most important parts of your wedding day. It’s your big chance to tell everyone how wonderful the love of your life is – but don’t freak out! We’ve put together this handy guide that will take you through writing, preparing and delivering a killer groom wedding speech.

Of course, an individual speech might not be for you– and in that case, why not give a joint speech with your partner? It takes the pressure off and is a great way to kick off your marriage as a real unit. Otherwise, read on for our top tips on writing the groom’s wedding speech.

How To Get Started With Your Groom’s Speech

1. Ask For Help

If you’re not sure where to start with your wedding speech – well, you’re in the right place! But there’s nothing better than talking to people who’ve already done it. What are your married friends glad they did and what do they wish they’d done differently? If you still have a few weddings to attend before your own, pay close attention to the speeches too.

2. Brainstorm

There are a few things you’ll definitely cover in your speech so start off with a brainstorm. What do you definitely want to mention? Who do you absolutely need to thank and what stories are you certain you want to tell?

How To Write Your Groom’s Speech

There’s no right or wrong way to give a groom’s speech – so do what you want! But if you need some help, here’s a simple structure to use as a starting point:

1. Say thank you

If you’re part of a couple made up of a bride and groom, it’s likely you’ll be the second speech of the evening as it’s tradition for the groom’s speech to follow the father of the bride’s. In this case, you may want to start by thanking him for his kind words – and, of course, raising his wonderful daughter! 

Psst! If there is a father of the bride who needs some ideas for his speech, check out our top tips for him here.

Otherwise, you’ll either want to start off by thanking the person who spoke before you – whether that’s your partner themselves or one of their parents – or by thanking your guests. At this point, you might also want to mention any absent friends, including those who’ve passed away.

Next, thank your best man (or woman) and ushers. (Top tip: now’s a good time to jump in and mock yourself before your best man has a chance to!) And make sure to give a few moments to your partner’s half of the wedding party too, whether that’s another set of groomsmen or the bridal party.

2. Give Your Family Some Love

Now it’s time to give your families some love. Thank your family for their support and thank your partner’s family for bringing up such a wonderful person! Shout out any relatives who’ve been a particular help in the wedding planning process. Now’s also a good time to mention any funny anecdotes about meeting your new in-laws…

3. Talk About Your Partner

This is the moment you’ve been waiting for: speaking about the love of your life. Now’s your time to tell everyone what makes them the person you want to spend the rest of your life with. Why did you fall in love? What are you excited for about your life together?

4. Thank Everyone Again

Close your speech with one last thanks to your guests and wedding party… Then sit back and prepare yourself for the best (wo)man’s speech!

Preparing the Groom’s Speech

1. Cut It Down

The best speeches are short and sweet – so even if you want to thank every person and tell every story, be ruthless. Keep it to the must-haves.

2. Get A Second Opinion

Practise your speech with a close friend and get their thoughts. But don’t practise too much – leave yourself room to relax into it.

Delivering the Groom’s Speech

1. Work Out The Running Order

If your partner is also giving a speech, have a quick chat with them about who will go first. Never make assumptions!

2. Do A Soundcheck

Make sure to test the mics beforehand. If you don’t have time on the day, ask one of your groomsmen to step up.

3. Get It On Camera

If you don’t have a videographer, make sure someone films your speech (as well as everyone else’s). You don’t want to forget this moment!

4. Relax

The key to delivering a killer speech? Relax, have fun with it and enjoy the moment. As long as you speak from the heart, any speech you give will be absolutely perfect.

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Groom Styling 101, by Turnbull & Asser

You’ve searched far and wide and have finally found the perfect suit for the big day. There’s no feeling quite like putting on a perfectly tailored suit for the first time, and with confidence at an all-time high, it’s easy to get carried away and assume the job is done. However, the subtle nuances of savvy tailoring and styling are often what takes you from a slightly-above-average Joe to an unadulterated style savant. 

So who better to dish their tips than the timeless Turnbull & Asser, who have dressed the likes of HRH The Prince of Wales, Charlie Chaplin, Sir Winston Churchill and James Bond! Enjoy as they break down the necessities to complete your wedding day look.

 

Bridebook.co.uk groom styling tips

 

The Tie


Presuming you’ve opted for a single breasted three-piece, your tie becomes your statement piece. Whilst tradition dictates that a bowtie is the go-to, there are a few equally-smart-and-a-lot-less-fiddly options that will make you look the part. In this case, go for an ornate or herringbone silk tie in a Prince Albert knot for added depth. Head of Design Dean Gomilsek-Cole recommends this knot over a regular 4-in-hand as it provides greater length. Ensure it matches your wedding’s colour theme and that your shirt is plain – allowing the tie to have pride of place.

Bridebook.co.uk groom tie tips

 

The Shirt



Take it from us when we say there are white shirts, and then there are white shirts. Our West Indian Sea Island Cotton bespoke shirt provides immeasurable quality and exceptional comfort. Double cuffs (or French cuffs) and a customisable collar will allow you to have, quite literally, the perfect shirt. You can’t go wrong with a classic T&A collar, but the beauty of bespoke is that you can create something to your exact shape and preference. 


Bridebook.co.uk

 

The Cufflinks



Subtlety reigns supreme when it comes to your cufflinks. They need to stay on the right side of elegance, removing excess flashiness. A monogrammed pair add a heightened touch of sophistication and will remain as keepsakes from the best day of your life. Win-win.

Bridebook.co.uk cufflinks for grooms

 

The Collar Stays



Behind every successful man, is a woman rolling her eyes. Behind every collar, are collar stays keeping everything intact. Arguably the most subtle of details, they play a pivotal role in ensuring one never looks unkempt. Whether it’s sterling silver or mother-of-pearl, it’s an absolute necessity for every quality shirt. We’d also suggest having an additional pair at hand, for emergency’s sake.

Bridebook.co.uk groom styling tips

 

The Pocket Square



Go for a square that complements the tie, but avoid having a repeating pattern. Matching at times can look relatively lazy, and loses personality and flair. Your pocket square shouldn’t steal the show, however, but rather accentuate the tie. Opt for plain silk in an accent colour, or white with coloured piping.


Bridebook.co.uk groom style tips

 

The Socks



An exposed ankle is more of an established rule rather than a temporary trend nowadays, however, it forms a more casual take on sartorial. There’s a time and place for that and it’s most definitely not on your wedding day. We’d suggest a plain sock that works subtly with your outfit, ideally an off-black colourway. Avoid Colgate white at all times – the only man that could pull it off was Michael Jackson, and it should be kept that way.

Bridebook.co.uk



Always remember, when it comes to the big day the aim is to look as handsome as possible, without ever taking attention away from the bride. Other than that, enjoy the day and all it brings, and to the next chapter that awaits!

To see more of what Turnbull & Asser has to offer the groom visit: turnbullandasser.co.uk

Happy Planning!

7 Ideas for Groom Opening Lines

‘I had prepared an excellent speech for you today, but unfortunately, now that I’m married … I’ve been told to read this one instead.’

‘I have been told that this is usually one of the only times in a married man’s life when he can speak without being interrupted … I may be here sometime.’

‘I didn’t actually receive an invitation to the wedding, so I hope I haven’t just eaten somebody else’s meal.’

‘When I asked [bride’s] father if I could marry his daughter, he wanted to know if I would be able to support the family. The answer was no! I was only planning to support his daughter. The rest of them would have to look after themselves.’

‘A lot of people believe that girls marry men who remind them of their fathers, which explains why [bride’s] mother crying so much during the ceremony.’

‘I was a bit nervous about giving a wedding speech so I had a look online for some tips. The best advice came from Franklin D Roosevelt who said “Be sincere; be brief; be seated”. So…..thanks very much for coming!’

‘[bride] says that I never listen….or something like that’

How to Save Money on Wedding Suits

When you’re getting married, a lot of focus is on the bride, but remember, it’s also the groom’s time to shine. Just because the bride gets lots of attention it doesn’t mean the groom has to take a back seat – in fact, it’s exactly the opposite. When a groom is standing next to their partner at the altar, they want to look good, to help them feel good – and a sharp suit or tuxedo helps with exactly that.

Couples spend an average of £700-900 on wedding suits, which might not sound much when you compare it to the £20,775 the average couple spends in total on their wedding. However, the suit is another cost that can climb unless you approach it with thought and consideration.

The fact that you’re shopping for a suit hopefully means you’re fairly close to the big day itself, meaning your comprehensive Bridebook wedding checklist must be nearly complete…but it also means that your wedding budget might be looking a little more restrictive than it once was.

No fear – there are ways and means to make sure you look like James Bond without an MI5 agent’s salary and still have money left over for a Martini, shaken not stirred. In this post, we’re going to look at how you can save money on a wedding suit while making sure you stand proud while exchanging your vows.

Do you need to buy an expensive suit for your wedding?

Photo © dapper chaps formal wear | See their Bridebook profile

No, you don’t need to buy an expensive suit for your wedding. In fact, you might not need to buy a suit at all – renting or wearing a suit you already own are both great options too. Just because a bride might spend an average of £1,300 on a wedding dress doesn’t mean a groom has to spend the equivalent.

What about jewellery and accessories?

Photo © Le Colonel | See their Bridebook profile

On top of a suit, couples spend an average of £300-400 on accessories for the big day. Thankfully, there are also ways to save money on wedding accessories, which mean you can spend far less than this but still have a smart tie, shiny cufflinks and neatly pressed pocket square without going over budget. 

15 ways to save money on your wedding suit

Photo © KEYELONDON | See their Bridebook profile

You’ll want your big day to go exactly as planned and be as luxurious and special as it can be – this includes the groom’s wedding attire. Below are 15 ways you can save money on a wedding suit and still look and feel fabulous. For more cost-cutting tips, check out our ultimate guide to saving money on your wedding.

1. Choose a suit to fit the style of your wedding

Photo © Black Tie | See their Bridebook profile

Before you decide to go and buy or rent a tux, first think about the style of your wedding and your chosen venue. A smart suit or tux isn’t always appropriate for a beach or rustic wedding. Discuss the atmosphere you’re going for with your beloved and choose your attire accordingly. For more information, check out our introduction to the groom’s and ushers’ wedding attire.

2. Choose a suit over a tuxedo

Photo © Haig – Harrison’s Men’s Hire & Tailoring | See their Bridebook profile

If you’re contemplating smart attire, then consider buying a sharp, tailored suit instead of a tuxedo. They can look just as good but will be far kinder to your budget, as the only real difference between a tux and a suit is the satin feel. Plus, you’ll feel more comfortable and be able to wear your suit again in the future.

3. Consider renting a suit

Photo © Roberto Revilla London | See their Bridebook profile

Many grooms don’t realise that you can even rent a suit, let alone consider it for something as important as your wedding day. But, not only will renting a suit save you money – as much as £250, to be exact – but it’ll also open you up to a much wider selection of styles. What might be way out of your budget ordinarily will be far more affordable if you rent rather than buy. Many vendors will offer rental fees for as little as £50, so it should be high on your list of considerations.

4. Compare buying to renting

Photo © Attire Tailoring | See their Bridebook profile

While renting is usually a hugely affordable option, it’s always advisable to compare costs between buying and renting. For example, say rental costs are £50 a day: if you have a destination wedding, those costs could be £350 if you’re away for a week, which could be way more expensive than buying a suit off the rack. With buying, there’s also always the option to sell your suit after the wedding using a website like Vinted to make some of your money back.

5. Ask for a deal

Photo © King & Allen | See their Bridebook profile

You must have heard of the phrase, ‘If you don’t ask, you don’t get.’ Well, the same applies to getting a deal on a wedding suit. While you might not be able to haggle on price or get a custom deal at a high-street retailer, an independent business or tailor may be able to offer you a deal. This is especially true if other men in the wedding party use the same vendor – you may even be able to get your suit for free or at least discounted in some cases.

6. Save on accessories

Photo © Swagger & Swoon | See their Bridebook profile

It can be tempting to splash the cash when you’re getting married and treat yourself to a new watch or some extra bling, but you might be better off using that budget elsewhere. There’s no reason why you can’t use your own cufflinks, ties or shoes if you’re willing to compromise a little. Just make sure they look dashing and fit in with your overall look and the theme of your wedding. 

7. Wear a suit you already own

Photo © Fox in the House | See their Bridebook profile

Chances are, you have a suit or two knocking around in your wardrobe, so consider wearing one of those and save yourself hundreds. You could freshen up the look with a few new accessories, which you could then coordinate with the rest of the wedding party. Just be aware that going down this route will be a compromise of sorts. You might not be able to get the dream ensemble you would be able to get by going to a designer store or boutique, where everything is custom-made and tailored to fit you perfectly on your big day. 

8. Understand rental fees

Photo © Whitfield & Ward | See their Bridebook profile

If you’re renting a suit, make sure you know the exact details of the return policy. You don’t want to be fined because you return your suit a day late. That’s going to be the last thing on your mind during such a hectic time.

9. Ask groomsmen and ushers to buy their own suits

Photo © Anthony Blay | See their Bridebook profile

While matching suits will look smashing in the photos, there aren’t many other advantages to syncing up suits. Follow the popular bridesmaids’ trend and give your ushers a colour scheme which they can dress for. That means you won’t have to buy their suits, they can save money by not having to fork out for a new suit, and everyone will still look amazing in the photos.

10. Be cohesive using creativity

Photo © A Hand Tailored Suit Birmingham | See their Bridebook profile

You don’t need to spend a fortune to bring cohesion to your wedding party. A little creativity is all you need, such as with matching accessories. Try coloured socks, suspenders, vests or bow ties and have fun with them.

11. Shop on the high street

Photo © Yorkshire Formal Wear | See their Bridebook profile

Shop around. Just like a bride will look in a few stores before she buys a gown, so should the groom. The prices of men’s formal attire can vary greatly, so make sure you get the best deal, both in terms of quality and finances. A bespoke suit or tux might look sharp, but many high-street retailers offer a wide selection of fantastic outfits to suit all styles, tastes and budgets if you’re tight on cash. 

12. Consider browsing charity shops

Photo © The Drop | See their Bridebook profile

Believe it or not, browsing charity shops can lead to the discovery of hidden treasures – including a suit to wear at your wedding. It will probably take persistence, but with a little luck, you might just find a wonderful suit hanging on the rack in a charity shop. The only thing to bear in mind is finding your exact size is unlikely, so you may have to take it to be altered, which of course will cost.

13. Borrow a suit from family or friends

Photo © Hockerty | See their Bridebook profile

Something borrowed doesn’t only have to apply to the bride. Borrowing a suit from a family member or friend will save you plenty, so long as you’re the same size. Again, bear in mind that if you go down this route, you will likely have to compromise, and might not get the exact suit you originally had in mind.

14. Shop during the sales

Photo © Mens Tweed Suits | See their Bridebook profile

If you have time on your side, then simply keep a close eye on sales and offers. High-street retailers have sales periodically throughout the year, as do independent stores. By biding your time you could save as much as 50%, or even higher if some suits are end of the line.

15. Shop online

Photo © Wedding Suits Direct | See their Bridebook profile

This is a slightly risky option, as getting the right size can be tricky, but if you know your exact measurements, you could save a bundle by shopping online. Second-hand stores such as Vinted or auction sites like eBay have plenty of bargains, but there are also plenty of online clothing retailers which have more competitive prices than those on the high street.

Plan a budget-friendly wedding with Bridebook 

Here at Bridebook, we have loads of tools to help you save money on your wedding and keep track of your finances, including our handy wedding budget calculator. Sign up today and start planning!

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Happy Planning!

How Much Do Wedding Suits Cost? The 2024 Average Revealed

While it’s true that most of the focus will go on what the bride’s wearing, just as many eyes will fall on the groom during your wedding. That means, whatever you’re wearing will need to make you look and feel good so you have the confidence to stand in front of your loved ones and say, ‘I do!’

However, when it comes to the right suit, just like a bride’s dress there are plenty of variations to choose from. You could go for a three-piece suit, evening tailcoat, a tuxedo, or one of the various other options which means it probably won’t be a straightforward decision.

In this post, we’re going to take a look at everything related to the cost of a wedding suit, including the average cost, your options and any hidden costs you should look out for.

What’s the average cost of a wedding suit?

Photo © Le Colonel | See their Bridebook profile

The average cost of a wedding suit in the UK is around £700-£900, however, this can vary depending on your budget, the formality of your wedding, and the style you’re going for.

As revealed in our ultimate wedding budget breakdown, the average amount spent by couples on the groom, best man and usher’s attire is £764. However, whether you pay for their suits is your decision – unless you want the best man and ushers to wear matching suits then you’re not likely to be expected to pay on their behalf.

What options do you have for your wedding suit?

Photo © Yorkshire Kilts | See their Bridebook profile

While £764 might be the average spent on the groom’s wedding attire, it’s by no means a figure that you have to stick to. Many grooms will spend way less than this, while others will spend ten times this amount. The most important thing to remember is that the groom’s suit matches and complements what their partner is wearing, so communication is key.

When choosing the right suit for your wedding, you have plenty of options, such as:

  • Morning suit – A formal option that includes a tailcoat, striped trousers, a vest, a collared shirt and a cravat or ascot. Costs start from around £200.
  • Three-piece suit – Named because it consists of three pieces: a vest, trousers and a jacket. It’s a versatile option for formal and semi-formal weddings. Costs start from around £150.
  • Business suit – A great choice for a less formal wedding, and can be single or double-breasted. Costs start from around £150.
  • Black dinner suit – A smart formal option that will make it hard for you not to catch yourself in the mirror and see James Bond looking back. Costs start from around £200.
  • Evening tailcoat – Generally reserved for very formal weddings and is a fabulous choice that screams elegance. It includes a tailcoat, trousers and a waistcoat. Costs start from around £300.
  • Tuxedo – Another choice for a formal wedding and the epitome of luxury. A tuxedo can also be paired with a tophat and a walking stick if you want to add that extra touch of class. Costs start from around £300.
  • Kilt – While traditionally worn by Scottish grooms, there are no strict rules when it comes to wearing a kilt. However, the cost of a kilt can add up as they require multiple accessories. A kilt alone can cost around £100 and go up from there.

Where can you buy your wedding suit?

Photo © King & Allen | See their Bridebook profile

Once you know the type of attire you’re looking for, you then need to decide where to start looking for that perfect suit. Where you start your search will also depend on the budget you have and how specialist you want to go.

Bespoke

If you have a larger budget to dedicate to your suit, then something bespoke is a great option. You’ll be able to choose the materials and the exact design, and the suit will fit you perfectly. If you want to go to one of the Savile Row tailors, prepare to spend around £2,000.

Made to measure

A made-to-measure suit is a more budget-friendly alternative to a bespoke suit. You won’t be able to dictate the cut and design, but a ready-made suit chosen by you will be altered to your measurements. For this option, you would need around £400 – £600.

High street retailer

If you have a smaller budget, you can pick up a fantastic suit from a high street retailer like Marks and Spencer or Moss Bros. This will require trying on a number of suits before you find one that fits you perfectly and you might have to take it for alterations at a local tailor. Costs at the average high street store will start at around £150 but can go much higher depending on what you go for.

Hire

If you’re interested in a formal style but not prepared to pay a formal cost, then hiring a suit, tuxedo or morning suit is a much more budget-friendly solution. The cost to hire a wedding suit can start as low as £50, but it’s important you’re 100% happy with your choice and you know the exact return policy.

Charity shop

A charity shop is a great way to secure a lovely suit at a bargain price – however, you need to be patient and be prepared to shop around until you find the suit you’re after. It can also be difficult to find a suit with your exact measurements, so you may need to take it for alterations. If you’re persistent and lucky you may find a great suit for as little as £35.

Are there any additional costs involved with wedding suits?

Photo © Tailor Made London | See their Bridebook profile

Once you’ve chosen the suit you’re going to wear at your wedding there are additional costs to be aware of, so make sure you factor these into your overall budget.

  • Alterations – If you’re having a bespoke suit made then alterations are likely included in the cost, but suits bought from a retailer may need to be altered slightly. Last-minute alterations will also cost more, so make sure they’re arranged with plenty of time to go.
  • Dry cleaning – You may want to have your suit dry cleaned before and after your wedding.
  • Shipping – If you’re buying your suit online there may be shipping costs, which could include custom fees if being imported from overseas.
  • Accessories – You may want to complete your outfit with accessories such as cufflinks, a pocket square and a watch. Check out our post on the cost of wedding accessories to find out how to factor these into your budget.
  • Material – The material you choose will affect the cost of your suit, with more premium materials costing more. For example, when it comes to wool suits, which tend to be made with ‘worsted’ thread, the higher the thickness of the thread, the higher the overall price of the material will be.
  • Rental fees – There will be fees for returning a rented suit late or damaged.

Check out our post on saving money on your wedding suit for a few tips on getting the most out of your budget.

Plan your dream wedding with Bridebook

Here at Bridebook, we have a range of menswear supplies so you can find the perfect outfit for your wedding, so why not sign up today and take the stress out of planning?

And if you’re looking for ways to save money on your wedding suits, we’ve got plenty of tips and tricks to help you stretch your budget further.

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Happy Planning!

Introduction: Groom and Ushers’ Attire

We spend a lot of time talking about how the bride should look her best on her wedding day. Obviously, the same goes for the groom… you’re going to want to look hot! You should feel comfortable, handsome and confident when you say “I Do” to your beloved. We know it can be difficult to decide on what you should wear on W-Day, so let us help you choose the perfect attire.

Bridebook.co.uk- groom and ushers in morning suits and top hats
By Raw Silk Photography

1. Communication

The first step to choosing your attire is communicating with your bride to be. While you don’t have to tell each other exactly what you are planning on wearing, you should co-ordinate in your styles. If you are going for a formal and majestic event, then wearing casual beach wear will not work. Equally, for a relaxed, rustic wedding, a tux will look out of place.

Bridebook.co.uk- groom getting the buttonnaire pinned to the lapel
By Guy Hearn

2. Prepare

Even if you aren’t big on fashion, you should still spend some time researching your preferred colours, styles and textiles. This will make sure that you are prepared for your fittings and that you will be able to tell the consultants exactly what you are looking for. Besides, you want your suit to show off your personality! To help you along the way, here are some options:

Morning Suit

A morning suit is a very smart option, involving a long coat with tails, trousers, a waistcoat, and optional top hat…

Black Tie

A black tie instantly denotes James Bond in a tux. This is a great option for a smarter wedding. However, bear in mind that “Black Tie” doesn’t always mean tux, it can also be a smart black suit. The difference is that a tux will have a satin feel to it, with buttons and lapels covered with the material.

Three Piece Suit

This is another smart option, involving a jacket, waistcoat and trousers. A lot of grooms are choosing to inject some personality into this by choosing different colours and textures, ranging from deep burgundy to tweed and adding fun accessories, like pocket watches.

Two Piece Suit

This is a very flexible option, as it can be dressed up or dressed down. Similarly, it is great because it can be worn again and again.

Casual Attire

This can really mean anything, from jeans dressed up with a blazer, to Bahama shorts and a smart shirt. Casual attire allows you the most flexibility, but make sure that it is appropriate for the style of your wedding.

Accessories

You can accessorise your suit with a bow tie, a cravat, or a long tie, or no neckwear at all! If you are going for the no neckwear option, make sure you still look dapper with an upright collar, kept in position with a nifty pair of magnets, like those at stiffies.co.uk (you get 20% off if you use the code ‘bridebook’ too!) It is also becoming increasingly more popular for grooms and ushers to play around with colour pocket handkerchiefs, socks and braces, which can be used to tie the bridal party and the ushers together for a more cohesive look.

Bridebook.co.uk- groom in tweed suit
By Chris Giles Photography

3. Shopping

First of all, make sure you choose the right shop! Not all places are the same when it comes to choice, tailoring and quality. Some of the best shops will have a huge range of suits and tuxes to choose from and they will stock the latest fashions, which will include accessories. Make sure that when you are going to buy, you go to someone who knows exactly what they are doing.

Secondly, don’t assume that all suits/tuxes/ties look the same. Instead, you should listen to the professionals who will help you choose something that flatters your shape. Whether it is a different lapel, a wider tie, or the number of buttons on your jacket, make sure you try a variety of styles before settling on the one that you feel best in. Don’t ignore the quality of the materials either, especially if you are buying. Cheap materials will look cheap in photos and won’t stand the test of time.

Lastly, if you are renting, make sure you read the small print. You will want to know all the details regarding the timings for the returns and cleanings, so that you aren’t faced with any unexpected charges or admin during your honeymoon!

Bridebook.co.uk- groom and ushers in yellow sports car
By Luis Holden

4. Budget

Don’t forget about your budget! A cheaply priced suit does not always mean a bargain, as the quality could be poor and it could be almost impossible to alter. Similarly, while we encourage you to invest in a good quality suit when it comes to your wedding day, only invest in something that will be timeless and something that you will be able to wear again, otherwise the suit will simply hang at the back of your wardrobe.  Second hand or rentals are fantastic options if you are looking to save some pennies.

Bridebook.co.uk- grooms socks shoes bow tie and belt laid out
By Ten Twenty One

5. Fitting

Definitely leave yourself enough time for any fittings and adjustments so that you look your sharpest. While we can’t tailor the suit for you, we have some great tips that you can easily apply yourself when trying on different suits (definitely share these with the ushers too):

  • The width of your tie should match the width of the lapel.
  • Your jacket should fit comfortably around the neck and shoulders and it should be easy to fasten.
  • Your shirt should be comfortable around the waist, neck and shoulders. For a formal look, it should be half to a quarter inch longer than the sleeve of your jacket.
  • If you are wearing a waistcoat, it should line up with your jacket at the front and the bottom should just overlap with the waistband of your trousers.
  • The hem of your trousers should be on level with the tops of your shoes and they should feel comfortable when you sit down.
  • You should always try on your bow tie before you buy it! It should feel comfortable and snug around your neck.
  • When looking for shoes, always make sure that they fit you comfortably. If they are new, get your best man to rub a bit of sandpaper on the soles so you don’t go sliding about.
  • Try on your formal wear two days before the wedding. This way, you can make sure that everything still fits properly and any last-minute adjustments can be made. We recommend you advise your ushers to do the same!
  • Lastly, your belt should always match your shoes!
Bridebook.co.uk- groom and usher getting ready at wedding venue
By Allister Freeman

6. A word about the ushers

Your ushers will be by your side, helping you throughout your wedding day, so you want to make sure they look their best too! While all of the above tips can be applied to them, there are a few separate things you should know.

First of all, they don’t all have to match you or even each other! Just like bridesmaids can sport different shades and patterns, so can your ushers. So long as they stand out amongst the wedding guests and they look like a cohesive part of the wedding party, you are fairly unlimited in deciding what they should wear.

Secondly, it is no longer custom for the groom to pay for the ushers’ outfits, they can buy their own or choose something that they already own, providing it fits with your general look. However, if you can afford to and want all of you to match, then it’s a nice treat to offer to pay otherwise a matching tie and button holes can do the trick!

Bridebook.co.uk- groom bride and wedding party
By Guy Hearn

Happy Planning!

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Tips: Honeymoon Destinations

Honeymoon time! What can be more fun than planning the most special holiday of your life? Whether you’re an adventurous couple who are looking for fresh mountain air and snowy slopes to throw yourself down; or if you’re keen to lie in the sun sipping on cocktails and staring into each others eyes, your honeymoon should be your ultimate and ideal vacation. Here is our list of recommended honeymoon locations by month, including both hot and cold destinations and some all-important advice for places to avoid. Can we come too?

Bridebook.co.uk- rio de janiero
By Kuoni

January

Hot: Mexico, Costa Rica, Caribbean, South Africa, Oman, Maldives, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, New Zealand, South America, Morocco.

Cold: Canada, USA, Antarctica, Russia, Japan, China.

Avoid: Australia (too hot to visit the North of the country and it is also the school summer holiday then, so it will be busy AND expensive!)

February

Hot: Galapagos Islands, Costa Rica, Caribbean, South Africa, Egypt, Oman, Maldives, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Australia, Ecuador, Bahamas, South America.

Cold: Canada, USA, Switzerland, Russia, Antarctica.

Avoid: China (Chinese New Year runs for 40 days throughout February and is the busiest time of the year)

Bridebook.co.uk- seals lying on ice
By Kuoni

March

Hot: Galapagos, Belize, Costa Rica, Caribbean, Namibia, Egypt, India, Malaysia, South Africa, Chile, French Polynesia, Hawaii.

Cold: Switzerland, Russia, Canada

April

Hot: Caribbean, Costa Rica, South America, Seychelles, Mauritius, Thailand, Indonesia, Borneo, French Polynesia, Italy, Spain, USA.

Avoid: The rains of Mauritius and East Africa.

Bridebook.co.uk- castle standing on a cliff by the sea
By National Geographic

May

Hot: Bermuda, Belize, Brazil Britain, Canada, Caribbean, South Africa, Czech republic, Fiji, France, Greece, Italy, Ireland, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mexico, Seychelles, Spain, Thailand, USA, Japan.

Avoid: Extreme heat in India and rains in Eastern Africa.

June

Hot: Bermuda, Canada, France, Portugal, Spain, Norway, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Botswana, Bali, Russia, Ireland, Madagascar.

Avoid: The heat of India and Egypt and the rains of the Caribbean, Thailand and Maldives.

Bridebook.co.uk- seaside town on a cliff at night
By National Geographic

July

Hot: Bermuda, South America, Canada, Central Africa, Czech Republic, Fiji, France, Kenya, USA, China, Indonesia.

Avoid: Maldives, Thailand, Mexico, Caribbean due to rains and monsoons.

August

Hot: Europe, Indonesia, South America, Canada, Fiji, Kenya, USA.

Avoid: Monsoons in Thailand and Typhoon season in Caribbean.

Bridebook.co.uk- motorbike on a winding road
By National Geographic

September

Hot: Australia, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, Europe, Maldives, Mauritius, Thailansd, USA.

Avoid: Monsoons in Thailand. Typhoon season in Caribbean.

October

Hot: Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Morocco, Seychelles, Egypt, Fiji, Hawaii, Maldives, Mauritius, Mexico.

Avoid: Monsoons in Thailand. Typhoon season in Caribbean.

Bridebook.co.uk- reindeer sleigh and people in traditional costume
By National Geographic

November

Hot: South America, Belize, South Africa, Seychelles, Mauritius, Thailand, India.

Cold: USA, Canada

Avoid: Rains in Malaysia.

December

Hot: Mexico, Cuba, South America, Zanzibar, South Africa, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand.

Cold: USA, Canada, Japan, Russia, China.

Avoid: The cold of Bermuda and the rain of the Seychelles.

Happy Honeymoon-ing!

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