The Complete Groom’s Guide to Dressing for Your Wedding

The Groom

Today we’re joined by the lovely folks from Louis Copeland & Sons who are talking us through some style tips for grooms on the hunt for the perfect suit for their special day!

You’ve already done most of the hard work, down-on-one-knee, tears and a ring that cost an arm and a leg. But now it’s time to focus on the really important detail: namely, your wedding outfit. The bride might be the wedding star, but that doesn’t mean you can’t shine too. If you’re planning your big day and want to ensure that you look picture-perfect for the wedding photos that will adorn your walls and mantelpiece for years to follow, you’ll need to consider carefully what you wear. From classic black-tie and statement wedding suits to Celtic-style kilts, there’s a wealth of choice, which can complicate matters somewhat; but with a little knowhow and some wise buys, you can be sure to make a suave sartorial statement at the altar, and be remembered for all the right reasons. And here’s how:

Black Tie or Classic Suit?

Unless you’ve planned a formal wedding, chances are you’ll be more comfortable in a classic, wedding-appropriate suit than black-tie. There’s also the re-wear factor to consider: unless you’re a casino dealer, you’re guaranteed to have more opportunities in the future to wear a sharp suit than a tux. If you’re determined to avoid black-tie but worried about appearing too casual, a smart compromise is a three-piece suit – the addition of a waistcoat adds some formality and a point of difference when compared to wedding guests, and also has the added benefit when you take off your jacket – you still have something on underneath that looks sharp and holds a nice streamlined shape. Pick well, however, and that isn’t even necessary; a well-cut, perfectly-fitting twopiece suit can be just as suave.

Suit available from Louis Copeland & Sons

Fit for a King

We’re sticklers for a perfect fit here at Louis Copeland & Sons – especially when it comes to a man’s suit, not least one for his wedding! While an off-the-peg suit can, of course, be tweaked and tailored to personal requirements, resulting in an excellent fit, there’s really no substitute for opting for a made-to-measure design, which is cut to the wearer’s exact measurements and specifications. Making use of an expert tailor’s made-to-measure service is something every man should experience once in their lifetime, and what better occasion than your own wedding day? In addition to the obvious benefits in terms of a superior fit and optimum comfort levels, made-to-measure also opens up the possibility for a wealth of personalisation: you can select everything from the suit fabric to the colour of the jacket lining, and can choose from a variety of lapel and pocket styles, allowing for a wholly personal outfit. Should you wish, you can even opt to have a monogram inside the jacket to add a unique feature. While the options may seem overwhelming, an expert tailor will guide you skilfully through the whole process, taking into account everything from your body shape and size to your skin tone, the theme and location of the wedding, and the colour of the shoes you plan to wear on the day.

Suit available from Louis Copeland & Sons

Back to Black?

Does a wedding suit always have to be black? Not necessarily, but a slim, dark-coloured suit will look best on most men. If you really want to break with convention, albeit stylishly and respectfully, try the darkest grey or midnight navy. Of course, if the wedding date is in summer or outdoors, you’ll have greater scope to play with the colour palette. As a general rule of thumb, black, grey (from stone to charcoal) and deeper shades of blue tend to work well year-round, while more adventurous choices such as cream and pastel hues tend to look their best during the brighter summer months.

Suit available from Louis Copeland & Sons

Factor in the Location

Whether you’re tying the knot in a remote setting or on powder white Caribbean sands, it’s important to consider your wedding location when selecting your outfit. If it’s a sun-kissed beach, a tie-free linen suit can be wholly appropriate. If it’s, say, Dromoland Castle, however, you’ll need to opt for something more traditional.

Suit available from Louis Copeland & Sons

Respect the Season

If you’re at a loss where to begin when shortlisting options for your wedding suit, one of the easiest considerations to make is to look at the season. If your wedding is planned for the summer months, look to lighter, breathable fabrics such as cotton, cotton blends, lightweight wool or a luxurious linen mix. You’ll certainly want to avoid any suits that are wholly synthetic or wool blended with synthetic material, as they don’t breathe very well and you’ll feel anything but fresh.

Best Foot Forward

It goes without saying that on your big day, more than ever, you’ll need to invest in your footwear. Think of them as the foundation – both literal and figurative – for the occasion. While we’re all for breaking the occasional rule, when it comes to your wedding shoes, it’s best to keep things classic. A good, solid, lace-up leather shoe without any fancy detailing, such as a pair of black cap-toe Oxfords, will see you through the day in comfort and style.

Suit available from Louis Copeland & Sons

Devil’s in the Detail

If you’re opting for a suit; a tie and pocket square combination in complementary tones and patterns provide the perfect opportunity to have a little fun and personality with your outfit. As you’re inevitably a considerate soul, as well as a dapper one, you might like to get your bride’s input into the colour palette so that it can complement – or, at least, not clash with –her bridesmaids’ dresses. While there may seem a lot of details to consider, the suit-shopping process can be a hugely enjoyable experience. And once you’ve settled on your wedding outfit, you can relax. You’ve already secured a ‘yes’ to the big question, so enjoy the day with your soon-to-be better half knowing that you won’t let the side down in the style stakes.

Make your personal wedding appointment today at louiscopeland.com