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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Depending on where you are in the world, what the groom wears at his wedding varies. But in this article, we’re going to take a look at one of the most popular options: the suit.
Now, you might think a suit’s a suit, right? Wrong! Black tie is different to white tie, and then there are lounge suits and morning suits too. And once you’ve worked that out, there’s cuffs, collars and lapels to pin down…
But the suit is just one component of the perfect groom’s ensemble. So let’s talk how to build your perfect outfit.
1. Do Your Research
As always, start off with some research. Head to Pinterest or Instagram to find out what you like – as well as what you don’t! And remember to spend some time looking at shoes, accessories and grooming too.
2. Start With The Suit
Now for the fun part! Pick out a few options for suits and see how you feel in each of them. Do you feel good? Are you comfortable? How will it look with your partner’s choice of outfit? Once you’ve found your perfect match, make it official, whether that’s buying or booking in hire dates.
3. The Perfect Fit
To make sure you have the perfect fit, you may want to have your suit altered (although bear in mind that if you’re renting your suit, you won’t have this option). While your retailer may offer this service, you may also need to find an independent tailor. Either way, make sure to organise tailoring ASAP so that there’s plenty of time to make all the necessary adjustments before your big day.
4. Find Your Dancing Shoes
Now your suit’s sorted, look back at that Pinterest board we made in step one. What sort of shoes do you like? Pick out a few options and try them on with your suit to make sure they work together. Try not to go for style over substance – comfort is key! Remember that you’ll spend most of your wedding day on your feet – and there’ll probably be drinking and dancing too, so make sure you’ve got a good grip on the soles.
5. Add Accessories
Now it’s time for the finishing touches: your cufflinks, pocket square, tie or cravat, a top hat, decorative silk scarf… The options are endless! Our advice is to keep it simple with just two or three key accessories. And don’t forget about your socks!
6. Put It All Together
Okay, you’ve got the suit, sorted the shoes and assembled your accessories… We’re nearly there. Now to put it all together. How does it look? Is there anything you’re not happy with? (Did you remember the socks?) If not, now might be the time to go back to the tailor for further alterations – so make sure you’ve left plenty of time to turn that around.
7. Wear Your Shoes In
Whatever you do, don’t skip this step! Wear your shoes around your house at least three or four times in the weeks leading up to your wedding to break them in before your big day. No one wants to spend the happiest day of their life battling blisters…
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.
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?
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 dressdoesn’t mean a groom has to spend the equivalent.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
