Weddings are not just about the Bride! The groom, groomsmen and family members should all be looking their best for the wedding day. Wedding outfits and looks for the guys are more diverse and varied than ever before but this can also make selection confusing. Where does one start? Keep reading to find our groom’s guide to wedding formal wear.
What is going to be right then for your wedding? The FIRST factor to consider when choosing the appropriate outfit for you and your wedding is based on what type of celebration you are having. Is it a casual get-together, an ultra-formal evening event, or somewhere in between? Other factors include the time of day or time of year and whether your celebration is a destination or themed event. These factors will determine the level of formality of the guy’s outfit.
The SECOND important factor to consider is what the women are wearing on the day. Usually, the bridal gown and bridesmaids’ colours and styles are organised and decided upon before the men start to select their outfits. The colour of the bride’s dress (of course the groom shouldn’t ever know the style until he sees it for the first time at the wedding!) and the bridesmaids’ dresses and styles are important guides for selecting the men’s outfits.
These factors will also help determine the level of formality and colour coordination for the groom and groomsmen.
So let’s take a look at the levels of formality. We like to think of a ladder and the higher you go, the more formal – the top rung would be tails! The rungs below are the most popular for weddings at the moment.
‘Black tie’ means dinner suit or tuxedo (same thing.) This is traditionally a black suit jacket with a satin label worn with matching trousers, a white dinner shirt and a black bow. This is a very popular look at the moment and is very on trend for the groom and groomsmen to wear black tie. Also know that you can also change it up with a different coloured bow tie or even a white, velvet or embossed fabric ‘tux’ jacket.
The next rung below is the ‘lounge suit’ – this is a regular-styled matching suit with or without a vest (waistcoat). This is worn with a shirt and tie or bow. The general rule is that the darker the suit colour, the more formal the look. Fabrics can also play a part, with linen being more relaxed looking than wool. During the warmest months, some wedding groups opt to skip the jacket and wear the vest and trousers only as an option. The next rung below in the formality stakes would be the contrast jacket/trouser or chino combination. This option is dressy but has a relaxed look and is very popular for a variety of wedding settings. There are many colour options available right now. Ties may be worn and are sometimes a great way to ‘colour link’ the groomsmen with the bridesmaid’s dresses. There are more casual wedding looks as well. The fun thing for us in the fashion business is that no two weddings are the same!
Factor THREE: feel comfortable. If you feel comfortable, you will be more relaxed and will enjoy this important day of celebration and love.
Get you and the boys fitted by a professional, who will ensure you are also looking and feeling your best on your special day. Planning a wedding is a bit like putting together a jigsaw puzzle, it is a bit of work finding the right pieces.
David and his team of wedding outfit specialists help with dozens of weddings each year from all around the Gippsland area and beyond.
Contact David Panther www.panthersmenswear.com.au
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Imagery // Claire Davie / Motta Weddings / RSF Media // Words written by David Panther