The ultimate groom's guide to dressing for your wedding
When it comes to dressing for a wedding everyone thinks guys have the easy job. But looking, and feeling great on your wedding day is more than just a matter of "putting on a suit".
Just like the purchase of that all important ring, you've got to think of cut, color, size and style.
Do you want top hats and tails, a classic tuxedo or a jaunty tweed suit or maybe you want something a little more modern or laid back?
Should you wear a tie, a dickie bow or go open collar? And have you thought about your socks? Yep, socks!
Luckily, we're here to help. With everything from shirt collars to trouser cuffs, sit back, put your feet up and enjoy our Grooms Attire 101.
OUR ULTIMATE GROOMS' GUIDE TO DRESSING FOR YOUR WEDDING
From top to toe, check out our top tips for grooms on what to wear on your wedding day.
We'll guide you through grooms' attire piece by piece, and scroll down for some expert tips at the bottom of the post.
SUITS
So the first thing you'll probably consider when you start thinking about your wedding day attire, is suits.
Of course suits change vastly with fashion, boxy jackets and loose fix trousers have now been replaced with slim fits and short lengths. Though of course, that doesn't suit every shape, so talk to your tailor or store assistant about the best fit for your build.
While you may decide to have a made-to-measure suit, other options include rental or off-the-rack.
If you're opting for tops and tails or a formal tuxedo, renting might be the more economical option, whereas if you go for a navy or grey suit you're likely to wear again, why not splash out and buy the suit of your dreams?
SEPARATES
A modern look for style savvy grooms, opting for separates on your wedding day is a great way to set yourself apart.
Start with the blazer and look for a sports coat or jacket you really love, then pair with contrasting pants. Checks, stripes, and clashing or complimentary colors all work well, you can go bold or choose something a little more subtle.
You don't have to limit it to a jacket and slacks either, opting for separates mean you can choose jeans, chinos or shorts for the bottom and shirts, waistcoats or cardigans for your top half.
This is one to play around with, so have a scout around Pinterest, and look to your favorite male celebrities (David Gandy, Eddie Redmayne, and Bradley Cooper all have awesome style) for inspiration.
SHIRTS
You might think a white shirt is just a white shirt, but it can also make a real statement.
Choose to look effortlessly handsome with an open collar and no tie, go for a hipster look with a buttoned-up starch shirt, or pick a peter pan collar for a quirkier style.
And of course, it doesn't have to be white, try a black tie on a black shirt, opt for a ditsy floral print, or maybe some stripes or polka dots?
Top tip: Don't leave it until the day of your wedding to try on your shirt, make sure it's neatly pressed, well fit and not too see-through. Have a back-up shirt to stay fresh on a hot day or if you're prone to working up a sweat on the dancefloor!
BLAZERS
Whether you're planning on wearing a suit or a separate blazer, there are a few guidelines to consider.
- Think about your vents (the opening at the back of your blazer), if you want to have a slimmer look, opt for a ventless jacket, but if you want to bust a move on the dancefloor, opt for double side vents to give you more room.
- Three button jackets look great on taller men.
- Short men should opt for a deeper V in their jacket to elongate their torso.
- Research various jacket cuts to choose your style, Drape Cut works great for sharp, modern grooms, Continental is a little more classic.
- As for your sleeves, opt for shorter and more fitted, showing a little cuff is a stylish, dapper and modern look.
- Your jacket should never hang so long as it puckers when you put your hands in your trouser pockets. Keeping it short makes you look taller.
- The waist is one of the most important parts of the fit, nip it in for strong shoulders and a lean look.
- It doesn't have to be black, think a white suit with a black lapel, a sharp check sports coat, or a sky blue with navy pants.
PANTS
When it comes to picking your pants, here are our top tips for stepping up your style...
- As with blazers, slim fitted slacks, are the most current, and flattering. You don't need to opt for a tight skinny fit, but do choose trousers with as little excess fabric as possible.
- While pleated pants offer more room for a larger gent, opting for a flat front trouser is a modern, slimming cut.
- Showing a little ankle action is really cool right now but not everyone can pull it off. Generally speaking, your trousers should sit nicely just above your shoes, rather than bunch up around your ankles.
- Bring the shoes you're planning to wear to your fitting, to make sure your pants are the correct length. Especially if you're opting for a cuffed trouser.
TIES
When it comes to ties, the options are endless, you can go for silk, wool or tweed, opt for a bright hue, a pin stripe or a co-ordinating color to your shirt, your jacket, or even the bridesmaids.
We love a skinny tie for a cool, modern look.
Top tip: Add a sharp tie pin to a skinny tie for the Don Draper levels of dapper!
BOW TIES
Bow ties used to be reserved for geeky grooms but now they're all kinds of cool.
When it comes to bow ties, there are three ways to buy them, pre-tied, self-tie or clip on. While pre-tied can look neater, we love a guy who can tie his own bow, and it also looks great hanging open at the end of the night.
As for styles, the Butterfly is the big blousy kind you see most often, the Batwing is neater with straight sides, the Club Round is a retro style more common among old school waiters, and the Diamond Point is a sharper, more unusual style that's increasingly stylish.
CRAVATS
Cravats, or Ascots as they're also known, are perfect for grooms going for a suave, gentrified look for their wedding day.
Opt for a silk scarf in a rich, luxurious tone with a classic pattern like paisley. There are a number of ways to tie a cravat but go for an under the shirt look for a cooler take on the formal neckerchief.
WAISTCOATS
Waistcoats (or vests) can look great on grooms, either as part of a three piece suit, or as an alternative to a jacket for a casual wedding or a hot weather destination.
- As with the blazer or trousers, you can choose to match your suit, or opt for a contrasting fabric, colour or pattern.
- Your waistcoat should be long enough to cover your shirt at the front and sit just over your belt. It can be a little shorter at the sides and back, showing a little shirt.
- Choose a waistcoat with a smooth fit and a tapered waist, if you need a little more breathing space (after your third slice of wedding cake), open the bottom button of your waistcoat.
- If opting for a three-piece suit, the V of your waistcoat should be small enough so it can be seen under your jacket.
KILTS
Okay, so chances are, if you're wearing a kilt, you're either Scottish, or of Scottish descent, so you probably know all the traditions behind them, but just in case, here are a few key points.
- Your kilt should sit on your waist at, or above, your navel, with the pleasts at the back, and aprons at the front. Traditionally, it's paired with an open jacket, closed waitcoat, winged collar shirt and cravat tie.
- There are some accessories that every gent in a kilt should be sporting. Most important is the Sporran, a fur pouch worn on a chain or leather strap which hangs down below your waist. A kilt pin is used for decorative purposes towards the bottom of your kilt.
- Long socks called Kilt Hose should also be worn just below the bottom of your knee, folded down at the top, with kilt flashes at the sides.
- Ghille Brogues are the traditional shoes worn with a kilt, tied up your foot and around your calves.
Optional extra: Traditionally, real Scotsmen don't wear underwear beneath their kilts. Do be prepared for your guests to check though!
CASUALS
Casual threads are becoming increasingly popular for grooms as couples plan rustic, informal weddings.
While jeans, chinos, plaid shirts, or Converse trainers all look cool, pair them with more formal touches like blazers, suspenders, or bow ties, for a contrasted casual look.
Top Tip: Check with your other half if you're going casual, you don't want them to feel over-dressed on their own wedding day!
SHOES
The sky is the limit when it comes to what to wear on your feet for your wedding day, and there aren't many rules.
As we said, casual shoes are becoming more popular, with Converse, Keds or Toms all pretty popular, as are cowboy and Chelsea boots for a more polished, yet personal finish.
As for colours, let your clothes guide you, keep black shoes for black suits, and brown shoes for navy. Grey suits will go with both, though lighter shades call for a lighter shoe.
Pointy toes look cooler and more modern than round and chunky styles, laced up looks more sharp, and think of retro styles like spats and tasseled loafers for something a little more fashion forward.
Top tip: Avoid cuts, blisters and slipping, and make sure your shoes are broken in and scuffed on the soles BEFORE your wedding day.
BUTTONHOLES
Buttonholes and boutonnieres are the classic lapel adornment for your wedding day, and lets everyone know you're the most important guy at the party!
Match your boutonniere to the rest of the day, whether it's the bouquets or centrepieces. While flowers are most popular, we've seen lots of succulents, feathers, and foliage of late.
Don't put on your buttonhole until the last moment to keep it looking as fresh as possible for the photographs.
POCKET SQUARES
Pocket squares are a really slick and effortless way to add a pop of colour and a stylish finish to your suit. You can choose a pattern to match your tie or a contrasting colour for your handkerchief.
The only think you need to master with your pocket square is how to fold it.
Choose a precise Presidential Fold for a sleek sixties look, a Puffed Fold for a flamboyant finish, or a Pointed fold to show off your pocket square expertise.
CUFFLINKS
Cufflinks are an essential part of formal dressing, and a great opportunity to show off your personality with your wedding day look.
Choose between fun looks or dapper styles, or opt for something vintage with added meaning behind it.
Whether you choose blue Lego blocks, simple silver pins, or the brass monogrammed pair passed down from your grandfather, make sure your cufflinks reflect you and your style.
SOCKS
Grooms love socks! We rarely receive a real wedding that doesn't feature a groom and his guys flaunting their socks.
Personalised initials, bright colours, or bold prints, socks are another aspect of your attire where you can have a little fun.
Think about your groomsmen, and come up with something meaningful, whether it's your favourite football team or your favourite super heroes, to sport on your socks as a team for your wedding day.
Top Tip: We probably don't need to say this, but just in case: NEVER wear white socks, with a black suit. Thanks.
SUSPENDERS
We love a belt as much as the next guy, but there's something a little more special about wearing braces (or suspenders) on your wedding day.
Not only to they keep your pants up, but they look really elegant and handsome too.
Wear suspenders, and you'll look sharp all day long, even when your tie is lost, your jacket abandoned, and you're busting a move on the dancefloor at the end of the night.
See more here.
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Photos via Getty
