Picture this: the D-day dawns, sunlight dances on polished shoes, and your heart beats excitedly beneath a meticulously tailored suit. You, the groom, are ready to say ‘I do’ to the love of your life in a wedding suit that makes you look dapper.
But before you look like a vision of dapper elegance as you wait at the altar for your soon-to-be wife, you must cross the not-so-glamorous hurdle of finding the perfect wedding suit.
Fret not, gentlemen. This guide will be your sartorial Sherpa, navigating you through the treacherous terrain of wedding suits for men. Ready or not, here we go.
Know your Inner GQ (AKA style DNA)
If you have figured out your style DNA, you are ready to embark on this sartorial quest. If not, that’s your first hurdle.
Are you drawn to the suaveness of a charcoal tuxedo and hope to channel a ‘James Bond in Casino Royale’ vibe? Or are you a bohemian prince craving the refined yet relaxed finesse of a linen suit, evoking the image of Timothee Chalamet’s carefree confidence in ‘Call Me By Your Name’?
Deciphering your sartorial fingerprint is the first step to finding the perfect wedding suit. Whether customized or ready-made, the suit must be an expression of your personality and a microphone for your soul.
Set a Budget
The expenses for a wedding can quickly add up. Hence, it is critical to set a budget for your wedding suit. While planning other aspects of the wedding, determine how much you are willing to spend for the perfect ensemble. Take into consideration accessories and tailoring.
Understand Fabrics (to Avoid Nightmares!)
Fabrics are more than mere threads that are woven together to design a suit. They are the foundation of the sartorial symphony. Choosing the right fabric for your wedding suit is the difference between enjoying your first dance in a breathable linen suit or cursing throughout in a wool blend at your summer wedding.
Are you having an August ceremony? Consider airy linen or lightweight wool blends that will keep you agile on your feet. For an autumn affair, you can opt for luxurious velvet or heavier wools.
Remember, the season plays a pivotal role when choosing the right fabric for your wedding suit.
Get the Right Fit
When it comes to men’s suits, the fit is everything. It is the holy grail!
The groom cannot be standing at the altar wearing an ill-fitting wedding suit, no matter how expensive the suit is. Even a single ill-placed seam can transform the groom’s look from suave to sartorial faux pas. Let’s hope the latter isn’t true for you!
Customized wedding suits for men are typically the most preferred way of getting a suit that is sculpted to your unique physique. But these custom masterpieces can put a dent in your wallet.
Worry not, budget-conscious grooms. Off-the-rack suits can be tailored to your body by a skilled alterations specialist. Ensure you find the right alterations expert for your wedding suit.
Don’t Forget About the Groomsmen!
While looking for your perfect wedding suit, don’t forget about your groomsmen. They are not just supporting characters in your wedding ceremony; coordinating their attire with yours will create a visual impact and wow the wedding guests.
However, don’t blindly force your groomsmen into wearing identical suits. Allow them to express their individualities within the chosen theme. For instance, they can wear suits in contemporary colors matching your wedding suit to create a harmonizing symphony in sync with each other.
Bonus Tips to Ensure You Are Eligible For the Best-Dressed Groom of the Year:
- Consider your wedding venue and theme when deciding the suit’s formality and color. Whether you are having a rustic barn celebration, a beach wedding, or a church affair, your wedding suit must sync with the overall aesthetics.
- To ensure a harmonious visual appeal, you can consider coordinating with your partner. Discuss style preferences, color, and overall themes to create a cohesive look.
- Accentuate your wedding suit with the right accessories. You can experiment with pocket squares, ties, boutonnieres, and cufflinks. These little details add flair and character to the overall look of the wedding suit. For example, a tie can add a splash of color and pocket squares are known for adding personality. Wearing cufflinks with initials are an opportunity to tell a story.
- Shoes! Don’t let shoes be an afterthought because the right pair of shoes can truly transform your look from ordinary to extraordinary. Classic brown or black leather shoes are timeless choices that pair well with most wedding suits.
- Search for your wedding suit in advance so you don’t have to settle for something mediocre at the last minute. If you are getting an off-the-rack suit, ensure there’s enough time for tailoring it to your specific body measurements. And if you are opting for a custom-made suit, you must place the order well in advance so the tailor isn’t rushed into finishing the suit.
Last but not least, shopping for your wedding suit should not feel like a forced march. Turn it into a fun adventure. Gather your groomsmen and plan a fun day that will reflect the excitement and joy of the occasion.
Final Thoughts: Suit up and Seize the Day!
So, grooms, take a deep breath. Finding the right wedding suit needn’t be a chore. Enjoy the journey of cruising through mannequins, style books, and stores to find the suit that defines your personality and matches the theme of your big day. Carefully choose fabrics that dance with your movements and achieve a fit worthy of a Roman emperor. And finally, don’t forget to accessorize to enhance the overall appearance of the suit.
Remember, it is your day. So, suit up and seize the day with finesse and flair.
Are you ready to find the perfect suit for your wedding? Begin the sartorial quest well in advance so you are ready to say ‘I do’ when the wedding bells call. All the best!