1. SUIT, TUX OR TAILCOATS?
Your style must reflect the formality of the wedding, including the time of day you’ve decided to get hitched. Is this an evening wedding in a beautiful hotel? If so, it’s a tux or a smart dark suit. Or do you prefer to say ‘I do’ during the day? In that case, choose a suit in a lighter material. Going too formal is as big a sin as going too casual, so only wear tailcoats if your venue is shout-out upmarket.
2. CHOOSE WHAT SUITS YOU
This may seem obvious, but sadly it isn’t. If you are short (let’s be frank here, we’re hardly the tallest of nations), you might want to rethink tailcoats. They will just make you look smaller and they will wear you, not the other way around. Try a 2 or 3-buttoned, fitted suit instead. If you are on the bigger side, don’t go for a double-breasted option: it will just put on the pounds.
3. ALTERATIONS ARE NOT JUST FOR THE BRIDE
If you’re renting your formalwear, make sure you go to enough fittings before the event to know exactly how the suit is going to fit. If you’re buying, choose something which fits you perfectly (and make use of the store’s tailoring services, if needed). Look out for the length of sleeves and trousers, the way the jacket sits on your shoulders and the way it looks when you button it up. Needless to say, it should not look baggy, but needs to be nipped in and don’t go too tight either!
4. CHOOSE YOUR COLOURS CAREFULLY
The wedding theme, and your floral accessories, including your boutonnieres, have to work with the colour of your suit and those of the groomsmen. If you’ve both decided to go for a shabby chic look, a tux in black is going to be completely inappropriate. Lighter colours are great for daytime weddings, but don’t feel you need to go traditional for any time of day. Grey and navy can look beautiful without appearing stuffy and you could even opt for maroon or tweed.
5. BE BOLD
Your look has to be you. Don’t feel you have to follow the crowd (though we are aware it’s a tad difficult to not listen to everyone and your neighbour on this small island). And, don’t feel pressured to wear something you would never be seen dead in – remember the photos are going to be with you for a lifetime. This is your day too. You need to feel comfortable.